The fortunes of the teams could not be more different going into tomorrow’s Super Rugby clash in Christchurch: The Crusaders are smarting after copping a hiding by the Chiefs last time out, the Lions are brimming with confidence after winning against the Blues in New Zealand for the first time.
The contrasting state of affairs has also impacted on the coaches, with the home team’s boss Todd Blackadder making 10 changes to his side, while Johan Ackermann of the Lions has retained the same starting XV that fought so gallantly against the Blues a week ago.
And it’s because of this – the fact the Lions are settled and in confident mood and the Crusaders are possibly a little disjointed and far from being a slick-oiled machine – that the visitors will believe they have a chance of making it two from two on tour.
“Winning always helps on tough tours such as this one,” said Ackermann this week. “It’s also a positive that we’ve been able to pick the same starting team. We’ve been fortunate that there haven’t been any serious injuries so we’re confident ahead of the Crusaders game. The vibe is good and the players are in high spirits, but that will mean little during the 80 minutes; we’re going to have to be mentally tough for the whole game.”
Indeed, but at least there’s continuity in the team, unlike the Crusaders, who’re feeling the heat after a start that has seen them pick up just one win in three games.
It’s surely just a matter of time before they click, but right now, Blackadder’s men are vulnerable and Ackermann will be hoping his players can exploit the situation to their advantage, even though the match will be played at a venue that hasn’t been favourable to many visiting teams in the past.
Having got the better of Tony Woodcock and Co last weekend, the Lions’ impressive front row of Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee and Corné Fourie will be seeking to again lay a solid platform in the scrums, this time against more All Blacks heavies in Owen Franks and Wyatt Crockett. Behind them there’s the impressive Luke Romano and Sam Whitelock and in the backrow Richie McCaw and Kieran Read, who returns to the side and captains it.
It’s a powerhouse Crusaders pack, but the Lions will know they can mix it with the best; their front row and loose forwards not having to stand back to anyone. It’s at the back though where the Lions possibly face their biggest challenge.
The return to the side of wing Nemani Nadolo, Dan Carter and Andy Ellis give the Crusaders plenty of experience, skill and power, with Colin Slade the clever playmaker at flyhalf.
On paper there should only be one team coming out on top – the Crusaders – but as we’ve already seen in Super Rugby this year, there are surprises around every corner. If the Lions can reproduce their defensive effort of a week ago and ensure they get more ball to play with they’ll have a chance, possibly their best in years, of actually doing the nigh-impossible and beating the former multiple champions on their own turf.
Of course, as every coach will tell you, the second game on tour is often the toughest, and the Lions could just be a little fatigued after all the energy they spent in keeping the Blues out a week ago.
Kick-off tomorrow morning (SA time) is at 5.30am.
Crusaders: Tom Taylor, Nemani Nadolo, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Johnny McNicholl, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (capt), Richie McCaw, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Luke Whitelock, Mitchell Drummond, Kieron Fonotia, David Havili
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Sampie Mastriet, Elton Jantjies, Ross Cronjé, Warren Whiteley (capt), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Martin Muller, Franco Mostert, Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee, Corné Fourie. Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Dreyer, Andries Ferreira, Derick Minnie, Francois de Klerk, Marnitz Boshoff, Howard Mnisi. - The Star