Rugby: Crusaders fans ready for end of unforgettable season

A fan displays a banner in memory of the Christchurch earthquake ahead of the round six Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Sharks at Twickenham Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders may have appeared in an unprecedented nine Super Rugby finals, but their 10th trip to the tournament decider is arguably the most important for the franchise's legion of fans.

The team's amazing run to the final - without playing a single game at their home ground after AMI Stadium was damaged in the February 22 earthquake - has provided a reprieve to Canterbury's rugby-mad residents.

Staunch fan Zane Wilson, 25, of Ferrymead, says the Crusaders' success has given the city a much needed boost.

"It has certainly been a big lift because it has brought people together on Saturday nights with something to do because there is no nightlife here," he says.

"Most Cantabrians are pretty one-eyed, so I think everyone would have been pretty damn gutted if they hadn't made it to the final, but I'm pretty sure they would have understood.

"Everyone seems pretty stoked [the Crusaders made the final] and pretty stoked that they are favourites for the final."

While events at home has been a massive disruption for the team, Mr Wilson acknowledges the earthquakes have made the team more determined to win.

"It has probably given them a lot of motivation. It wouldn't have surprised me if they got sat down at the start of the season after that earthquake and said 'we want to win this for our city'.

Mr Wilson regularly attends home games at AMI Stadium, but says Timaru and Nelson have been too far away for many Christchurch fans.

He is gutted he cannot make the trip over to Brisbane for the game and plans to watch the final at the pub.

"They know they've got a lot of support back home and they obviously understand that people can't travel as easily with everything that is going on here," he says, "They definitely have a lot of support, if not more support this season than other years because of the adversities they've overcome to get where they are."

Dan Carter's father, Neville, who lives in Southbridge, agrees the team has been a lift to the region.

"With all the turmoil that's been in and around Christchurch I'm sure it's going to bring some joy to them. It already has, just getting to the final.

"It's given them something really positive to focus on. We're still rocking and rolling a wee bit here around in Christchurch. It has been pretty hard to stay focused, but these boys have done a tremendous job to get through to a final. It's unbelievable the amount of [kilometres] they've had to travel."

Mr Carter says it's not just supporters who have been affected this season.

"It's been pretty hard on the players that have young families, I'm sure. They would have found it especially hard with the aftershocks when the guys have been away.

The players have had to deal with different travel arrangements, which can be tough with waiting around at airports.

"It can become quite draining on the body, but these guys just deal with it and get on with it."

President of the Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club, Dick Tayler, who is Queensland for the game, says it has been a frustrating season for fans in Christchurch not being able to attend games at AMI Stadium.

"Everyone is just so excited the Crusaders have done so well this year, particularly not having had home games as such. The success of the Crusaders has really given people a big boost."

"We all salute the team and the squad. Of course, you've also got to remember their wives, partners and families back home - their support crew - it's been hard on them as well."

"The possibility of another biggish [earthquake] when they're not at home must linger with them as well."

Mr Tayler acknowledges Queensland has also had its share of disasters this year, with deadly floods and Cyclone Yasi ravaging the state.

"Yeah, the character of Australians - they're unique people on the sports field - they seem to be able to get over things quicker than we do at times. They were devastated by the flooding, and they've got on. So I suppose the Reds have been the same, they've sort of built their game plan around the people of Brisbane and what they've been through.

"I'll follow the Australian and New Zealand bookmakers - they've got the Crusaders to win. A win's a win - a comfortable win is always nice, but I've got full respect for the Reds."

Mr Wilson is confident the Crusaders will come out on top tomorrow night.

"To be honest mate, we expect them to win. Queensland haven't lost a game in Brisbane, but the Crusaders haven't had a home game so they've proved they can beat top teams at home."

"It could so be a blow out - it could be 13+ [to the Crusaders], but I think it will 12 and under. I'm thinking the Crusaders by 10 points. We'll be just above that one try advantage.

"It's so hard to say who needs to step up - if anything, Queensland needs to step up.

"Everyone in Aussie seem to love Quade Cooper, but you wait until he gets on the defence - he can't tackle. I don't think the Reds' defence will match the Crusaders' attack."

Mr Carter also believes the Crusaders have the goods to bring the trophy home.

"I think the Crusaders will win. The way that they played against the Stormers, they were up to another level. They've played finals rugby before, so I'm quite confident they'll come out by about ten. It perhaps depends on the goal kicker, if he can get his act together."

- HERALD ONLINE