Finals motivation no problem for Crusaders veteran

Reuben Thorne

Crusaders stalwart Reuben Thorne is under no illusions about the tough task facing his teammates as they prepare for the Super 14 rugby final clash against the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Heading for a record eighth super rugby final, Thorne knows the Hurricanes will be extremely strong opponents at Jade Stadium.

The northerners will have their tails up, having made it to their first tilt at a trophy, and the quietly spoken Crusaders vice-captain expects nothing less than a bruising encounter.

"It'll certainly be very physical, but you expect that at finals time," Thorne told NZPA.

Thorne, who prefers the blindside flanker spot but has been playing at lock recently to give the Crusaders pack more mobility, said the tight five was "well aware" that the Hurricanes would be a tough ask.

"It's just about getting the mindset right, really, and to be prepared for it.

"As long as we're aware of it, prepare for it and get mentally switched on ... you've got to give it back as much as you get it."

At 30, the Crusaders' statesman has been playing out of his skin this season and is widely tipped to be recalled to the All Blacks squad.

Asked how he feels about possibly getting the nod from coach Graham Henry when he names his extended squad on Sunday, Thorne is typically nonplussed.

"I'm enjoying my rugby, that's for sure," he said.

"It's been a really enjoyable year and I've been focusing on doing well for the Crusaders. Whatever happens after that, I'm not too worried either way.

"If I get in with the extended (All Blacks) squad or whatever, that would be great. But if I'm not, then I'll just focus on the NPC and keep trying to enjoy myself."

Thorne said that while he preferred his flanker role he would play "wherever they want me to" on Saturday night.

"I don't mind playing lock. I've done it quite a bit over the years and I quite enjoy that side of the game, playing a tighter role. Getting in and doing the scrummaging doesn't bother me."

Despite having played in seven previous super rugby finals, Thorne is still thrilled for the next one.

"It's always exciting getting to this end of the season. We work very hard for it and now we've given ourselves a chance to have a crack at the title," he said.

"Even though I've got a few behind me, it's still very exciting. The history I've been part of, I guess, is the thing that I'm proud of and want to continue.

Every year has slightly different new challenges."

Meanwhile exciting centre Casey Laulala is hoping coach Robbie Deans will give him a starting berth in his first final after three years with the franchise.

Laulala missed training early this week and was feeling "pretty sore" after a fine semifinal against the Bulls. Laulala's neatly weighted grubber kick put winger Rico Gear in for his first try, and later in the first half put Gear in again with a final pass.

Laulala said he was "pretty happy" with his performance against the Bulls and looks set to start against the Hurricanes' powerful midfield combination of Tana Umaga and Ma'a Nonu.

Asked how he'd psych himself up to meet such opposition, Laulala said he wasn't expecting "anything that's not physical".

"You just have to look at what they're going to bring (to the match). I guess you just have to get angry about it and play out of your skin... and work really well with the guys outside and inside you."

The Crusaders and Hurricanes coaches will name their teams tomorrow.

- NZPA