Crusaders on high alert
It’s got sixteen legs, Malcolm Marx at the tail and can obliterate opposition forward packs.
Yes, we’re talking about the Lions’ driving maul. Is Crusaders No 7 Matt Todd aware just how good it can be? Too right, he is.
The Lions’ forwards are certain to use this strategy off lineouts during the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday night, and in doing so will heap pressure on Australian referee Angus Gardner to police one of the more complicated sections of the code’s law book.
Defending teams can be forced to concede penalties, or penalty tries, if they pull down rolling mauls or bind illegally as a countermeasure and prior to kick-off Lions coach Swys de Bruin may remind Gardner of those potential outcomes if he feels his boys aren’t able to gain control.
None of this is news to Todd, who watched Springboks hooker Marx score two tries at the back of rolling mauls during the Lions’ 44-26 win over the Waratahs in the semifinal in Johannesburg last weekend.
‘‘It’s a real momentum changer for them – not just with tries but also getting them field position when they were under the pump a little bit at the start of that game,’’ Todd said.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that refresher courses on how to halt the Lions’ drives, and keep Gardner from issuing penalties or even yellow cards, are mandatory for the Crusaders this week.
‘‘Most definitely. When a team has a big a strength, as they do in that area, you have to put some time into it,’’ Todd said. ‘‘Jase Ryan (forwards coach) will come up with a good plan for us there.’’
The Crusaders won’t lack grunt when trying to blow the Lions’ juggernaut off its tracks. Seven All Blacks and new Wallaby Pete Samu, who is likely to replace the injured Jordan Taufua at blindside flanker, will start in the forward pack.
‘‘You have to stop it before it gets set-up,’’ Todd explained. ‘‘They are big men and obviously work well together. Don’t give them opportunities . . . especially down our end. There needs to be urgency to get in an nullify it, I guess.’’
Yesterday the Crusaders had an indoor training, working on their lineout execution among other things. And, probably, behind closed doors they explored ways to see how the Lions like some of their own medicine by practising their own rolling mauls.
Crusaders assistant coach Brad Mooar was confident second five-eighth Ryan Crotty, who copped a whack in the head and left the field in the dying minutes of the 30-12 win over the Hurricanes last weekend, would be fit to play the final.
Crotty passed an HIA during the game, and was not concussed.
‘‘But it is something we need to take very seriously. The expectation is he will be available,’’ Mooar stated. ‘‘Doctor Martin Swan is an outstanding doctor, highly ethical. Everything is done spot-on right for the player. We have utter faith he is doing the right things.’’
Reserve tighthead prop Mike Alaalatoa, who had to leave the field around the same time with a sore back, will continue to be monitored. Taufua and substitute hooker Seb Siataga suffered broken arms and are no chance for the final.
After the victory against the Hurricanes a section of the AMI Stadium crowd gave the coaches a standing ovation. It was well received, said Mooar.
‘‘It was one of those goosebump moments that you live for. With the ovation and ‘good luck’ wishes, knowing we were coming back for another week, were outstanding.’’