Crusaders wing Sevu Reece wants to make sure he s involved in tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa final against the Chiefs in Christchurch
Crusaders wing Sevu Reece wants to make sure he s involved in tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa final against the Chiefs in Christchurch 8 May 2021
The All Black found himself boxed up through the middle stages of the competition, and struggled to get his hands on the ball.
But Reece says he s learnt the best places to hunt.
Kick off at Orangetheory Stadium s in an hour s time.
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He had work to do for the Chiefs. And it was to be a busy night for the fullback/first five-eighth who had rediscovered his mojo under interim coach Clayton McMillan, and had been instrumental in the team’s remarkable turnaround in SRA. It would be nonsense to say McKenzie was the sole reason the Chiefs had qualified to meet the Crusaders for the showdown at Orangetheory Stadium, but he certainly helped McMillan solve the puzzle on how to get the best of his squad. The last time the Chiefs played in Christchurch on March 13 had been a disaster; the Crusaders played the role of taxidermist as they ruthlessly thumped the visitors 39-17, which forced them to reflect on an 11th straight loss.
“But you d like to think we re respected for what we ve done. And to stay hungry for so long and turn up every day, I m just really proud to coach this team, and it s only half a season done.” Asked what it’s like for the team to be disliked, a chuffed Robertson was quick to point out they’re humble, and his breakdance routine is a tradition – not to take the “mickey out of anyone”.
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett and coach Scott Robertson celebrate their fifth straight title. “We might get excited post match, but we still fully respect everyone we play, and it just shows how hard we work during the week.
Photo: PhotoSport / Martin Hunter
The hosts secured a 12th Super Rugby title, a second in the domestic edition and the fifth in a row.
Winger Sevu Reece and fullback Will Jordan scored tries in the first 16 minutes but the Crusaders - reduced to 13 men in the second half - then had to rely on the boot of Richie Mo unga to keep the Chiefs at arm s length.
Photo: PhotoSport / Martin Hunter
Damian McKenzie scored all the points for the Chiefs with a converted try and two penalties, but the fullback will rue his usual accuracy from the tee deserting him for a period around halftime when he missed three shots at goal.
One of the lesser known names in the Crusaders forward pack is being praised ahead of tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa final in Christchurch
One of the lesser known names in the Crusaders forward pack is being praised ahead of tonight s Super Rugby Aotearoa final in Christchurch 8 May 2021
Loosehead prop George Bower has come under the spotlight in recent weeks with All Black Joe Moody sidelined with injury.
The Crusaders pack struggled in the initial scrums in their last outing against the Blues a fortnight ago, before finding some dominance of their own.
Tighthead prop Michael Alaalatoa says they were able change on the fly, and Bower s ability to adapt was particularly impressive.