Blues coach Vern Cotter has warned his players that the Crusaders will be out to “destroy” them when they step inside the new $683 million stadium in Christchurch this Friday.
Speaking after the Blues’ 45-19 bonus-point victory against Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific fixture last Saturday, Cotter highlighted the challenge of playing the Crusaders in their backyard.
Cotter, who has coached the Scotland and Fijian international teams, as well as the Clermont club in France, described Christchurch as the hardest place in the world to win a game of rugby.
He says it is really important that they understand the Crusaders will be out to destroy them as they need points.
He adds that Christchurch is one of the hardest places in New Zealand or the world to go and win.
After the win in Albany, the Blues are now second on the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific table behind the Hurricanes, with four rounds remaining in the regular season.
If they maintain their momentum, the Blues are on course to secure a home playoff game in the first weekend of July.
The Crusaders are fifth on the table.
The Blues will face the Crusaders at 7.05pm on Friday.
In other matches, the Reds will take on the Chiefs at 9.35pm on Friday, the Highlanders will meet the Waratahs at 4.35pm on Saturday, Moana Pasifika will face the Hurricanes at 7.05pm, and the Brumbies will host the Force at 9.35pm.
Source: Stuff.com.nz
