Belief could now bear some fruit
The belief that they could actually go ahead and win Super Rugby started gaining serious momentum three years ago, said Lions scrumhalf Ross Cronje.
Cronje said ahead of today’s final against the Crusaders at Ellis Park, they never wanted to just compete in this tough competition.
“It was back in 2014 when we went on a bit of a run, a winning streak, and won our last couple of games. I think the belief started growing in the team,” said Cronje.
Cronje said in 2015 they did even better and the following year they made the final.
“So the belief has always been there and the more you stick together the more you gel,” he said.
Cronje said to win Super Rugby would be massive.
“How many franchises have actually done that – a handful? But we have the opportunity again this year and we know it’s not going to be easy,” he said.
“Getting to the final is already hard and playing in it even harder, so we have to be mentally prepared.
“I don’t think there’s anything more we can do. The coaching staff have laid out the plan and now it’s in our hands to lift the cup.”
Cronje was targeted by the Hurricanes in last weekend’s semifinal, but went on to produce a Man-of-the-Match display.
“I believe there are 14 other guys with you on the field, so if they single out any player, you shift your gameplan to another player,” he said.
“For me personally, I’ll put the ball in the hands of the likes of Elton (Jantjies), Commies (Ruan Combrinck), your game players, or I’ll just get the forwards running off me all day while the likes of Jakes (Jaco Kriel) always provides protection for me.”
Cronje said the sell-out crowd excited them, saying he always gets goosebumps, as it’s one of the best stadiums to play in especially when it’s packed and added that if you asked some New Zealanders, they would agree.