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FULLTIME – WARATAHS 32 CRUSADERS 22
An enthralling match played out this evening with the Waratahs securing the victory in the much awaited ‘Grand Final’ replay.
With a try each within the first five minutes, the match never let up in intensity or physicality.
It was that physicality which saw the Waratahs home, particularly on defence, often harrasing the Crusaders attack and forcing them sideways and into errors. at one point gaining a 17 point lead and looking in complete control of the match.
In typical Crusader fashion, they did manage a comeback, getting to within three points of the Waratahs with ten to play and the Crusaders with flying home.
However a poor kick from Dan Carter allowed a counter attack opportuntiy to the Waratahs who managed to apply pressure inside the Crusaders 22, which in turn saw Richie MaCaw yellow carded for a professional foul and despite repelling the Waratahs for a few minutes, an individual piece of brilliance from Bernard Foley put the result beyond doubt.
The Waratahs now move into first place in The Australian conference and now hold the upper hand in the race to win their conference while for the Crusaders this loss has perhaps consigned them to their first absence from the Super Rugby playoffs since 2001.
It’s a grand final rematch as the Waratahs host the Crusaders from ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Join The Roar for all the action from 7:40pm (AEST).
Last season’s grand final replay has been one match that many supporters would have had pencilled into their calendars as a must-see, and with both teams needing to win to keep their playoff hopes alive there is plenty riding on this match.
The Waratahs have named an unchanged line-up for tonight’s clash, with Jacques Potgeiter again unavailable, while the Crusaders have shaken their side up a touch with Richie McCaw brought into the starting side.
Neither side can claim to have reached vintage form this season, with both producing scratchy losses mixed in with some dynamic wins.
Claiming top spot in your individual conference is seen as a must for teams wanting to win the title and the Waratahs will certainly see this match as a must-win to achieve that goal. With the Brumbies having a bye this week, a win tonight would see them in pole position with only three rounds remaining.
The Crusaders need to win tonight to keep pace with the other wildcard contenders; a loss would almost certainly rule them out of contention for the playoffs for the first time since the 2001 Super Rugby season, back when fax machines were a thing.
In the Crusaders’ favour is the form of Colin Slade, the pivot is having an excellent season and another top-notch performance tonight will be crucial for a Crusader victory.
In saying that, Bernard Foley also played his way into form, with a solid match last weekend. The clash of the two playmakers will be one to watch and may be witnessed again come the international season.
Dan Carter and Kurtley Beale looking to weave some magic for both sides from inside centre, and of course both sides will look to unleash their respective giant wingers in Nemani Nadolo and Taquele Naiyaravoro – the match-up between these two is worth the price of admission alone!
With a number of Wallaby and All Black representatives lining up tonight, we should expect a match of the highest quality and intensity as they slug it out. Of particular interest will be the form of the two number 8s, Kieran Read and Wyclif Palu. Many will also be comparing Michael Hooper’s performance to Richie McCaw’s.
I for one will be very keen to see how the Waratahs’ much-improved scrum fares against one of the better scrummaging units.
Tip: Waratahs
Join The Roar as we cover what promises to be a classic match between two of the competitions heavyweights.
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.