The Crusaders actually get a lot of local interest and attention. Rugby is ingrained here, mostly because of the competitive school systems. Not sure of what the attendance numbers are exactly, but there are still plenty of dialogue and intrigue around. Our supporters are the type who have been watching the boys through the highs and lows over the last 15+ years, not the trendy 'if they're winning' sort (although we've won enough to traditionally make it to the semis anyway). There is a lot of local pride in the clubs, schools and even suburbs you live in. This feeds through to our sports teams. The idea that the bulk of our supporters are latte sipping limp wristed trendy bandwagon supporters is laughable. Not saying there isn't some of that like there is for every team, but so many of the supporters are working class who stick around no matter how **** our backline is.
To be fair to Cantabrians (and Aucklanders for that matter) there are external factors outside of rugby to consider. When you're struggling financially and your rates go up 8 percent or more a year then I think I'll forgive you if you don't pop along. Two of the most costly cities in this country for living at the moment. In fact, Auckland is about on par with New York and London. The average cost to rent is $500. I know tickets don't have to be massively expensive, but even a few dollars is a big deal for some people these days.
As for the grand final itself, I suspect if the Hurricanes have a full compliment (particularly having Ardie and NMS) then they should take this out. Home advantage, spurred by it being the last season for a few of the boys, the Jerry Collins factor and the blistering form in general should be enough if they can execute well. The psychological advantage should be with the 'Canes. It's not that I'm not giving the Highlanders "any credit" as Nasi Manu pointed out some fans were doing last week. But I have to pick a team based on what's in front of me. I think the Landers have been the surprise story of the competition, plodding along maybe not quite with the ferocity of the Canes, but certainly with the cohesiveness. Kearns did get one thing right last week, a champion team will always beat a team of champions. And that's what the HL have been able to do well. Canes have the best defense in the competition, and if it can be consistent and contain the likes of Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Naholo, then I'm tipping them to win. You just can't let any of those guys get too much momentum or go on sniping runs. Fekitoa would be in that group too, but to a lesser extent this year imo. Buckman worthy of a mention too.
