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Fresh Crusaders to topple the Waratahs in a do-or-die match

The Crusaders should have no problem overcoming the Blues in Round 14. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Expert
22nd May, 2015
38
2580 Reads

Saturday’s rematch of last year’s Super Rugby final between the Crusaders and the Waratahs promises to be the match of the round.

Both sides need to win – but the Crusaders more so. On 31 points, and with no hope of topping the New Zealand Conference, the Crusaders have to ensure they finish in the top six overall placings on the ladder.

Currently they sit in ninth place with the Waratahs in sixth place on 36 points. A loss will most likely be the end of them for 2015.

Whilst there is no doubt they are up against a formidable opposition in the Waratahs, the Crusaders have had a good couple of weeks.

Their last serious hit-out was in Round 12 when they narrowly went down to competition leaders the Hurricanes, 29-23. A humiliating demolition of the Reds in Round 13 and a bye in Round 14 sees them refreshed, confident and desperate – a dangerous combination.

Whilst the Waratahs edged the Christchurch-based Crusaders 33-32 in Sydney last August to claim their first Super Rugby title and deny the Crusaders their eighth championship, this will not be on the Crusaders mind when the run out onto Allianz stadium.

The only thing the Crusaders will be thinking about is what they have to do to ensure victory and stay in the race to the finals. And if there is one thing I know about kiwis of this caliber when placed in do-or-die situations, is that they will play at their optimum for every one of the 80 minutes.

There is simply too much pride and professionalism at stake for them to fail. And if they fail, then it will be a tremendous compliment to the Waratahs who will be doing everything they can to knock the Crusaders out of finals contention.

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This game also is not just about McCaw or Carter – it is about the entire team, all the people that make up the Canterbury franchise and the area they represent. It is about their history and the sense of responsibility that each member of their squad has in ensuring their remarkable legacy continues.

The Crusaders will need every bit of their history to course through the veins of their players if they are to defeat the Waratahs, and it is because of this sense of history, and duty, that I believe the Crusaders will prevail.

Having said that, it is by no means a foregone conclusion. The Waratahs have a powerful forward pack with a great set piece and a good back row. Their backs can attack from anywhere and are not afraid to chance their arm – much like the Crusaders in that respect.

On top of this, the Waratahs have the experience of defeating the Crusaders in the 2014 Grand Final, which should hold them in good stead.

But the Waratahs chances of success will depend upon how they prepare for the match both consciously and subconsciously. Whilst they are clinging to the playoff zone in sixth place, the Waratahs know the Brumbies have a bye, and may see that as some breathing space, should they get rolled by the Crusaders.

If any one of their players think this way, then that will be enough to see them fall short. They need to treat this match like a grand final.

Expect to see big performances from the Crusaders’ stars McCaw and Carter as they show yet again why they have achieved such extraordinary success over the years. If they lead the Crusaders charge, then it might be just enough to get them the points they so desperately need.

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Whilst the parochial side of me want the Waratahs to take the Crusaders apart, I cannot help but admire greatly the Crusaders and their approach to rugby. They have set a great example of how to operate a rugby franchise professionally in the modern era of the game.

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