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Crusaders are fired up - Blackadder

2012-07-05 08:37:29

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says the seven-time Super Rugby champions are champing at the bit ahead of Friday’s clash with the Chiefs

The Crusaders face dropping out of the top six if they lose to the competition leaders in the penultimate round this weekend.

The Crusaders, for so long the benchmark of the tournament, are just three points ahead of the chasing pack going into Friday’s crunch game in Hamilton.

The Hurricanes upset the Crusaders 23-22 last weekend in Christchurch to move into sixth spot and raise the spectre of the Canterbury side missing a place in the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time in 11 years.

The Chiefs have already locked up top spot in the New Zealand conference and are looking to protect their four-point lead over the Stormers on the overall standings.

Blackadder has rushed back All Blacks Israel Dagg, Dan Carter and Kieran Read from injury for the must-win showdown with the Chiefs.

“The guys are pretty fired up,” said Blackadder.

“We’re pleased we’ve got a good line-up for a big game.

“We’re playing the best team in the competition and it’s been one of those seasons where we haven’t nailed those moments, so this is a good test for us against the Chiefs.”

Former All Black assistant coach and current member of the Chiefs backroom staff Wayne Smith said his team had to push on now they had finished top of their group.

“The challenge is, once you’ve reached one goal, which was being top of the New Zealand conference, can you get the edge to keep pushing on and be top in the whole competition, win a semi-final and get yourself in a final?” said Smith.

“So there’s a hell of a lot to play for, but you’ve got to show you’ve got the ability to push on and that’s what we’re trying to do.”