Rebels believe they can topple Crusaders

Wallaby halfback Will Genia believes the Rebels are ready to take on the defending champion Crusaders, and if they can get the little things right they can come away with the win.

“I honestly believe that if we play well and cut down the penalties and makes sure our defence stands up we’re every chance of getting a win,” he said.

“They play a really good brand of rugby – they can play free-flowing rugby and are very good at their set piece so it’s going to be a huge challenge for us.

The Rebels have suffered four consecutive losses and return from their South African tour with their season in freefall – they now sit seventh on the table after a hot start saw them at the top of the ladder.

“Our defence needs to get a hell of a lot better.

“When we’ve won games we’ve scored tries but we’ve also sometimes conceded 20 points so coming up against the better teams we won’t be able to get away with that.

The Crusaders come into the match after dispatching the Brumbies 21-8 in Canberra last weekend, continuing the Australian sides winless streak of 36 matches against New Zealand opposition. If they are to arrest that streak, Genia believes the key will be limiting first five-eighth Richie Mo’unga.

“Richie is exceptional and he’s next in line for that All Blacks jersey alongside Beauden (Barrett).

“He’s one of the key reasons they won the competition last year and he will bring a different dimension to their attack.