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After an exciting semi-final win over the Crusaders, the Chiefs will host the Super Rugby final against the Brumbies this Saturday evening.
The Chiefs finished the Super Rugby season in first place and were awarded a first-round bye.
The Crusaders, who finished fourth, defeated the Queensland Reds before their semi-final clash with the Chiefs.
With 30 minutes left to play the score was a narrow 9-6 to the Crusaders with no tries scored – and then we got three of them.
First Lelia Massaga and Aaron Cruden scored for the Chiefs, both of which Cruden converted, giving his side a 20-9 lead.
Only two minutes later a brilliant run by Israel Dagg gave the Crusaders a try of their own, which Carter converted to give his side some hope.
With 20 minutes left the Crusaders were trailing by only four points.
Dan Carter kicked another successful penalty in the 75 minute to reduce the deficit by one.
The Crusaders had about five minutes to find at least one more point, but the home side stood strong and won the match 20-19.
After finishing the Super Rugby season in first place and winning the tournament last year, the home side enter the match as favourites.
And the Chiefs are confident of their victory, already releasing commemorative champions jerseys for their fans to purchase.
Unlike the Brumbies who have a relatively inexperienced squad, the Chiefs have men who know how to win this competition. Two key players for their match against the Brumbies will be Cruden and Kerr-Barlow.
Great rugby teams all need an excellent play-maker and a brilliant kicker, and the Chiefs have one man who can do both of these in Aaron Cruden.
The Kiwi fly-half was impressive in attack against the Crusaders, scoring his side’s second try himself.
Cruden’s kicking was excellent in the Crusaders match, kicking two conversions from two attempts and two penalty goals from three attempts, a success rate of 80 percent.
In their match against the Bulls, the Brumbies gave away 11 penalties. If Cruden’s kicking form against the Brumbies is anything like it was against the Crusaders, the Chiefs can expect to pick up some useful points.
Cruden’s combination with scrum-half Kerr-Barlow has been excellent this season, and is a major reason the Chiefs could top the Super Rugby ladder.
The 22-year-old Tawera Kerr-Barlow has had a brilliant season and the 9-10 partnership will be crucial for the Chiefs grand-final performance.
What the Chiefs need to do to win
The Brumbies game plan is to hold out their opponents and score the odd try or win on penalties. While the Chiefs have aimed for most of this season to score more tries than their opponents.
They need to understand that the Brumbies have one of the best defences in the competition.
The Chiefs will need to be patient in attack and wait for their chance to score some points.
Against the Crusaders the Chiefs defended better than they have all season-long. Every player was committed to defending for his team.
The players will need this determination in defence against the Brumbies if the Chiefs are to win the tournament in back to back seasons.
Leali’ifano has been one of the best kickers in this season of Super Rugby. The Chiefs will need to avoid giving away points, especially within kicking distance.
This will hand the Brumbies points that the Chiefs cannot afford to lose.
Cruden is definitely a better kicker, but I believe than Lealiifano is better and the defensive abilities of Brumbies fly-half Matt Toomua may be able to limit Cruden’s play-making.
And Brumbies coach Jake White has shown this season to have the game plan to defeat some dangerous teams.
Everything is set for an exciting match, but I pick the underdog Brumbies to win in New Zealand.
Prediction: Brumbies by three.
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.