Saders hit back at scrum claim

Christchurch – The Crusaders hit back at the Lions and defended prop Joe Moody (above) yesterday after claims of illegal tactics ahead of today’s Super Rugby final.

Lions coach Swys de Bruin ignited the verbal clash when he said the eight-time champions get away with plenty of transgressions, and called for a “fair deal” from Australian referee Angus Gardner today.

“There’s a lot of things they get away with, more than other teams get away with ... like the hit on the left-hand side on the loosehead,” De Bruin said, singling out Moody, a former wrestling champion.

The Crusaders let this simmer for a few days before training their sights on Moody’s opposite number, the Lions tighthead prop Ruan Dreyer.

Assistant forwards coach Jason Ryan tagged Dreyer as one of the biggest offenders in Super Rugby, having been penalised 19 times in 17 games.

“I’ve heard it all before and it always comes up just before (a game), usually, when we name Joe Moody – just because he is the best in the world,” Ryan said yesterday.

“We are going up against one of the most penalised tightheads in Super Rugby for two years running. We have got our plan, we know what we want to do,” he added.

The Lions, beaten by the Hurricanes and the Crusaders in the last two Super Rugby finals, have been written off by many pundits. – AFP