Big atmosphere, big passion
Rugby’s southern clash
So far, Scott Robertson’s final year as Canterbury coach has pretty much gone to plan.
They qualified top of the ladder, locked up the Ranfurly Shield for summer, uncovered a special talent in utility back Jordie Barrett, and are set to host the premiership final against Tasman tonight.
Win today and it won’t just lock up a remarkable eighth national provincial championship title in nine years for the red-and-blacks, it would also send new Crusaders coach Robertson off in the best way possible.
After playing 69 games for the province, Robertson has been involved in winning the last seven titles - five as an assistant coach and two as head coach - since 2008.
‘‘I started off having a couple of words on the sideline at the end of trainings, and now I get to lead a team that I’m really proud of and played for,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s really special. I’m just trying to enjoy the week and the occasion against a rival.’’
Another title would be Canterbury’s 13th. Only Auckland (16), which hasn’t won it all since 2005, has won more.
Wellington (four) is the third most successful province.
To add a little bit of extra spice to today’s decider, Robertson will be up against Tasman coach Leon MacDonald, who was in August confirmed as one of Robertson’s Crusaders assistant coaches next year.
‘‘It’s quite ironic that we’re coaching against each other in the final.
‘‘We’ve got a good relationship. I badgered him for long enough to say yes [to the assistant job],’’ Robertson joked.
‘‘No, it was a chance for him and his family to come down next year and be part of the Crusaders.’’
Robertson labelled Tasman a ‘‘fierce rival’’ and said it was fitting two teams playing good rugby were set to meet in the final.
‘‘We’re looking forward to them coming down with their supporters because it adds to the whole atmosphere and this is what New Zealand Rugby is about.’’
Canterbury torched Tasman in the second half of their early season match up in Christchurch, running away with the match 45-14.
However, after beating Auckland, hammering Southland and topping Taranaki in their past three games, the Makos are clicking when it matters most.
Robertson has been forced to tweak his team with centre Jack Goodhue ruled out with a hamstring injury, and the unavailability of lock Scott Barrett, who is providing injury cover for the All Blacks on their end-of-year tour.
He lost two halfbacks (Mitchell Drummond and Alby Mathewson) earlier in the season, midfielder Rob Thompson and flanker Jed Brown have had their injury problems, while Matt Todd and Ryan Crotty were only briefly available before featuring for the All Blacks.
‘‘Everyone has stepped up when they’ve had those chances,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘Our next man up philosophy is really strong and you trust your squad when you need to because of the condensed season and how tough it is.’’
About 10,000 tickets have been sold for the match.