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The NSW Waratahs have secured the 2014 Super Rugby crown after a thrilling 33-32 victory over the Crusaders in front of over 60,000 fans at ANZ Stadium.
The Waratahs surrendered their advantage late in the match and it was only thanks to a Bernard Foley penalty in the 79th minute that the home side was able to wrestle back the lead.
FINAL SCORE:
Waratahs 33
Crusaders 32
The 2014 Super Rugby final sees the red-hot Waratahs hosting the Crusaders at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:40pm (AEST).
This game has all the hallmarks of being a classic, with the table-topping Waratahs facing the most successful team in Super Rugby history in the Crusaders.
The Waratahs have had a dream season, playing an irresistible brand of attacking and physical footy on their way to cleaning up the Australian conference, claiming outright first, and eventually home advantage and favouritism for the final.
The Crusaders have had a stuttering season but, like all great teams, roared into life when it counted. With the return of some of their big guns the Canterbury side secured top place in the New Zealand conference and second overall.
The Crusaders had a comfortable (some may say dominant) semi–final win over the Sharks and look in ominous form at the right time of the season, while the Waratahs had to endure a bruising encounter against their local rivals the Brumbies before running away with the match in the last 15 minutes.
The Waratahs won’t change anything tonight. They will attempt to play the game at pace, using their powerful ball runners through the middle of the park before opening the throttle out wide, all backed up by their stinging defence.
Most likely, the Waratahs will look to giants Will Skelton, Sekope Kepu and Wycliff Palu in particular to bust through the Crusaders backline and unleash Folau and his wing-men outside.
The Crusaders will attempt to control the pace of the game by utilising their experienced forward pack and excellent set piece to build pressure before unleashing the likes of Nemani Nadolo and Israel Dagg into the fray.
The Waratahs should not underestimate the Crusaders attack and older side. The combination of Dan Carter and Collin Slade is decidedly New Zealand (playing two flyhalves) and is a tried and tested means to obliterate an opponent with skill rather than brawn.
The Crusaders do have muscle though, and plenty of it. Owen Franks and Wyatt Crockett will lead battle up front and look to continue their set-piece dominance. At the back, Kieran Read and Richie McCaw (two thirds of the All Blacks backrow) will attempt to nullify a powerful and agile Waratahs backrow.
Numerous match-ups to watch tonight but none will be more influential than the battle of the eights, which sees Kieran Read up against Wycliff Palu, McCaw against Hooper and Carter against Beale.
Read’s leadership and work rate in particular will be required tonight, while Palu’s powerful ball running and big defence will be imperative for the Waratahs.
How will the Crusaders nullify the effect of Israel Folau? What will the Waratahs do to apply pressure to Dan Carter? Will the old timer in Richie McCaw once again rule the roost or will the new kid Michael Hooper upstage the old pro?
I can’t wait to find out!
Post your thoughts below as we cover all the action live from ANZ.
Tip: Waratahs by 4.
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.