Brumbies will bounce back against Crusaders: Erasmus

Tue, Apr 24, 2018, 3:24 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Mees Erasmus is backing the Brumbies as they look to bounce back against the Crusaders. Photo: Getty Images

Fresh off a goosebumps filled Super Rugby debut, Mees Erasmus is backing the Brumbies to unleash their "full wrath" when the Crusaders come to town.

The Brumbies finished what was a disastrous weekend for Australian Super Rugby sides in dour fashion, falling to the Jaguares in front of their home fans.

It will be a weekend all Australian rugby fans would rather forget but it will long be one Erasmus will remember, having made his debut.

"It's an incredible feeling," Erasmus said.

"Just running out there - I had goosebumps all over.


"Straight into my first scrum as well - that made me just forget about everything, get the ball out and played on from there - it's very special."

With his first match now out of the way, Erasmus' eyes are on a Crusaders side that currently sits on top of a red hot New Zealand Conference.

"Growing up in South Africa we would always watch the Crusaders play the Brumbies," he said.

"They have so much history together, playing each other in the finals.

"I back our squad and our ability to take them on.Erasmus cut a confident figure ahead of the Crusaders' arrival in Canberra. Photo: Getty Images"We just have to iron out a few errors and we will be good."

Improving the basic skills which let the Brumbies down on Sunday will be top priority but Erasmus said the playing group must also overcome the mental hurdle which comes with the 35 game losing streak against New Zealand sides.

"It's definitely a mental battle - I think that's the biggest part of it," he said.

"I've got a good feeling about it this weekend and that it might change.

"They might come here to Canberra and get the full wrath of the Brumbies."

The Brumbies host the Crusaders on Saturday night at GIO Stadium, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.

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