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Rob Penney says Crusaders 'looking forward to unleashing' in new stadium
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The NSW Waratahs have been warned that the new “heart of the city” might be just what the Crusaders need to avoid a dreaded piece of Super Rugby Pacific history.
The Crusaders will open the new One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Friday before four more clashes across the weekend as part of the competition’s relaunched Super Round.
It is a symbolic moment for the rebuilt city after the deadly 2011 earthquake and comes at a crucial time for the defending champions.
A loss to the Western Force last weekend followed defeats to the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies already this year.
They have never lost four-straight games to Australian opposition.
“Two weeks ago it started to feel like must wins and we’ve struggled a little bit,” coach Rob Penney said of the sixth-placed side.
“This could be just what we need … to give us some momentum.
“There’s a lot of bubble and squeak; the boys are looking forward to unleashing and for the public, it’s such a special place.”
Playing into the spectacle, the Crusaders will unleash All Blacks star Leicester Fainga’anuku, usually in the backline or midfield in the back row.
“He loves the limelight,” the coach said.
Fainga’anuku, back in New Zealand after a French stint with Toulon, summed up the emotion of his teammates.
“They’ve done a heck of a job. Beautiful … this place has become the heart of the city and something the people deserve,” he said.
“It’s a big weekend.”
The Waratahs can leapfrog the Crusaders with a win, something they haven’t managed in New Zealand since 2004.
Coach Dan McKellar has shifted Max Jorgensen to fullback in an effort to get the Wallabies flyer more involved.
“Long term, Max is a fullback and I want to get the ball in his hands. I talk to him all the time (and tell him) ‘let’s go and chase 15 touches’,” he said.
“That’s not always possible, but giving that opportunity, he’s excited.
“If Max is on my outside I just want to give him the ball, that’s got to be the mindset.”
McKellar is aware of what awaits the side on Friday night.
“Some weeks are just different, this week we have to raise the bar,” he said.
“Winning on the road against good opposition, they’re the memories you have for life.
“That feeling needs to become addictive, one you crave.”
