The Chiefs fronting up against the Crusaders promises to be an absolute blockbuster. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm AEST.
Four of the last five matches between these old rivals have been decided by 10 points or less. Nine of the 13 matches in Chiefs territory have been decided by seven points or less.
The Crusaders spluttered their way through the first five rounds of the competition, dropping three games. However two big wins in South Africa suggest the seven-time champions are approaching their best form.
The Crusaders attack has produced 106 points in the last three games. Huge Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo has made a massive difference. He scored three tires against the Cheetahs and his power has added some much needed explosiveness to the Crusaders’ previously pedestrian backline.
Colin Slade is another who has stepped up. Slade scored 25 points against the Cheetahs and with Aaron Cruden out for several weeks with a broken thumb; Slade has a chance to push for an All Blacks jersey.
The Crusaders have returned from South Africa battered though. Corey Flynn, Willie Heinz, Tim Perry, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Adam Whitelock and Luke Whitelock are all nursing knocks.
The Chiefs have only lost once this season, but slow starts and two draws are a concern for the defending champions.
The attack, even without Cruden, is fine. The Chiefs have averaged more metres (511) and offloads (14) than any other team in the competition.
However the defence is a real concern with 99 points leaked in the last three games.
Brodie Retallick has been passed fit to play. Retallick was forced to leave the field in Saturday’s ninth round match against the Melbourne Rebels after suffering a head knock.
Expect a tussle of Test match intensity. The Crusaders’ goal-kicking success rate (65%) is the lowest in Super Rugby so far this season. A couple of points could be the difference here.
Join us for all the action from 5:30pm AEST.
Uncle Eric
Guest
Couldn't agree more!
canadiankiwi
Guest
Israel Dagg is regarded as the best fullback in NZ, by the selectors, because he has a prodigious boot which is by far the longest punt of any player in the country. In addition, he is great under the high ball. Ben Smith and Piutau may be more dangerous in counter-attack, as Dagg certainly seems to have lost a little confidence in this aspect in 2013-14, but they cannot make he long raking kick that allows the All Blacks to play in the other teams end.
Sylvester
Guest
What Firstxv said, plus they have a good number of home games left to play. The new AMI Stadium has become quite the graveyard for visiting teams.
Sylvester
Guest
Initially that was the case, but then this: http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/8978392/Three-more-years-for-coach-Todd-Blackadder
almark
Guest
Big Ben is a yellow card waiting to happen, he runs fat mans angles hitting every ruck late and from the side and whenever he is early to a ruck he manages to fall sideways across on the wrong side. Makes my professional foul XV
Firstxv
Guest
thats right. SA's only hope of winning the this lies with the Sharks making their 4 away matches critical assuming no side can win this offshore this year. Brumbies and Saders particularly tough, the Rebels and a probably out of it by then Blues side with nothing to lose no picnic either. And all 4 sides will be gunning for them being the head honcho's- no one wanting to get near a knockout match in the Republic.
Clark
Guest
For me, Barrett has been better than Cruden for a long time now.
djackedinc
Guest
Sounds pretty bloody impressive to me. No McCaw, Romano or Daniel Carter as well.
Firstxv
Guest
Well they;re the only overseas side to beat the Lions at home- something the Reds couldnt do, and the two SA matches were convincing, then to come off the SA tour and beat the champs at home I'd say is impressive, and makes that a fitting headline, as after those 3 matches they're now in contention.
Redsfan1
Guest
Two average rugby teams. Love how the Herald is saying the crusaders have "roared" back into contention in a game they couldn't manage a single try & for beating the Lions & Cheetahs.
Firstxv
Guest
For a long time...rightly or wrongly NZ generally saw drop goals as an admission one team couldn't beat the defences of another, and only used to break the deadlock at the end- ie a drop goal early was generally booed or laughed at...
Firstxv
Guest
Can't see Piatau not starting. He's pointing higher than Dagg in every aspect of the game, despite the Blues woes, and finished the year as the best AB back. With 5 weeks to go, Slade has every chance of tipping the odds his way but all up, your list of 10 is it bar Slades efforts and injury. No one else is close.
canadiankiwi
Guest
9. Aaron Smith 10. Aaron Cruden 11. Julian Savea 12. Ma'a Nonu 13. Conrad Smith 14. Ben Smith 15. Israel Dagg 21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow 22. Beauden Barrett 23. Charles Piutau
canadiankiwi
Guest
Cruden will start if healthy with Barrett on the bench. Hansen has already allude to this on radio. If Cruden is unable, Barrett will start with Slade on the bench.Hansen likes Slade as a utility- he can cover 10, 15, and wing.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
That was a huge blow to lose that game. If the Sharks top the table then everyone else may as well stay home, the competition will be won by the team who finishes top of the table. The Chiefs must now beat the Brumbies in Canberra or their chances of winning the comp are over. With the amount of injury at the club i can't for the life of me figure out why the coaches are still rotating such a huge number of players. Anscombe and Payne lost us that game because they kicked away possession when all we needed to do was hold the ball and milk 3 points. Marshall should be dropped, his lineout throwing is pathetic.
Firstxv
Guest
Well that's been the issue with Slade, first the injuries then the confidence. He does seems to fly into things a lot, often missing flying knees and things. Strictly as a 10 and play maker alone, Slade outpoints Barrett in general. Barrett is a pick your moment player, and does that better than anyone, hence has maximum value as an impact player against tired legs- hes a specialist sub at the highest level. That's why I'll think Hansen will go with that combination- IF, and only if, Slade keeps goal kicking and playing like he has this and last week.
Mapu
Guest
Why is it.therer must be some back room talks going on by now
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Barrett deserves a start. world class player. Slade playing well, but knowing his luck injury will strike again.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Not a huge fan of Crotty but he was rock solid last night.
richard
Guest
Deliverance - ref. to the film and slope jawed,banjo playing yokels. I'm a Blues fan and it's just a joke. btw,the right team won,no problem with the result.