26 May 2006 Crusaders support at fever pitch on Lincoln University campus

With eight former students in the current Crusaders, including captain Richie McCaw and coach Robbie Deans, rugby finals fever has been running high at Lincoln University this week!

Today (26 May) on the eve of the Super 14 competition decider against the Hurricanes, the fever ran wild with staff and students turning red and black all over and cheering deliriously – “Go the Crusaders!”

But there was no need to call Student Health, it was all simply an outbreak of friendly rivalry with colleagues at Victoria University of Wellington, deep in the heart of Hurricanes territory.

At lunchtime Lincoln University’s Crusaders supporters – including Vice-Chancellor Professor Roger Field – gathered in front of Ivey Hall dressed in red and black for a group chanting and cheering session and a photo to send to Victoria University as an early “kick off” to the sort of Canterbury support the Hurricanes will face at Jade Stadium tomorrow night.

The Lincoln University Crusader fans are pictured here during today’s lunchtime barrage of barracking.

And what has been Victoria University’s response? Nothing yet! So the score’s 7-nil to Lincoln University already!

For the record the Lincoln University-connected Crusaders are Robbie Deans (coach), Richie McCaw (captain), Andy Ellis (out with injury), Scott Hamilton (wing), Campbell Johnstone (prop, bench), Kevin O’Neill (lock, not playing), Greg Somerville (prop), and Reuben Thorne (flanker).

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand