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Thorne: Playing away isn't much of a factor these days
By RugbyPass
Former All Black captain Rueben Thorne reckons the prospect of playing a Super Rugby playoff isn't as hard as it was in the old days.
And he'd know. The durable flanker played in all seven of the Crusaders' grand final wins, across 10 seasons. Speaking specifically about the Highlanders' trip to AMI Stadium in Christchurch, Thorne told Scotty Stevenson and Mils Muliaina on the Rugby Pass Podcast:
"I think most teams would prefer to be playing their finals at home...but in saying that, I think teams these days are much better at playing away as well. The Highlanders will be pretty comfortable coming up here and putting in a strong performance. I know the Crusaders have played away and won, so while it is a factor, I don't think it's enough of one to influence the outcome."
Thorne does have a valid point, the last two games between the Crusaders and Highlanders have had very similar finishes despite being played in both teams' home grounds.
That'll be cold comfort to the Highlanders though, both of those games were heartbreaking losses.
Thorne also opened up about how former Crusaders coach Robbie Deans would get the team motivated every season, saying he was 'a master at pushing the right buttons.'
Listen to the whole chat with Reuben Thorne, as well as a full break down on the Super Rugby playoffs on The Rugby Pass Podcast:
Subscribe on iTunes to get all the latest episodes: Click Here
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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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