Crusaders opt for consistency

Fiji Times - Friday, April 04, 2008 8:03 AM

CRUSADER'S coach Iliesa Tanivula has retained his winning combination for the Colonial Cup final match against the Knights at Vodafone Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori tomorrow.

The Crusaders will field the same line up which defeated the Sharks 23-18 at Subrail Park in Labasa last Friday.

The Crusaders have been on a roll in recent weeks posting wins against the Roosters, Stallions and the Sharks. The Nadi-based franchise team went down to the Stallions 14-12 in the Colonial Cup final last year.

Tanivula said the aim is to go one step further and lift the title this year.

He said there is no injury in the team.

"We have retained the same line up from last week," Tanivula said.

"What we are looking for is consistency. The boys have set a platform. They need to continue the momentum."

Nadi's Aporosa Vata will captain the Crusaders.

"We have worked on our basics at training in the lead up to the final," Tanivula said.

"We only scrapped past the Knights 6-5 in the round robin competition. So they will be tough. This is the final. I'm sure that they will lift their game in front of their home fans. At training I have stressed the need to maintain discipline. During the game we will need to get our set pieces right. In the last two matches the boys have reacted quickly at the breakdowns. They will need to get the basics right."

Robust hooker Aseri Buli will be a key player for the Crusaders up front.

Buli has a lot of pace and scored a scintillating try in the 29-6 win over the Stallions a fortnight ago.

Tanivula said it is important to get a positive start in the match.

"Scoring first will give the team a boost," the former Auckland rugger said.

"Against the Sharks we scored 18 unanswered points in the first half. However, in the second spell we were rattled by the Sharks as they came back firing. I have warned the boys that they cannot let this happen in the final. We have to play 80 minutes rugby in a bid to win the title."

Knights coach Etuate Waqa said stopping the Crusaders momentum will be a difficult task.

Waqa said the Crusaders have come from no where to reach the final.

"Our initial aim was to reach the final," Waqa said.

"We achieved that last week. To beat a team like the Highlanders is a boost. However, against the Crusaders it will be a different story.

"They have come into form in the last three matches. It will be hard to stop them as they are on a roll.