Crusaders expecting physicality from Lions

WELLINGTON: When the pressure goes on the British and Irish Lions they revert to type — and it is not a pretty sight.

That is the summation of Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who expects nothing but a slugfest when his Super Rugby leader hosts the underpressure touring side in Christchurch tonight.

He is confident his team has the muscle to cope with it.

Robertson was an interested observer when the fifthranked New Zealand Super Rugby franchise, the Blues, beat the Lions 2216 in Auckland on Wednesday.

It was apparent at Eden Park that Warren Gatland’s team had a default setting when the game was in the balance, he said,

‘‘Probably the tighter the game

Christchurch, tonight, 7.35pm went, and the more pressure that was put on, you could see what they go to — their set piece and their physicality,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘We don’t think their style will change too much but we think the stakes might have gone up a little bit after Wednesday night’s efforts and what it means to them.’’

Robertson predicted Ireland’s Connor Murray and Englishman Owen Farrell would be in the Lions halves hours before the team was named.

He subsequently expects a busy evening for All Black veteran Israel Dagg.

‘‘Connor Murray is probably one of the best box kickers in the world and then you’ve got Owen Farrell, who can kick a ball a mile.

‘‘Between the nine and 10, they’ll have pretty accom plished kicking.’’

The Crusaders tight five is comprised entirely of All Black squad members, providing a fascinating prelude to the first test in Auckland in two weeks.

While the Red and Blacks have employed some sizzling rugby on their way to a 140 record, it was the gutsy defeat of the Hurricanes in slippery conditions last month which has Robertson upbeat.

The Hurricanes’ proven attack was rendered impotent by a dominant Crusaders scrum and a quality kicking game.

Robertson is also tipping a strong game from another member of his pack, Matt Todd, after the industrious flanker was left out of the All Black squad.

So often an unlucky omission, Robertson felt for a player who could not tip Sam Cane and Ardie Savea out of the test mix.

‘‘I don’t think he can have played any better. Anyone who knows anything about rugby, he’s a worldclass seven,’’ Robertson.

‘‘He’d definitely play for any team in the world, the way he’s played for us.’’ — NZN