Carlo Tizzano’s mind went straight to the top when asked which New Zealand team he most wants to defeat when trans-Tasman Super Rugby begins next month.

“Who’s top of the table at the moment?” Tizzano replied.

When a reporter told Tizzano that position belonged to the Crusaders, the Waratahs workhorse didn’t have a second thought.

“Yeah, the Crusaders,” he said. “And it’ll be cool to get a run against Ardie Savea [when the Waratahs play the Hurricanes].

“Going against one of, if not the best, No. 7 in the world would be awesome. But they’re the team and the guy I want to have a crack against.”

The Highlanders didn’t rate a mention from Tizzano but their coach Tony Brown on Sunday declared his side would sweep the Australian Super Rugby sides.

“We thrive off that. We know we can put some good footy together,” Tizzano said.

“We’re a young team and from where we were at the start of the year to now, the improvement we’ve had and the circumstances that have happened with obviously Rob [Penney] leaving, we’ve hit some good ground and I’m really excited for the future.”

Before the Waratahs focus on facing the five New Zealand franchises, they have Saturday’s clash with the Rebels to worry about.

Source: | This article originally belongs to smh.com.au

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