Chiefs will play 'Without Fear/ in Final, says McMillan

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has exuded calm and confidence ahead of this weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific final, brushing off concerns about the Crusaders’ intimidating record in Christchurch.

The Chiefs will be looking to lift their first title since 2013, and McMillan believes his squad is built to handle the challenge.

“We don't have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders,” said McMillan. “We're one team that's had our fair share of success down there.”

Despite the Crusaders boasting a staggering 31-game home playoff winning streak, McMillan emphasised that fear isn’t part of the Chiefs’ vocabulary. His message to the squad: respect the opponent, but back yourselves.

Acknowledging the difficulty of the task, McMillan stressed the importance of discipline, composure, and seizing key moments during the match.

“We know it's not going to be easy. They've got a formidable record and they're a quality team … You've got to be at your best, you've got to take every opportunity that presents itself and the best team on the day will win.”

He also noted that adversity can fuel energy, especially in a hostile away environment:

“It's a hostile reception down there … and we can generate some energy off that.”

McMillan made it clear that victory would not rest on the shoulders of one player:

“There won't be any one (person) that will do that, it will be the collective.”

He cautioned against trying too hard or chasing the game, noting past mistakes:

“Our Achilles heel in the past has been that we've wanted something so bad that it becomes detrimental sometimes. You try a little bit too hard.”

“All we have to do is back ourselves and do what we've done all year; play Chiefs rugby, work hard for each other, nail the small moments, apply enough pressure on the Crusaders…”