Crusaders back Israel Dagg is expecting a hostile atmosphere at Ellis Park on Saturday and believes it is imperative his side stick together.
The famous venue, where the Springboks won the 1995 World Cup final against the All Blacks, will host an all-time Super Rugby record capacity crowd of 62 000 for the final on Saturday between the Lions and Crusaders.
The previous record of 61,823 crowd was set at ANZ Stadium, Sydney, at the 2014 Super Rugby Final between the Waratahs and Crusaders.
The Lions are aiming to secure their maiden Super Rugby title while the Crusaders are looking to win their first since 2008 and are the most successful team in the competition's history with seven titles.
Dagg is no stranger to big crowds, having won the World Cup with the All Blacks and at 29 can count himself as a seasoned campaigner.
However, Dagg has experience of playing at the famed venue in international matches with the All Blacks and admits that it 'can be a very lonely place'.
But he believes the impact of the crowd can be nullified with a fast start and with the team maintaing a strong team spirit throughout the showpiece.
"We've just got to get on top of the Lions early and, if we can do that, hopefully we will quieten them (the crowd) down," Dagg said.
"They're going to be vocal, and they're going to be right behind their team. We've just got to stay connected as a 15 … it's going to be pretty daunting out there. I've played here may times and it can be a very lonely place sometimes."
Dagg admits that a full Ellis Park is something you dream about growing up as an aspiring rugby player.
"It doesn't get any bigger than this … a final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. We've just got to treat it as another game. If we worry about the outcome, we'll get knocked over," he said.
"I've played here many times when it's sold out and there is no better place to play … it's where you want to be as a kid growing up."
And Dagg believes key to the Crusaders gaining the upper hand is by not allowing the Crusaders to play the game at their pace.
"It's about controlling the momentum. There will be moments when the Lions are controlling things, and we've just got to stay together in those moments," said Dagg.
"They play an attractive brand. They play with the ball and have exciting players. They look like they're a tight group and they have a lot of belief."
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