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The Chiefs are playing the Crusaders in what will be the very first Super game in the Pacific Islands tonight. Super’s back! Join The Roar for the latest scores, commentary and a bit of chat from 5:35pm AEST.
Fijian locals have really lucked out for this game – not only are the Chiefs and the Crusaders two amazing teams, but this is also a top-of-the-table clash. Three points separate these two at the top of the New Zealand conference.
The only possible drawback is hangover from the international break, which throws up a whole load of unknowns – although that could be spun to say there’s going to be even more excitement in this game.
The last game the Chiefs played, they thumped Wales in a mid-week tour match, 40-7. Stephen Donald, the third-choice All Blacks flyhalf who kicked the winning penalty in the 2011 World Cup final, starred in that game. Donald is now set to start this game, his first start in what is technically known as ‘yonks.’ Usual Chiefs flyhalf Aaron Cruden will be on the bench.
The Chiefs and the Crusaders welcome back most of their internationals, except for Charlie Ngatai (Chiefs), Luke Romano and Ryan Crotty (both Crusaders). Kieran Read, who suffered a bit of bang in the Wales series, has been given the big thumbs up by Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder.
There’s not much to add: all lights are green for a roaring return for Super rugby. Oh, and one final stat: two of the last four games between these two has been won by the team trailing at half-time.
Prediction
There’s a lot of unknowns coming into this game – will the teams continue their form? What about the oppressive Fijian humidity? Will the absence of Aaron Cruden in the first XV discombobulate the Chiefs? That’s a chink in this game that the Crusaders may well exploit.
Crusaders by 5
Join The Roar for the latest scores, commentary and a bit of chat from 5:35pm AEST.
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.