McCaw sick of grace in defeat

The Crusaders know that full concentration is crucial. Picture / Fotopress

For the past two seasons, classy flanker Richie McCaw has watched opponents walk up to collect the Super 12 honours.

No amount of "bad luck" or "well played Richie" comments have softened the immediate hurt of losing to the Blues then the Brumbies for the Crusaders star loose forward.

He watched the humility his skipper Reuben Thorne displayed when he had to climb the podium to offer magnanimous praise to the Crusaders' foes.

It is a speech first-year captain McCaw does not want to contemplate when the last Super 12 final is played tonight at the Crusaders' citadel.

If he can dominate his celebrated Waratahs rival Phil Waugh, McCaw will have started a job the Crusaders should finish. Any other outcome will surprise most observers on either side of the Tasman.

Some of the national interest in this final has been diluted because the Crusaders are the hottest of favourites while the Lions' arrival yesterday has swamped most sports bulletins.

But those reviewing the Crusaders' great record in this competition will point to the 1998 finals win against the Blues and the 2000 victory against the Brumbies as times when they felled the favourites.

They were warnings for the Crusaders, that anything less than full throttle and concentration could have disastrous consequences against the Waratahs.

There was the wind-up from Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie that the Crusaders were in danger of cementing a chokers' tag after successive finals defeats. Useful taunt, just the sort of edge required for the end of an era.

Comparisons between various Crusader teams have been part of the rugby landscape for some weeks in Christchurch and any selection would include a high number of tonight's side.

Leon MacDonald, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Justin Marshall, McCaw, Chris Jack and Greg Somerville would be automatic choices in sorting out the best Crusaders in the last decade.

They will bring a dependable quality to tonight's conclusion while there may be anxiety that the Waratahs will wither in the unfamiliar spotlight.

It is a doubt underscored by their tournament history rather than their form this season when they matched the Crusaders with two defeats in round-robin play.

But other comparisons show an edge in favour of the Crusaders who have scored 67 tries this season while the Waratahs have only 40. In defence the Crusaders have conceded 35 tries compared with the Waratahs' 20.

It should be the Crusaders attack which disturbs the Waratahs most. They were lethal against the Hurricanes with the kind of counter-attack and thrust to deal to any opponent, even one with the defensive clout of the Waratahs. That is an impressive part of the visitors' repertoire but in recent weeks the Crusaders have responded by retooling their traditional strength.

Departures for Justin Marshall - perhaps his last game in New Zealand with his return to All Black colours unlikely - Dave Hewett, Andrew Mehrtens and maybe others will motivate this close-knit rugby "family" like nothing else.

Meanwhile the Waratahs were waiting for parts of their family jigsaw to fall into place. Hooker Brendan Cannon and wing Lote Tuqiri arrived in Christchurch yesterday after staying behind in Sydney to be with their expectant partners. Cannon announced he was father to a boy but Tuqiri was still waiting to be a first-time dad.

It will be Tuqiri the Waratahs will look to for some inspiration. He has not scored for some matches but his lethal running always troubles defensive screens.

There has not been the same danger from fellow league recruit Mat Rogers and the Crusaders will look to kick in behind the Waratahs on the right hand side to test Peter Hewat's lack of speed and Rogers' suspect right foot.

Tactics from the Waratahs will be to attack their host's lineout, to disrupt the flow of ball, to force them out of their patterns. It is a plan many have tried but few have executed. Of all the Super 12 sides, the Crusaders look the most fluent, composed and dangerous. They should ensure a victory speech for McCaw.