Richie McCaw’s Crusaders look to nullify threat posed by Waratahs’ key backs in Super Rugby final

RICHIE McCaw has declared that the Crusaders will pile the pressure on the Waratahs backs in Saturday’s final.

Crusaders Training Session

RICHIE McCaw has declared that the Crusaders will pile the pressure on the Waratahs backs in Saturday’s final.

After it emerged that NSW will target McCaw’s Crusaders teammate Dan Carter, the formidable Kiwi flanker said his side also has plans to turn the blowtorch on the Tahs’ superstar backline including Israel Folau, Kurtley Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper to nullify their threat.

“That just comes down to pressure, we have got to make sure we don’t give them space and put the pressure on them,” McCaw said.

“You allow them to get their tails up and confidence because of what they have done all year, they will be a tough animal.

“I think the Brumbies showed that you can put pressure on [in last week’s semi-final].”

Richie McCaw warn against allowing the Waratahs to get their confidence up after their great year.

While much has been made of NSW’s 10-year losing streak to the Crusaders, the Canterbury side has its own demons to bury at ANZ Stadium, having not won the title since 2008 despite making the finals every year since.

“Success is winning, we’re going there to win,” McCaw vowed. “That’s what this team’s all about.

“The big thing with this team, if you just look back over the last couple of years, we haven’t actually given ourselves a chance to make the final.

“We’ve been into the semis and haven’t performed.

“At least this year we’ve given ourselves a chance, and now the big job is to perform when it really counts.

“You can do whatever you like during the season, but if you don’t perform when it most counts, you’re like the rest of the teams.

“That’s what champion teams have got to do, that’s what we’re pretty keen to do.

“We’ve had some disappointment over the last few years so it would be nice to change that.”

McCaw, the most successful rugby player of all time, is well aware of what it will take to topple the Tahs.

“We’ve got to turn up on Saturday with all the detail of how we’re going to play sorted, but you’ve got to realise that when it comes down to one or two moments, the team that’s good enough to take those opportunities are the ones that win,” McCaw said.

“If you drop your guard for one or two moments you’ll come second. That’s the experience I’ve seen over the years having a crack at it and watching.”

Originally published as Richie McCaw’s Crusaders look to nullify threat posed by Waratahs’ key backs in Super Rugby final