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The semi-finalists for the 2014 Super Rugby season have been confirmed after two exhilarating preliminary finals and it is difficult to deny that the Brumbies and Sharks have well and truly earned the right to have a go at the two top teams from the round robin, the Waratahs and Crusaders.
In terms of travel, the Brumbies have ended up with the better deal, a short trip down the highway to face the table topping Waratahs in Sydney in what promises to be a cracker of an Australian derby and a real shot in the arm for the code in Australia.
While the Waratahs have been in dazzling form in the last half of the competition, including a thumping of an injury depleted Brumbies team a few weeks ago, the Canberra-based franchise is not without hope in this match.
The Brumbies, to my mind, have a clear set piece advantage over the Waratahs, particularly at lineout time. The Brumbies really troubled the Chiefs in the preliminary final and I suspect they won’t mind seeing the ball travel into touch.
When you consider the Waratahs troubles against the Reds in the final round, Waratah fans will be hoping a fair bit of practice will remedy any issues during the week off.
While the Brumbies are clearly capable of playing an expansive game at pace I am not sure this would be the best method against the Waratahs, especially when you consider their powerful ball running forwards. I would be looking to slow the ball down and I have a suspicion that the Waratahs can get frustrated and lose focus at times and the Brumbies certainly have the ability to disrupt and cause havoc at the breakdowns.
I have also been wondering if the week off will be beneficial for the Waratahs. The Brumbies have been afforded a solid period for preparation for this match while in the weeks leading to the bye, the Waratahs (while in superb form) have not been put under a lot of pressure by their opponents and perhaps this is not the ideal build up for such a big match?
If the Waratahs don’t hit the ground running on Saturday night they may just find themselves on the back foot early just like the Chiefs did last weekend.
Of concern for the Brumbies is Christian Lealiifano’s kicking form off the tee. He has not been in the greatest form this season and some rather handy kicks were missed against the Chiefs and a repeat on Saturday may be costly.
My suspicion is the Waratahs will try and play the game as they have for most of the season; pace, power and width while I can see the Brumbies trying to play a tighter game and grind the Waratahs down to try and stop them from gaining any momentum. Whatever the case may be, a fascinating contest lies in wait.
With a number of Wallabies and potential future Wallabies on display there are some fascinating head to head contests to look forward too, especially with the Rugby Championship on the horizon.
At scrum time I am really looking forward to the battle between Scott Sio and Sekope Kepu, the halfback scrap between Nick Phipps and Nick White should be feisty and the centre matchup between Adam Ashley Cooper and Tevita Kuridrani sees an intriguing clash of styles.
Throw in the entertainment value of Henry Speight and Israel Folau and this game could potentially be a classic. I do think the combination of home ground advantage and the Waratahs potency in attack will see them into the final next weekend but it will be close.
The Sharks, in stark contrast have drawn the short straw in terms of travel – having to fly from Durban to Christchurch to face the Crusaders.
The Sharks will be underdogs for this match but they will be confident of springing an upset given their remarkable victory at the same venue this season, playing the majority of the match with 14 men and for a ten minute period just 13.
With an incredibly powerful forward pack and destructive set piece the Sharks will present a formidable challenge up front but the big question mark hangs over the Sharks backline and whether they can create the opportunities to win such a vital match?
The Sharks certainly have plenty of talent and pace in Cobus Rienach, Paul Jordaan and JP Pietersen but they seem to be missing a vital link at first five where Francois Steyn has filled in admirably given the injuries suffered this season but looks more comfortable at inside centre.
The key for the Sharks could be Patrick Lambie. After an injury riddled season the young utility made his return from the bench last Saturday against the Highlanders and if he is able to start this weekend he may just be the tonic the Sharks need to get their backline cranking.
The Crusaders were frankly embarrassed in their last match against the Sharks. The advantage was all with them and they failed to convert. They will, however, be itching to have a second crack at the Sharks and with Kieran Read and Dan Carter presenting a full strength line up I struggle to see the Sharks winning this match given the Crusaders motivation to make amends for that result in Round 14.
So, after this weekend I am picking a Waratahs vs Crusaders final in Sydney.
Over to you Roarers, how do you see this weekend playing out?
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.