Crusaders skipper Richie McCaw ready to beat Queensland Reds in Super Rugby Final
The Crusaders skipper, Richie McCaw, is set to take revenge from the Queensland Reds in the final of the 2011 Super Rugby season. The derbies are meeting in the championship decider on July 9, in Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. The Crusaders were left l*****g
their wounds by the Reds in a round match clash on May 29. The Reds claimed a last minute victory over the Crusaders with a narrow margin of 17-16.
The Crusaders were almost celebrating their victory when McCaw was penalised for a mistaken tackle at scrum during the last minute of the match. The penalty kick proved devastating for the Crusaders as Cooper guided the ball successfully into the goalposts.
The Crusaders were left fuming with the decision of Australian referee, Stuart Dickinson, who awarded the last minute penalty to the Reds and changed the course of the game.
Richie McCaw has not ignored the defeat by the Reds and said that he will do his best to make the Reds pay for that victory. McCaw commented on their previous meeting with the Reds and said that, “It's disappointing, but you put that behind you because we
have an opportunity to turn things around. I know the guys are pretty motivated, perhaps there's a wee bit of an edge there because we were tipped up here a few weeks ago.”
He further said that his side is in good nick and hopefully they will carry the day against the Australian franchise. The Crusaders will enjoy a full strength team against the Reds in the Final. The only player who is doubtful to participate in the final
is Andy Ellis, who has to prove his fitness before the match.
Talking about his own fitness, McCaw said that after participating in the semi-final he is confident he can play a full game in the final. He added that, “It was okay. I was happy enough having not done a whole lot of running. My fitness wasn't too bad but
there's always room for improvement. I've done pretty well this year, I think. I don't feel as though I've come up against a seven where I've been dominated.”
The sold out final is being highly anticipated and has broken several Super Rugby records.
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