Anyone with even a passing interest in rugby should be glued to the television this Friday night, because the Chiefs and Crusaders are going to put on quite a show in Hamilton.
These two sides met on the same ground just two weeks ago, and they delivered one of the season’s most memorable matches. The game ended with the Chiefs besieging the visitors’ line after the siren, desperately trying to rescue a draw.
If inside centre Sonny Bill Williams had just passed instead of diving for the try line himself, there may well have been an entirely different result that night. Similarly fine margins will determine the winner on Friday.
Make no mistake, the quality of rugby on display will be more than enough to hold our attention. But the game will also contain an especially intriguing subplot, as the All Blacks’ current linchpins clash with the men who will eventually replace them.
Even though they finished second in the New Zealand conference, the Crusaders must be considered slight favourites for this match. They boast all of the experience that comes with having played in eleven consecutive finals series.
More specifically, they have the outrageous talents of Daniel Carter and Richie McCaw at their disposal. These two guys have been performing under pressure for years, and they certainly know how to win when it matters.
Take last week, for instance. Sure, the Bulls were off their game in Christchurch, but McCaw and Carter both stamped their authority on the match in the opening stages and never let up. Their experience shone through big time.
Both men will line-up against their likely All Black successors on Friday night. Aaron Cruden has finally established himself as Carter’s probable long term replacement at flyhalf, while young flanker Sam Cane continues to impress at every opportunity.
Cruden has really come of age this year, after several erratic seasons had led many to question his credentials as an All Black. His goalkicking has improved markedly, along with his decision-making in general play.
That 24 minute cameo for New Zealand in Hamilton during the June internationals was of astounding quality. Cruden cut the Irish to shreds that night, putting the result beyond any doubt inside the opening quarter.
The man clearly enjoys playing at Waikato Stadium, as does his mate on the side of the scrum. Sam Cane has recently taken to wearing headgear on the field, which actually makes him resemble a youthful Richie McCaw from a distance.
If you keep a close eye on Cane during any match, you will realise that the similarities actually run far deeper. This boy’s work rate, effectiveness in defence, strong running and sublime ability to pilfer the ball are all reminiscent of the All Black captain.
While their rivals were doing battle down south, the Chiefs were enjoying a well earned break from the action. Just as well, because the semifinal will be a physical game to say the least.
If other recent kiwi derbies are any indication, and they are, then Friday’s encounter will be a pulsating and thoroughly entertaining spectacle.
While we sit back and enjoy the tries and the big hits, we should also relish the opportunity to see the All Blacks’ present and future going head to head.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Chiefs will take it for mine. Chiefs get back Thompson and Clarke regular starting forwards to strengthen up what was a poor set piece last time. Crusaders lose Read who i thought was the difference between the teams two weeks ago. Chiefs just.
colvin
Guest
Justin, Don't know about you but I have to work 48 weeks a year. The teams that don't make the finals get 3 weeks off.
Justin2
Guest
What about the players getting a break? There is rugby nearly 40 weeks a year, I thinks it enough...
colvin
Guest
Thurl, That's not the message coming out of the Wallabies camp which is that they are at a disadvantage. And it's at least 3 weeks off and there's still plenty of time to prepare for TRC (2 weeks). But what about us rugby tragics. After watching up to 6 hours a day on fridays and saturdays it's now down to 2 hours per day with some of the matches in SA where the time difference means late night TV. The withdrawal pains are enormous. It also could generate additional revenue for the game.
Thurl
Guest
Its only 2 weeks of rugby they are missing out on and it could be an advantage to the Wallabies to have that extended time together
prissy
Guest
Chiefs and Crusaders both my favourites from them all. Bulls were really the biltong for Crusaders and its not going to b that easy with Chiefs. Chiefs plays on same level of rugby. Crusaders are very creative and can make a quick change in game plan. I dnt think Chiefs got the leadership for that, they will rather start with substitutes then change of tactics or running with the ball.
Well there was that ONE time.....
SamClench
Roar Pro
Fair point. It all starts up front!
Sylvester
Guest
That's true of course, but I was more meaning the defensive intensity, especially from the pack. They fell off a lot of first-up tackles last time against the Chiefs and didn't quite boss their pack outside the set piece.
SamClench
Roar Pro
What attack? They just kept kicking the ball away mostly, even though Steyn's boot was having an off night. I think "unimaginative" is being a bit generous, really.
Defending against the Chiefs is of course an entirely different animal than defending against the unimaginative attack of the Bulls though.
Sylvester
Guest
If the Crusaders can defend like they did against the Bulls, it'll be hard for the Chiefs. Missed tackles was all that kept them in the last match in Hamilton.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
Ditto with Moaman above. I see the Chiefs winning this simply because of their well-earned self belief. They have provided some memorable Rugby this year and were dudded by that last gasp try by the 'Canes. It should be one of the matches of the year and will even rate in Europe. Come on Friday!
moaman
Roar Guru
Nice article SC. There have been some great games this season and this one should be no different.I too am hoping for a Chiefs win but can't decide yet who I would be backing if something vital depnded on it.Whoever wins-'tis bound to be entertaining.
SamClench
Roar Pro
I reckon that would be brilliant for the spectators. There's a similar tier system with the rugby sevens, keeps everyone entertained.
colvin
Guest
Sam, it would need to be made worthwhile. Purely from the Aussie teams viewpoint this year, the top players are going to be at a disadvantage as compared with NZ and SA because they will not have played for weeks when TRC starts. But I'm sure the powers that be can come up with a reason why 7th is better than 9th. Cash tend to be a big incentive. Maybe some form of bonus is provided to these teams with 7th getting the biggest and 15th the smallest. Maybe cups or medals could be presented etc. Maybe the 7th to 10th mini competition could play for the John O'Neil (or some other) trophy; the 11th to 14th could be for a trophy named after some other respected rugby man etc.etc.
SamClench
Roar Pro
Interesting idea. Not sure if the players would see much incentive though. The top six are all playing to win the whole comp. Finishing 7th instead of 9th probably isn't that much of a big deal in the players' minds.
colvin
Guest
Well, my problem with the finals is that if your team is not involved rugby has dried up too early. We have a Super rugby finals playoff grading the top six. What about the bottom 9. Couldn't the next four have a mini competition (semi and final) to decide places 7 to 10; and the bottom four have the same to determine 11 to 14. Maybe do something so the Lions can get two more games as well. My team is the Highlanders. I would like to see them fighting to move into 7th position on the ladder from 9th. I'm sure their supporters would get behind them. It would mean the Aussie teams would get a couple more games which would be a good thing for the Wallabies later.
chuck
Guest
The ring master has too be shut down KERR-BARLOW how the crusaders nullify his snipping will be interesting the crusaders defence against the bulls was ferocious and physical with their inspirational leader McCaw showing the way.it will be a great game too watch the positional kicking has too be accurate from both Carter & Crudan both pack deserve respect they both bloody good which way I'm going to Crusaders just squeezing home only because they been their and they smart on game plan.
Tumble Hill
Guest
This is going to be a tough game for the Chiefs to win. After a fantastic season - albeit a dissapointing finish with 2 losses they have to face a Crusaders team full of finals experience. While the Chiefs have had a weeks rest, the crusaders are looking ominous. Crusaders by 8 for me.