Chiefs eye their own legacy as crunch Super Rugby Pacific final looms
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan believes his side can create their own legacy by winning the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Crusaders.
The coach acknowledged the success of the Crusaders dynasty that has dominated the tournament over the last six seasons but insisted his club does not fear it.
Eyeing their own history
Instead, he is looking for the Chiefs to channel all their excitement and go make some history of their own at FMG Stadium on Saturday, where the champions will be decided.
“We think we’ve got a chance to make a legacy for ourselves,” McMillan said.
“There’s plenty of excitement around, but we’re keeping a lid on that.”
Rain is expected for the sell-out clash, throwing the importance of a sound defence further into the spotlight. McMillan believes that whoever is the better defensive side on the day will win the title.
“Finals traditionally are tight affairs,” he said. “That’s what we are anticipating at the weekend. It’s going to be tight. It’s going to go down to the wire, and the best defensive team wins.”
The coach says the Crusaders‘ destruction of the Blues in the semi-final confirms what the Chiefs already knew about the Christchurch side.
“The way the Crusaders took to the Blues last week did us a lot of favours. They played extremely well and raised the awareness of what’s coming. Not that we needed any convincing; we know they can perform on the big stage,” he added.
Home final is important
It is important that the Chiefs secured a home final, as play-off rugby in Christchurch is a difficult task for opposing teams. McMillan believes the Chiefs fans at FMG Stadium will be massive for his side on Saturday.
“It’s not a pleasant experience going to Christchurch in the middle of winter and being on the end of their parochialism. But I’ve also experienced what it’s like here,” he said.
“When the cowbells are ringing, and 25,000 are vocal getting in behind the team, we’ll need them to be in our colours, loud and proud, making sure the opposition understands they’re a long way from home.
“The cowbells won’t be the difference, but they’ll make a difference.”
Meanwhile, the final will be Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane’s 150th Super Rugby game, and he believes it is all about winning the small moments.
“We’ve just got to back ourselves to be good enough in those moments and back guys to trust themselves and to pull trigger when it’s on,” Cane said.
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