Crusaders ready to knock out Sharks in first quarter-final of Super Rugby – Super XV news
The Crusaders, who finished third on the points table after completion of the Super Rugby round matches, are set to beat the South African derby Sharks in the quarter-final on June 25.
The round matches of Super Rugby ended last weekend and the top six teams moved on to the play-off stages which will start this Saturday. In the other quarter-final match, the Blues will take on the Waratahs come June 26. The top two teams on the combined
tables, Queensland Reds and Stormers, will enjoy a bye over the weekend because they have already qualified for the semi-finals.
The Crusaders, who produced a stunning victory over the Hurricanes in their last round match of the season, are determined to make their place in the semi-finals. The Crusaders defeated their fellow New Zealander derby by 16-9, without their two powerful
strikers, Richie McCaw and Sonny Bill Williams.
Crusaders coach, Todd Blackadder, revealed today that Sonny Bill Williams has recovered from his injury and will participate in the upcoming match. The inclusion of Bill Williams will further boost Blackadder’s side as they remained impressive. Williams
has played 12 matches in the current season for the Crusaders and scored 20 points for his team and will be added firepower for the squad.
The Crusaders coach was satisfied with his team for their excellent output during the regular season, despite their circumstances. The team was left home-less by February’s devastating earthquake. Their problems were further compounded when later on in the
championship they were struck by huge injuries.
Crusaders’ George Whitelock also praised his side and said, "The thing about this team is everyone just gets on with the next job. Last week was quite disruptive in terms of our planning , but we got through, fronted up and did the job. Now we'll use that
as motivation."
He further said that he believe his boys had an edge over the Sharks after they defeated them at Twickenham, in London. Whitelock added that, "We've got to make the most of it, because if we don't, we won't be playing the following week,"
The Crusaders defeated the Sharks 44-28 in their previous meeting at Twickenham, in London on March 11 and hope to repeat the act in the quarter-final as well.
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