An incredible season has boiled down to arguably the two best teams in the competition, so expect some fireworks when the Hurricanes host the Lions on Saturday night.
Here are five talking points from the weekend’s semis:
1. What an amazing couple of games
The skill level of the players was astounding. To see teams going at it at the crunch time of the season, wanting to score tries to win the game rather than force penalties, was not only refreshing but thrilling.
If you haven’t watched the games, then I implore you to do so – they were superb.
2. The Cruden vs Barrett tussle
Since the retirement of Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett are the forerunners for the All Black 10 jersey. Saturday gave the pair a chance to show what they can do, and few would argue that Barrett won the battle.
His all-round performance was nothing short of majestic. His chip and regather that led to the first try was genius, as was his reading of the game to score the intercept. His defence was exemplary and his general control of the game meant that the Chiefs could do nothing to stop the Canes.
Carter’s performance against the Lions in 2005 has been deemed one of the best of all time, but Barrett’s performance on Saturday was not far off.
3. Ominously for the Lions, the Hurricanes defence was also superb
At times it was last-ditch, but to hold the team with the second-most tries in the competition to only three penalties was incredible.
Yes, the Chiefs bombed a couple of opportunities, but that was because of the pressure the Canes put on them. TJ Perenara’s tackle on Damian McKenzie, when it looked for all money that the fullback was going in at the corner, epitomised their effort.
4. The Lions vs Highlanders match was something else
For the second week in a row, the Lions racked up over 40 points against New Zealand opposition in a finals game – no mean feat.
For their part, the Highlanders contributed 30, in a game that saw tries coming from their own halves as if it was going out of fashion. Quick throw-ins five metres out from their own line, running from behind their own post – these teams left nothing on the park. It was no surprise to see three shattered bodies at the end of the game.
It’s just a shame that one team had to lose, or that this wasn’t the final, but it will live very long in the memory.
5. Could things have been differently?
With 25 minutes on the clock and down by a couple of scores, Waisake Naholo and Malakai Fekitoa created space out of nothing and got the ball to Elliot Dixon.
The back rower, who has had a stellar, breakout season, just needed to catch the ball and flop over the line. Unfortunately, he dropped the ball, ensuring the Lions’ lead remained at 14 points, and didn’t give the Highlanders that all-important momentum.
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