“There's a lot of pride at stake”
Those were the words of Crusaders Coach Todd Blackadder.
Blackadder said that his team has a lot to play for and a defeat
would do more than just dent the Crusaders’ honour and leave them in a state of anxiety.
In addition to handing the Chiefs the New Zealand conference title they may be left in the position of having to beat the Hurricanes in the final round robin match in Christchurch next weekend to qualify for the playoffs.
When the two sides last met in Hamilton on May 24 the Crusaders were lashed for their sloppiness as the Chiefs eased home 28-19.
Meanwhile, Robbie Fruean's health issues, who had open-heart surgery on Wednesday for a valve replacement, would also provide some motivation for his mates to win this match.
The Crusaders will take on the Chiefs at 7.35 tonight.
Story by: Aliki Bia
Source: stuff.co
