Crusaders prepared for a torrid encounter

Super Rugby’s unbeaten leaders the Canterbury Crusaders are expecting a “torrid night” against the Lions.

Boss Scott Robertson has rejected as mere “hype” suggestions the Lions’ defeat to the Blues sets them up for a miserable run in New Zealand.

Robertson expects the Crusaders to face a rough approximation of the Lions’ Test line-up tomorrow – and has prepped his squad for a backlash from the tourists after Wednesday’s 22-16 loss to the Blues.

Asked if the Lions will be hard-pushed to return to winning ways having fallen to the Blues, Robertson said: “Wow, that’s a bit of hype, I don’t buy into that at all.

“You can get yourself into trouble if you start disrespecting the opposition. We believe we’ll be playing their shadow Test team at this stage and that’s what we’ll be preparing for.”

“It might just build a bit more resolve in the Lions team,” Robertson added of the tourists’ defeat to the Blues.

“We think the Lions will get better, I’m sure they will, they are quality players and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t.”

The Crusaders have named their strongest-available XV to face the Lions. The Canterbury outfit will field an All Black tight-five to underscore the strength of their pack.

Stellar All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock will captain the Crusaders, with 61-cap New Zealand flyer Israel Dagg lining up at full-back.