Beating the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby semifinal this weekend is a pretty straightforward proposition according to Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O’Gara.
The formula is to win the collisions up front and take away the time and space that inside backs TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett utilise to create havoc.
O’Gara explains: “When the ball is in Beauden Barrett’s hands, it’s not a good sign for any opposition.
“[But] if you win collisions, if you win the gain line, no matter how good you are as a 10, your time is diminished significantly.
“Our boys have done a great job in that regard in previous campaigns.”
O’Gara was not wrong in his tactical summation.
The Crusaders have won their last four games against the Hurricanes, including two regular season matches this season, although, Perenara did not start the game in Christchurch and Barrett did not play.
On all four occasions, the Crusaders forwards won the collisions while the backs were up fast on defence and stopped the 2016 champions from getting any momentum.