Mate v mate in Crusaders showdown
Finals footy comes down to a few key moments and we just have to make sure we nail them. We know a lot about them and they know a lot about us and it’s about who can do those things a bit better. Canterbury’s Richie Mo’unga.
Crusaders partners Canterbury and Tasman will square off in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership final at AMI Stadium in Christchurch and metaphorical fireworks could be the result.
The two sides have a close working relationship. Many of the players are friends during the Super Rugby season — Leon MacDonald helped the Crusaders to their first title this year since 2008 and i s Tasman’s head coach — which can often create friction when they meet on the field.
“A lot of guys in that team are my closest mates,” said Canterbury firstfive Richie Mo’unga.
There is also the matter of Canterbury being by far the dominant partner.
The red and blacks won six titles in a row from 2008 and tonight they have an opportunity to make it three in a row. Last year they beat Tasman in the final 43- 27.
Crusaders No 8 Jordan Taufua is an often inspirational figure for Tasman and wing James Lowe, a man who usually has plenty to say on the field, will be playing his final match in New Zealand before moving overseas.
The match also brings the t wo Crusaders’ No 10s together — Mo’unga and Mitchell Hunt, with the former fresh off a week with the All Blacks as an understudy to the injured Beauden Barrett before the test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.
“I guess it was awesome to be part of that last week and know I’m right in the mixer, but for me I still have to be as consistent as I can and I still have to nail my job tomorrow night,” Mo’unga said yesterday.
“I was lucky enough to be rooming with Beauden Barrett so to see how he operates during the week — I’ll take a lot out of that.
“Finals footy comes down to a few key moments and we just have to make sure we nail them. We know a lot about them and they know a lot about us and it’s about who can do those things a bit better.”
Mo’unga’s stint with the All Blacks meant he was unable to play for Canterbury in their semifinal victory over North Harbour in Christchurch last weekend.
“It was hard — when you invest so much in a campaign it becomes tough when you leave and the boys play such a big match.”
Brett Cameron wore the No 10 for Canterbury in that match and will start the match at AMI Stadium on the reserves bench.
For Mo’unga, this final is the beginning of a big weekend.
The day after he will fly to London to prepare to play for the Barbarians against the All Blacks at Twickenham the following weekend and then join up with Steve Hansen’s squad in France.
“It’s an awesome opportunity and it’s going to be a big occasion. It will be something I remember for a long time,” he said.