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Cronje hails rampant Lions: We showed what we can do
By Christopher Devine
Lions scrum-half Ross Cronje felt his team reached the level they had been aiming for all year as a stunning second-half display sent the South African franchise into the Super Rugby final at the expense of the Hurricanes.
A repeat of the 2016 final looked highly likely to end in another Hurricanes triumph when the visitors to Johannesburg charged into a 22-3 lead during the first half on Saturday.
However, the Lions reduced the deficit just before the interval through Jacques van Rooyen and then ran in five tries during a remarkably one-sided second half to triumph 44-29.
Referencing the Lions' sloppy performance in a narrow quarter-final victory over the Sharks, man of the match Cronje said during the post-match presentation: "We came out here and had something to prove from last week. I really believe in the second half we played the type of rugby that we as the Lions have been striving to play throughout this whole season."
Cronje insisted he and his team-mates had not required a dressing down at half-time.
"[There were] no stern words - there was always that belief in the team," he added.
"The coach [Johan Ackermann] just revved us up at half-time and the boys went out there and really showed what we can do."
Hurricanes skipper Dane Coles had no complaints over the end result as his side's title defence was brought to an end.
The All Blacks hooker said: "We just didn't come out and do what we did in that first half. They got a bit of momentum on and they took it right to us.
"We gave it everything we got and unfortunately we came up short. The better team won on the day."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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