Share

Crusaders keen to build on quarter-final showing

Canterbury - Learning vital lessons in discipline in their only loss of the season had been beneficial for the Crusaders in their quarter-final win over the Highlanders on Saturday. 

And it would continue to be of benefit as the side meets the Chiefs in this week's semi-final in Christchurch. 

Assistant coach Jason Ryan said the harsh penalty count against the side when they lost to the Hurricanes 10 days ago had demonstrated the need to be more careful and that was reflected against the Highlanders. 

"That will hopefully make us better for finals footy," he told the All Blacks' official website.

"You've got to be better and you've got to adjust otherwise we won't be standing here on the Monday. The season's over so you've got to get it right during the week and we did that last week and we'll prepare accordingly this week as well." 

While the Chiefs had to cope with the travel factor in going to Cape Town and returning to New Zealand, they had shown grit, Ryan said, and had beaten a good Stormers side that would build their confidence. 

"Their set-piece is going well and Brodie [Retallick] is a real enforcer for them in the lineout and around the track and their scrum is going good so we'll have to be right up for the challenge," he said. 

Ryan said there was a lot about the Crusaders' pack's approach in the wet on Saturday that was very good, but they needed to be even better against the Chiefs. 

"Considering the conditions - there was only one collapsed scrum in the whole game - and I think that says a lot about the positive mind-set that both teams had at the scrummaging and I thought it was outstandingly well officiated by Angus Gardiner," he added. 

"He set the tone in the shed right from the start. The boys knew where they stood with him and he had a really good rapport with them and played a big part which could have gone completely the other way considering those conditions. 

"We knew it was hardly going to be expansive rugby with a Civil Defence emergency but we played to our strengths. We had to change a few things on the day but the boys adapted on the run but come Saturday it is going to be another big step up."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE