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While this may be an unpopular view on a largely Australian sports website, no matter where I look across the park, I see the Crusaders on top of the Reds.
Firstly, they’re ahead on player match-ups.
The Crusaders’ pack was outweighed by the Stormers’ pack by 40 kgs, yet they swamped them.
Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock came out ahead mainly because of that front row trio and Fainga’a is a poor scrummager anyway.
Beau Robinson is terrific and Scott Higginbotham is strong but Richie McCaw is always going to be the best flanker on the field. As much as I love Radike Samo, Kieran Read is the best eight in world rugby now.
Behind the scrum, Will Genia wins over anybody playing now. I’m scoring Dan Carter and Quade Cooper even-steven because while Carter lacks Cooper’s inventiveness, he has great control of the game, is an excellent defender and is one of the best place kickers ever.
Sonny Bill Williams and Rob Fruen win the battle of the midfield. One can’t separate Digby Ioane and a new-born Davies, Sean Maitland and Zac Guildford.
If the Crusaders can go all the way to Capetown and win in a walk, they’re certainly capable of making the return trip in good shape.
They want this one more because they want a Kiwi win in this New Zealand Rugby World Cup year. And they want to bring the title home to Christchurch. A huge motivation.
Prediction: Crusaders by a try and three Carter penalties.
I’ll be cheering for the Reds, so here’s hoping my analysis and prediction are as wrong as most of the people on this forum no doubt think they are.
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.