McCaw: 'Bulls at Loftus no joke'

If you want to know just how good the Bulls are at Loftus Versfeld, get hold of a video of last Saturday's first-half performance against the Sharks. That's not us talking by the way - that's Crusaders captain Richie McCaw.

On the charge: Richie McCaw

Openside giant McCaw missed his team's shock 17-28 loss at the hands of the Stormers last Saturday and will again be rested for Friday's Loftus showdown against the Bulls - in what has suddenly become a must-win fixture for the 'Red and Blacks' as they attempt to secure a Super 14 play-off spot.

"They're just a different team there - look at how they performed against the Sharks," says McCaw in conversation with rugby365.com.

"I've got no idea why they can't produce away from home, but I guess you could say the same about us at the moment."

McCaw is right. After sweeping all before them this season, things rather dramatically changed in Week 11 when the reigning Super Rugby champions burgled a lucky 24-all draw against the unfancied Force.

Then came the debacle against the Stormers at the weekend, which suddenly has them fighting for survival.

"We're obviously very annoyed with how we played," admits the Crusaders skipper.

"We came second, there's no doubt, but we have to look ahead now and put Saturday behind us. We've been in situations like this before and it can actually spur you on... we need to focus and believe in ourselves."

The All Black openside supremo chuckles when confronted with the theory that his team has suddenly become a bad unit overnight, saying: "I hope not!".

He does, however, concede that they face an uphill battle over the next two weeks, with the mighty Bulls in wait in Pretoria, before entertaining the Brumbies at home in the final round.

"We're not really looking at the play-offs right now, we're concentrating on beating the Bulls, first and foremost," he adds. "Sure, we're aware of what needs doing, but believe me when I say that we're hurting and we know we have to perform - regardless of what's at stake. It's the business end of the Super 14... You know that you've got to perform in order to advance."

Of course, it does help that the Crusaders boast a host of experienced and talented All Blacks in their squad, with the likes of McCaw, Chris Jack, Dan Carter, Aaron Mauger Rico Gear and Leon MacDonald their undoubted stars and former Kiwi assistant Robbie Deans astutely pulling the coaching strings.

"I guess you could say we were in the same situation against the Bulls last season," says McCaw. "It was a big game for them, too, and their win over us seemed to spur them on a bit. [But] it does help having an experienced coach like Robbie and some experienced guys on the pitch."

McCaw, however, has bad memories of last year's encounter in the 'Bull Ring', lasting just a few minutes before being stretchered off in an attempted tackle on Bulls man mountain Richard Bands - a freak incident, but one that played right into the home team's hands.

"Yes," he says, going quiet, "... but I don't remember much from that day!"

By Howard Kahn