We are ready, says Robertson
Scott Robertson has refused to make changes for the Super Rugby semifinal against the Chiefs in Christchurch tomorrow night.
By sticking with the 23 men who combined to dust-up the Highlanders 17-0 in the wet, slippery conditions during the quarterfinal at AMI Stadium last weekend, Robertson has signalled the Crusaders believe they are capable of executing a variety of game plans during the suddendeath fixture.
‘‘It’s good to name the same 23 with no injuries, and a little bit of rhythm, with all the experienced players in the group that have been here a few times,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘It was the easiest meeting we have had.’’
Robertson has listed seven All Blacks in his forward pack, along with an additional three in his backline. All Blacks tight forwards Wyatt Crockett and Luke Romano have been listed on the bench.
Openside flanker Matt Todd (finger) and left wing Seta Tamanivalu (neck) were the only selection players to suffer injuries during the win over the Highlanders, but both proved their fitness this week and have been named to start.
Rain is forecast to fall in Canterbury over the next few days, but could clear by Saturday afternoon.
The Crusaders won’t mind if the ground conditions are similar to those they encountered against the Highlanders. They proved adept at playing with the ball close to their pack, calling in their forwards to carry around the middle of the park.
‘‘Tactically, we were good last week. It helped give us some belief,’’ Robertson added. ‘‘We have done a lot of homework on how we can be better and there might be some slight adjustments, depending on what the Chiefs throw at us.’’
The Crusaders beat the Chiefs 31-24 when they met in Suva in round 13, their first win against them since 2014. They are now searching for back-to-back wins for the first time since 2011.
This will also be the third finals meeting between the teams after they met in the semis in 2013 and 2012, which were both won by the Chiefs.
The Chiefs had to board multiple flights during their long journey back from Cape Town after beating the Stormers 17-11 in their quarterfinal last weekend, but Robertson tried to dampen down the travel factor as being a big deal.
‘‘Even though they are flying back it doesn’t mean the old mindset isn’t going to be right. They can turn up and climb into us, like they have done in years gone by.
‘‘For us, as a team it’s about focusing on what we are doing this week. We are ready. That is the key.’’
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have welcomed Charlie Ngatai back into the starting side for tomorrow night’s clash.
After missing the trip to Cape Town for the 17-11 quarterfinal win over the Stormers with an ankle injury, Ngatai has recovered and has been named at second fiveeighth.
He takes the place of Stephen Donald, who was impressive against the Stormers, but will instead play from the bench.
It will be just the fourth Chiefs match for Ngatai this season, with the one-test All Black having returned from his near year-long battle with concussion against the Reds in New Plymouth on May 6, but then being sidelined again after another head knock at training.
He came back against the Hurricanes in Wellington on June 9, got through 80 minutes for New Zealand Maori against the British and Irish Lions in Rotorua the following week, but then injured his ankle in the final-round game against the Brumbies in Hamilton on July 15.
There is just one other change to the Chiefs’ side, with Tim Nanai-Williams promoted from the reserves to start on the right wing in place of Solomon Alaimalo.