Indeed, the Crusaders’ remarkable record of 30 consecutive home victories in Super Rugby finals is something to behold.
However, Blues coach Vern Cotter believes he has a higher benchmark to reference.
“During my time at Clermont, we achieved a staggering 77 home wins in a row, and over time, that pressure became quite substantial,” Cotter reflected this week.
Vern Cotter of Clermont at Stade Marcel Michelin in 2007. Getty
This impressive streak at Stade Marcel-Michelin lasted for four years, coming to an end in 2014 when Castres triumphed in the Top 14 playoffs.
This experiences give ‘Stern Vern’ a valuable perspective on the expectations placed upon Crusaders coach Rob Penney. Cotter has embraced his media responsibilities leading up to the Super Rugby Pacific semi-final this Friday in Christchurch.
The Crusaders have claimed an extraordinary 14 Super Rugby championships and hold an unbeaten record in home knockout fixtures.
Coach Vern Cotter of the Blues looks on. Getty
“However,” Cotter replied when prompted about the Crusaders’ achievements.
“What I’m pointing out is that nothing lasts indefinitely. Eventually, we knew it would end. They’re currently on 30, but one day they will lose. Whether that day is this week? I’m uncertain, but the boys are ready to give their all.”
Blues centre Rieko Ioane has also stirred the pot.
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After securing the last playoff spot by defeating the Waratahs, Ioane cheekily remarked, “You shouldn’t have let us in.”
This alludes to instances in American baseball and basketball where teams have mounted comebacks from a 3-0 deficit.
This week, in a more cinematic flair, he declared, “Should’ve taken me out when you had the chance.”
Rieko Ioane of the Blues celebrates his victory. Getty
The reigning champion Blues created an upset by defeating the top-seeded Chiefs to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
“We’re having a great time,” Cotter added.
“That’s the crucial aspect. Heading down to Canterbury, we know about their formidable record. Thirty games without a loss. One day, they will encounter defeat, and the added pressure of that is on their shoulders.”
Notably, the Crusaders will be missing All Blacks loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams, who played a vital role in their scrum’s dominance against the Reds.
“Their dominance over the Reds came largely from their scrum and lineout, which established their field position,” Cotter explained.
“Whether it’s an 80-minute match or longer, we are preparing mentally for a tough battle.”
Meanwhile, in Saturday’s second semi-final against the Chiefs, the Brumbies aim to end a 20-match losing streak for Australian teams in playoff matches in New Zealand.
They advanced to the semi-finals following a tight 35-28 victory over the Hurricanes in Canberra last weekend.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has opted for an unchanged lineup of 23 players.
“We’re in a solid place regarding our routine,” Larkham stated.
“We’ve developed a specific game plan this week, building on our progress throughout the year, focusing on key areas against the Chiefs.”
“Our aim is to keep the players as fresh as possible leading up to game day, instilling confidence. We want them to concentrate on the performance rather than just the outcome.”
– with AP
Semi-final 1: Crusaders vs Blues
Friday, June 13: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant referees: Paul Williams, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Semi-final 2: Chiefs vs ACT Brumbies
Saturday June 14: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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