Rugby: Extra feeling in semifinal showdown between Chiefs, Crusaders

Liam Messam of the Chiefs looks dejected after a Crusaders try during Super Rugby. Photo/Photosport

"Hate" is a strong word, but apparently not too strong for the Chiefs and Crusaders.

As the two New Zealand franchises prepare for their Super Rugby semifinal in Christchurch on Saturday, Chiefs coach Dave Rennie seems to have thrown petrol on the fire, with his confirmation that the rivalry is a little more than just that.

Speaking to Radio Sport's D'Arcy Waldegrave, Rennie hinted the feeling in this match-up dates back to his first year in charge (2012), when his side prevailed 20-17 in a home semifinal, en route to their first Super Rugby title.

Ironically, the Chiefs defeated the Crusaders (20-19) again in the 2013 semis, as they defended their crown.

"Is there hate between these two teams?" tested Waldegrave, who probably didn't expect the answer he got.

"You hear about this being the new big rivalry ... there's no love lost and there's a lot of niggle. Is it going too far to call it that?"

In interviews like this, the word "respect" is usually the default mode, but Rennie hesitated only briefly before answering.

"No, that's pretty accurate, I'd say," he confirmed.

"In the end, they've won so many titles and I guess we wanted to really stand up to them six years ago. There have been some titanic clashes - they're always physical, all the Kiwi games are.

"This will be no different and there's more on the line. It should be a pretty brutal affair and there's a couple of pretty good backlines there, so hopefully conditions will allow them to have a crack as well."