MacDonald ready for first finals challenge

In an already decorated career, Blues coach Leon MacDonald knows all about playing Super Rugby finals, but he and his side stand together on the edge of another honour when playing the Highlanders for the first Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title on Saturday.

He shared in several Super Rugby titles as a player for the Crusaders in their first golden era but, as a coach, he has led his adopted side into uncharted waters as they attempt to claim their first title since 2003.

Knowing that the only thing that counted was a win over the Force for the Blues to secure the final, they did enough to claim a 31-21 win.

MacDonald saw the best of his side in the first half as they racked up a 28-0 lead but then saw them slip off the pace in the second half.

The Blues face the Highlanders at 7.05pm Saturday.

[Source: AllBlacks.com]