Williams boost for Crusaders ahead of Chiefs Super Rugby showdown / Photo: © AFP
Williams boost for Crusaders ahead of Chiefs Super Rugby showdown
Canterbury Crusaders will be bolstered by the return of All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams when they chase an eighth Super Rugby title in nine years in Saturday's final at home against Waikato Chiefs.
Williams injured his knee during the playoff win against Queensland Reds and missed last week's 21-14 semi-final win over Auckland Blues.
Crusaders are the most successful team in the competition's history with 14 titles and coach Rob Penney said having Williams back improves their chances of extending that record.
"He was on the cusp of being ready last week but it's the blessing of having a great squad," Penney said.
"George Bower has done an amazing job and he's unlucky not to be starting but Tamaiti has got himself back into selection and he's going to get the opportunity."
Williams is the only change in the forward pack. In the backs, wing Chay Fihaki suffered a concussion in the semi-final and is replaced on the left by Macca Springer.
"Macca has been training hard behind the scenes. You always say to your players an opportunity will come, be ready. Now it's come and he's ready."
The Chiefs lost to the ACT Brumbies 37-17 in their semi-final in Hamilton, after being beaten by Auckland Blues in the first playoff round a week earlier, but progressed as the highest-ranked losers.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan named an unchanged starting XV for the final, featuring All Blacks fly-half Damian McKenzie, explosive hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and back-row forward Luke Jacobson.
- Cowbell ban -
"We've built real continuity across the season, and that will serve us well in Christchurch," said McMillan.
"The Crusaders have proven time and again that they know how to lift in finals footy.
"They're clinical, composed, and proud of their home record. We're ready for a good final fight."
The Crusaders have banned Waikato fans from clanging their trademark cow bells in the stands.
Waikato lies in the heart of New Zealand's farming country, and Chiefs fans are famous for wielding the noisy instruments.
Fellow Super Rugby side Wellington Hurricanes banned cowbells from their ground more than a decade ago.
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the decision was made to make sure the game was enjoyable for fans.
"I'll be asking (staff) to melt them down at the gate, so seriously, leave them at home," he said.
McMillan said, with or without cowbells, the travelling fans would be important.
"We know there will be a loyal crew backing us in the stands. Our fans bring something special, and we feel that no matter where we are," McMillan said.
The sold-out Super Rugby final will be the last match played at the 18,000 capacity Apollo Projects Stadium, the Crusaders' temporary home since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake severely damaged Lancaster Park.
A new 30,000-seater stadium will open next year.
C.Brown--VC
