Super Rugby semi-final time: Crusaders vs Chiefs

It’s a clash of heavyweights at the Orangetheory Stadium as Crusaders host the Chiefs in the first semi-final, taking the form of an all-New Zealand derby. 

The Crusaders enjoyed a quality season which saw them finish second on the log with 11 victories from 14 outings, yielding 52 points. The Chiefs finished in third spot, amassing a total of 10 victories and 45 points.  

The Chiefs will be out for revenge after their encounter during their second regular season match-up which saw them toppled on their home turf to a determined Crusaders outfit: 

Two rounds before that, however, it was Chiefs who took the spoils at Orangetheory Stadium:

Thus, it is one apiece for these sides going into this semi-final clash, lending some extra spice to the encounter. 

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said:

“It’s a challenge going down there but you have to walk towards that. It been a journey to get to this point and we should celebrate the fact it’s all on the line and we have earned an opportunity to do something special.  

“The challenge for us is to rise to the occasion, apply some pressure on the reigning champs and win enough moments to give ourselves a chance. We have demonstrated an ability to do that already this year. There is no magic formula, just effort, belief and execution. We know we have the squad to win if we play to our potential.” 

It will be a particularly special night for Crusaders boss Scott Robertson who will be in charge of his team for the 100th time – a milestone he will reach with forwards coach Jason Ryan after the pair took over the Crusaders in 2017. 

Speaking to media at Rugby Park, Robertson said:  

"You're really proud to get to 100 but it's a milestone, it's something you want to reflect on. You don't use it as such during the week, you want to talk about it after the fact and you want it to just be a great performance and prepare the boys to be ready." 

Backs coach Andrew Goodman heaped praise on the pair: 

"It's special. Got so much respect for both of them. Razor for giving me my opportunity here five years ago but over the last few years they've become really good friends," he said. 

"Stoked for those two lads, it's not something they're going to focus on, it probably won't be mentioned at all during the week. 

"Jase has been with him the whole time as well, and the work he's done with our forward pack, and his personality around the team, the both of them, have had a big influence on a lot of these young men at this organisation. 

"The boys will go out and put in a performance for them on Friday."