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Cape Town - The Crusaders are wary of the threat the Lions’ driving maul could pose in Saturday’s Super Rugby final in Christchurch.
The Lions used their driving maul to great effect in last Saturday’s 44-26 semi-final win over the Waratahs in Johannesburg.
The Lions overturned a 14-0 deficit and used their driving maul as a launchpad for their resurgence.
Crusaders flank Matt Todd told New Zealand’s Stuff.co.nz website that his side will be out to thwart the Lions in that department.
“It’s a real momentum changer for them - not just with tries but also getting them field position when they were under the pump a little bit at the start of that game,” Todd said.
“When a team has a big strength, as they do in that area, you have to put some time into it. (Forwards coach) Jase Ryan will come up with a good plan for us there. You have to stop it before it gets set up," Todd added.
"They are big men and obviously work well together. Don’t give them opportunities - especially down our end. There needs to be an urgency to get in and nullify it.”
Saturday’s final will be a rematch of last year’s final at Ellis Park, where the Crusaders won 25-17.
The Crusaders are looking for their ninth Super Rugby crown, while the Lions are hunting a maiden triumph.
