- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
The Reds take on their third New Zealand team in a row as they play the Crusaders on Sunday afternoon. Join The Roar for the call all the game updates and banter in the comments from 4pm AEST.
One of the greatest games to be played between these two former champions was of course the 2011 Super Rugby Final. Nobody tipped anything less than a win for the Crusaders. They had the team on paper and had proven champions on the field. It was tough, tense and exciting. The closeness of the match and the final scoreline showed it to a tee.
That was, the first and last taste of a chance at the title for the Reds. While they have come close on a few occasions since their triumph they have fallen short of continued success. The same can be said for the Crusaders; the loss in the 2011 final was so far their last appearance in the past two seasons ousted in the earlier rounds.
As teams whom have won the title before they know exactly what needs to be done to return to glory. The likelihood of the Reds making a playoff spot is slim at best, and on top of winning games they will need other results to fall into their. But it is a tough mountain to climb.
For now their focus is solely on picking up wins, getting momentum and using the remaining games to build their future. Despite this year being a slightly disappointing one for the Reds; it has opened the way for the side to get itself back in order and return to playing the type of football expected of them.
They will have to muster up the strength for this outing; with the injury blows and suspensions they’ve endured in recent weeks. Still, it will be a great chance for players getting oportunities to show what they are capable of, how they’ll handle the pressure. It’s an old saying, but every athlete wants to test themselves against the best, and what better way for the Reds.
They must rise to the occasion and get a win, after a less than impressing outing against another New Zealand side the Blues.
Crusaders are looking pretty comfy sitting in seventh position. However there is no room to sit on their heels, they’ve got a chance to solidify their spot, and if they get the ‘rub of the green’ they might rise into the top three.
Looking back on their season so far, it was miserable start for the men from Christchurch. Scoring points was problematic and winning games, well that had appeared non-existent for a few weeks.
Thankfully they’ve been able to right the rocky little ship and are back on the track. Look for the Crusaders to start strongly and get into their work early. They are a team that likes to stick with the structure, plug up the middle gaps before spinning it out wide.
Regardless; their limited play and willingness to use the open spaces, and free-running rugby has left them vulnerable to tough defence and have at times this year been easily repelled on attack.
Should be low scoring game with no more than 10 points separating the sides.
Tip: Crusaders.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.