Clayton McMillan blunt response to Crusaders’ ‘formidable record’ in Christchurch
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is aiming to finish his tenure with the Hamilton-based outfit on a high when they face the Crusaders in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific final next Saturday.
McMillan’s troops booked their spot in this year’s final against the tournament’s most successful side after they clinched a 37-17 home victory over the Brumbies on Saturday.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 50-year-old is set to take over the coaching reins at Irish province Munster in July once he has completed his duties as the Chiefs‘ head coach.
Reached the final despite play-off defeat
And McMillan has worked wonders with the Chiefs in 2025 as they finished the league phase of Super Rugby Pacific atop the standings before losing to the Blues in their Qualifying Final in Hamilton, but they still advanced to the semi-finals due to the tournament’s controversial ‘lucky loser’ format.
The new format was introduced this year and it sees the highest-seeded team booking their spot in the last four despite suffering a defeat in the play-offs.
That meant the Crusaders became the tournament’s top seeded team and due to that they will host next weekend’s final in Christchurch.
The Chiefs face a daunting task as the Crusaders‘ 21-14 triumph over the Blues in their semi-final on Friday means they have now won 31 consecutive play-off matches at home in Super Rugby.
Despite that wonderful record, McMillan is backing his charges to cause an upset in Christchurch.
‘Had our fair share of success down there’
“We don’t have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders,” he said after his side’s win over the Brumbies. “We’re one team that’s had our fair share of success down there.
“We know it’s not going to be easy. They’ve got a formidable record and are a quality team.
“They demonstrated that last night [with] real composure when the Blues were sort of inching their way back into the game. You know you’ve got to be at your best.”
Meanwhile, the Crusaders, who have already won 12 Super Rugby titles, are back in familiar territory after they failed to reach the play-offs last year under the guidance of incoming head coach Rob Penney, who took over the reins from current All Blacks boss Scott Robertson.
Despite the poor start to Penney’s reign as head coach, the Crusaders management opted to retain Penney’s services and that decision has now been justified with them reaching the final.
“I will put a wee shout out to the management,” said Penney. “Last year was a challenge and they were under the pump. They showed great courage in allowing me to have another one.
“And there may be a lesson in the future for some other people, that if they trust the coach in one year, you know, maybe they should let them carry on. If things turn around, great.
“But I just can’t speak highly enough of the people that I work for. It’s a wonderful organisation, as everyone knows, and it’s a privilege and an honour.”
READ MORE: 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Final: Time, date and venue revealed
