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This early Saturday afternoon game sees the Crusaders hosting the Hurricanes from AMI Stadium in Christchurch. Join The Roar from 3:15pm (AEST) for all the live action.
This match is the first of two back-to-back New Zealand derbies tonight with all four teams participating still with a chance of topping the New Zealand conference and potentially earning the top qualifying position across all the Super Rugby conferences come the playoffs. The equation is simple for both sides tonight – win.
The Crusaders have the advantage of playing at home and will see the Hurricanes tight five as an area they can exploit, particularly at set piece. Containing four All Blacks, and with another on the bench, the Crusaders will certainly want to dominate their Hurricane opposites, with only the Hurricanes Dane Coles having achieved national honours.
The Hurricanes will certainly be concerned about their scrum after some trouble in recent weeks but will fancy their chances at lineout time, with multiple jumpers providing numerous options and able to create pressure on the opposition throw.
The loose forward battle is a far more even affair with both sides containing in-form current and former All Blacks and two players on the blindside, the Crusaders Jordan Taufua and Hurricanes Brad Shields on the fringes of national selection.
With Kieran Read returning after a week’s break and the in-form Ardie Savea raring to go, the battle in this area could prove vital to the outcome of this match.
One area the Hurricanes will feel they have the edge will be in the halves, particularly on the back of Beauden Barrett. His form this season has been excellent for the Canes and one does feel he will need another quality performance this evening if the Hurricanes are to win this crucial match.
Richie Mo’unga, the Crusaders first five, has also had a superb season running the Crusaders and the Hurricanes will need to shut him down. If Mo’unga is allowed a free ride in guiding his team around the park tonight the Crusaders pack will be tough to hold.
Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, their regular midfield has been ruled unavailable through injury, replaced by Ngani Laumepe and Willis Halaholo at second five and centre respectively.
Both exciting with ball in hand, questions remain around their defence and cohesion as a pair, particularly for such a pivotal match, and the Crusaders midfield of David Havili and Ryan Crotty will no doubt be looking forward to finding out.
Both sides’ back threes contain plenty of excitement and strike power and crowd favourites Nemani Nadolo and Julian Savea will be looking to excite their respective sets of fans.
One player though, Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg has been in sublime form this season, so much so he has earned an All Black recall and Dagg certainly shapes as a match winner for the mainlanders. His influence from the back could prove the difference for the Crusaders this evening.
Join me as I cover all the action live and don’t forget to keep me company with your thoughts and comments on the match as it unfolds below.
Tip – Hurricanes. No logic, just because.
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.