Ahead of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific grand final tonight Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor says the team has reflected on their last meeting with their fellow finalists, admitting it was "embarrassing" to be overturned in front of their ardent supporters.
Having claimed victory in both regular season clashes, the Chiefs will head into tonight's game with some assurance, despite their opponents' unblemished home record in the post-season.
But Taylor suggested playoff rugby is a different proposition altogether, a point the Chiefs should be wary of after falling short in the last two finals.
Taylor says it's a final mate, and anything can happen.
He says they are well aware of the results that have happened this year, similar to a couple of years ago during that round-robin.
Taylor says last month's loss at home did sting, resulting in some much needed soul searching admitting that it was quite embarrassing to be honest.
One thing that should buoy the hosts is their spotless record in Christchurch during the playoffs dating back to their semi-final win over the Sharks back in 1998, the Crusaders have won all 31 of their home post-season games.
This sequence also includes victories in all seven Super Rugby finals that have been played in Christchurch in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2018, 2019, and 2021.
Another matter Taylor is paying little heed to - or would have been had they been permitted - was those cowbells.
The All Black rake said he was unbothered by the clattering of opposing fans adding they were up there going hard two years ago and if they are worried about cowbells, then their head's not in the right space.
The Crusaders host the Chiefs at 7.05 tonight at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch.
[Source: rnz.co.nz]
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