By Jim Kayes
For 26 months and 38 consecutive Super Rugby games Robbie Fruean wore the Crusaders' number 13 jersey but that changed when he was benched last week.
But Fruean is back for tomorrow night's quarterfinal against the Bulls and is keen to show how coach Todd Blackadder’s ‘kick in the backside’ has worked.
“I spoke to the coaches about that and obviously we worked on trying to make sure that I was fresh and ready to go for this weekend and I'm feeling really good. I've had a couple of trainings under my belt. Good to go for the weekend,” says Fruean.
“Yeah after a wee breather I think he's good to go he's got something to really prove and we're expecting him to have a great game,” says Blackadder.
With the exception of the injured Kieran Read, the Crusaders are at full strength for their fourth playoff match against the Bulls in six years.
“Oh really strong, really healthy. Our guys are really buoyed up for this occasion this is what it's all about. You do all the hard work in the round robin stuff to give yourself these opportunities. We're in great shape,” says Blackadder.
While the Crusaders are expecting the Bulls to kick a lot, coach Frans Ludeke says that won't be enough.
“We will need an all round game. Hopefully there will be some turnovers that we can squeeze out form the kicking game but it's not going to be enough. We need a huge defensive effort as well and hopefully force them into turnovers because when we have the ball we have to be effective an accurate. It's the only way you can apply pressure to the opposition,” says Ludeke.
With international sharp shooters in both sides, discipline will be key.
“I think that's always the way in knock-out rugby. Every sort of moment, chance, you don't get a second go at it, so being at the right end of the field you don't give those opportunities for three points and you can start putting pressure on them.
Meanwhile about 6000 tickets remain on sale for the match.
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