Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson insists his team thrives on the high-pressure environment of a final as the Christchurch side gears up for the title decider against the Chiefs on Saturday.
The final is the coach’s last game in charge of the Crusaders before he steps into the All Black’s head coaching role after the Rugby World Cup and he will be looking to add yet another title to his trophy cabinet.
Performers under pressure
Under Robertson, the Crusaders have won all the finals they have played in and the tactician claims his team is ready for the crunch clash.
“It’s a one-off game. You’ve got to enjoy it. You know you’re walking into a pressure environment, and Crusaders love these moments,” he said. “You’re in the final. You’ve got the opportunity to do something special. For us to go seven in a row means a lot to this group.
“We’ve been very focused all year. We’ve worked hard in our daily habits and enjoying and having the energy that’s required for this opportunity on Saturday night.”
Experienced lock Sam Whitelock has been cleared to play the final and Robertson is grateful for that as he is vital to the team.
“We’re pleased he’s available. He’s a calming influence, so he’s important to this group,” he added.
“The way he still plays and trains just sets such a high standard and high bar that we all by. He means a lot to us.”
Whitelock is set to trade the Crusaders for Pau in the Top 14 next season meaning the final will be his swansong. Second-row partner and captain Scott Barrett has looked to enjoy the last week playing alongside the veteran and is relishing the chance to challenge the Chiefs in front of their home crowd.
“It’s going to be a great occasion. What better than to go up there and challenge them in front of their fans?” Barrett said.
“We know it’s going to be a high-pressure environment – hostile, intense, and everything that a good final should be.”
Ready for the away atmosphere
Front-row Oli Jager is expecting a brilliant game and he believes the Crusaders are ready to step up regardless of the atmosphere on the ground.
“If we play our game and stick to our guns, we have a shot, but they’re going to make it a hell of a battle,” he said. “Atmosphere is the atmosphere, you either thrive in it or you crumble. As a team, we thrive in any atmosphere.
“You hear the noise, even noise against you. It gets the energy going and the feeling rumbling. You look forward to it, it’s what you play for.”
Meanwhile, scrum-half Mitch Drummond reserved praise for his opposite number Brad Weber who is set to play his last game for the Chiefs. However, the Crusader underlined the plan to upset his send-off.
“He is an experienced player, a really good footballer, fast, and an inspirational leader for them. He’ll be looking to go out on the right note, but it’s our job to do our best to ruin that for him.”
