Reds vs Crusaders: Super Rugby Final live scores, blog

Quade Cooper of the Queensland Reds (AP Photo/Patrick Hamilton).

The Reds take on the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Final at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane tonight, as the curtain comes down on the 2011 season with the two form teams of the competition in an almighty clash. Join us for live scores and blog of the Reds v Crusaders.

The 2011 season has been the stuff of dreams for both teams and the final promises to be a spectacle worthy of a fairytale finish.

Queensland have had to overcome six seasons in the Super Rugby cellar and early-year floods while the nomadic Crusaders have defied belief by winning through a season played on the road in the wake of Christchurch’s devastating earthquake.

The two teams have already produced one epic encounter this season in Brisbane when Quade Cooper slotted a last-minute penalty goal for a home-town triumph.

While Sonny Bill Williams was kept quiet and Richie McCaw nullified at the breakdown, Dan Carter won the battle of the playmakers that day. Cooper, though, will be the No.1 dangerman in the final, and Queensland’s hopes rise and fall on his display.

The Reds won’t rein in their X-factor and promise to continue playing a high-tempo game. They will need to be at their best to pull it off against the seven-time champions who love to punish teams on counter-attack.

The Crusaders pack have destroyed rival scrums all seasons and hold a big advantage up front. But the big question is if they can overcome the fatigue factor after travelling over the Indian Ocean and back in the past fortnight.

Suncorp Stadium has again been sold out and will be at it 52,500 capacity to break the Australian provincial crowd record.

AAP – Key Match-ups

Playmakers – Quade COOPER v Dan CARTER

Carter remains the premier No.10 in world rugby but the freakish Cooper is bridging the gap. Even Carter’s first halves partner Justin Marshall rates the Reds X-factor the most dangerous player in the game.

As good as the Reds have been across the paddock this season, Cooper has the ability to determine the result himself. He thrives on the big stage so should impress but cool-headed Carter’s goalkicking and game management remain superior.

Scrummagers – Greg HOLMES v Wyatt CROCKETT

This is the area where there is the biggest gulf in reputation between the two teams. The Crusaders scrum has destroyed rivals all season and was at its ruthless best against the Stormers last weekend.

Holmes has been pitched into tight-head prop through injury to scrum anchor James Slipper and faces the biggest test of his career.

Loose-head Crockett is tall for a prop at 193cm and he, Corey Flynn and Owen Franks will aim to demolish the smaller Reds front-row.

Breakdown Warriors – Beau ROBINSON v Richie McCAW

Crusaders skipper McCaw returns to Brisbane with a burr in his skin after giving away the controversial last-minute penalty for the Reds to escape with a 17-16 win on May 29. He and Robinson enjoyed a ding-dong battle that day and another is expected.

The flankers’ ability to recycle and pilfer 50-50 ball at the breakdown will be crucial in a contest where both teams will attack. Fitness will be an issue with McCaw (foot) and Robinson (elbow) both just one game back from injury.

Finishers – Digby IOANE v Sean MAITLAND

Reds cult hero Ioane has once again proven himself to be the hardest player to tackle in the competition and will pop up all over the field running off Cooper and Will Genia.

The lanky Maitland will certainly have his hands full out wide in defence. But the in-form Crusaders flyer’s poses his own threat with the ball. Ioane gives away pace to the right winger and can’t afford to show him the sideline.

Super Rugby Final: Kickoff is at 7:40PM (AEST) – (9:40PM NZ)

Betting: Reds $2.36 Crusaders $1.60

HEAD TO HEAD

Played 17: Crusaders 12, Reds 5
In Brisbane: Played 10, Reds 4, Crusaders 6
Tries scored: Crusaders 60, Reds 41
Points scored: Crusaders 505, Reds 401
Aggregate scoreline: Crusaders 30 – 24 Reds

– with AAP