The Blues are happy to go into their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final this weekend against the Crusaders in Christchurch as underdogs.

The clash is a replay of the 2022 final that saw the Crusaders snatch the title away from the Blues who had been brilliant all season long, including an impressive win streak.

This year has been fairly different with the Blues less consistent. However, the Auckland side seems to be finding their best at the right time as they put together a brilliant performance to beat the Waratahs 41-12 in their first play-off match.

Ready for Christchurch

The win that saw the side flex their attacking muscle has generated belief within the camp and they are ready to give it a go in Christchurch.

“We are hugely excited about the challenge,” assistant coach Craig McGrath told Stuff. “People in this franchise are excited about going to Christchurch to do a job, and we’re excited about the challenge that entails against a team that’s a dynasty with what they’ve created down there.

“Leon [MacDonald] mentioned earlier about being the underdogs and heading down there without expectations, rather than being on 15-game win streak like last year. It sits well with us. We’re going to have to have a crack to win it, so we’re excited about that.”

McGrath confirmed that Caleb Clarke could be returning this week which is a massive boost given the dynamism and physicality the wing can add to the backline.

The defence coach underlined that the Blues will be travelling to Christchurch with the goal of fronting up to the Crusaders and not just playing within themselves.

”We feel like we’re in a really good spot,” said McGrath. “We did some things really well around physicality, some things well too with ball-movement, and defensively we did a pretty good job. But we know it’s a different beast this week.

“You get to this part of the season and it has to be your best game to give yourself another week. You have to be physical and you have to have a crack. You can’t go down and play within yourself. So that’s our mindset – challenge them and meet the challenge that’s going to come at us too. It’s about going at them with our physicality and going at them with our game. We don’t want to die wondering.”

Crusaders dangerous despite injuries

The Crusaders’ win over Fijian Drua in their Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final came at a big injury cost and had to finish the clash with 13 men on the field.

McGrath expects more players to come in and put their hands up. It is all about belief within the Blues squad for him.

“They’ve got a real next-man-up mentality, so whoever runs out on Friday will do whatever is required. We’re going to have to be at our best defensively this week,” he said.

“We’re confident with our players, we’re confident in our game, but the two inches on top of your head are really important. Belief is big, and we’ve definitely got the belief we can go down there and give it a good crack against a team that’s won a lot of championships and don’t lose very often down there.”

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