The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Lions vs Crusaders highlights: Lions decimate Crusaders in quarter final

Roar Guru
23rd July, 2016
Kickoff: 12.30AM AEST
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Referee: Craig Joubert
Betting: Lions $1.85, Crusaders $1.95
Jaco Kriel. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Roar Guru
23rd July, 2016
265
9107 Reads

Match result:

The Lions have at least partially vindicated their decision to rest a host of players in the final round of the Super Rugby season with a first-up finals win over the Crusaders, 42-25.

» Click here for the full match report

Final score
Lions 42
Crusaders 25

Match preview:

This early Sunday morning game sees the Lions hosting the Crusaders from Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg. Join The Roar from 12:30am (AEST) for all the live action of the third quarter-final.

Both sides bring contrasting form into this playoff match.

The Crusaders have endured a tough run into this playoff, earmarked by losses to the Chiefs and Hurricanes, while the Lions have had a more pedestrian run in contrast.

Advertisement

The big story last week was the loss to the Jaguares in the last round after the decision by the coaching staff to rest fifteen players for the match. They’ll be fresh, while the Crusaders are travelling weary.

The Lions have been the form side out of the South African sides playing some enterprising rugby along the way and will look to continue their attacking style tonight.

Their in-form halves pairing of Faf du Plessis and Elton Jantjes have been in sparkling touch and tonight they welcome the return of their inspirational Captain Warren Whiteley from injury which is sure to be a huge boost to the side.

The Crusaders have been embroiled in a tight race within the New Zealand conference throughout the season, favourites one week, forgotten the next.

They will be motivated tonight after last week’s poor performance at home by their standards and while losing Nemani Nadolo to injury, welcome back Sam Whitelock to the second row and Andy Ellis at halfback.

Ellis shapes as a pivotal figure for the Crusaders. His experience will be welcomed back into the fold, particularly up against the Lions in-form halves pairing.

The battle up front will be key, as is usually the case, and a lot will rest on the respective tight fives. This is certainly an area the Crusaders will look to gain the ascendancy with an All Black quality tight five up against a strong Lions pack, themselves boasting some Springboks.

Advertisement

While in the loose, two high-quality trios go head-to-head, again of international quality and the two respective captains at eight in Warren Whiteley and Kieran Read will be a match-up to look out for.

The breakdown will be a key area as well tonight, dominance here will prove decisive. If the Lions gain the upper hand here, it will allow them to play their expansive game.

Easy go forward will stretch a Crusaders side who have shown this season they do not like chasing in a match while conversely, if the Crusaders can take the momentum out of the game, the Lions may struggle to gain momentum elsewhere and allow the Crusaders to strangle the game.

Two players to look out for tonight will be Israel Dagg, the Crusaders fullback and Ruan Combrinck, the powerful Lions winger.

Both players have been in outstanding form this season and could be the key difference for their respective sides this evening.

Join me here on The Roar as we cover what promises to be a cracking match between these two sides and do not forget to post your comments below as the match unfolds.

Tip: Crusaders by 6.

Advertisement

Crusaders rarely put two poor performances together and will be highly motivated after being embarrassed at home last week. I also feel the Lions resting so many players last week will prove detrimental to their cause.

close