The Hurricanes host the Crusaders at Westpac Stadium in Round 17 of Super Rugby. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEST) on Saturday.
It’s the final leg of the Super Rugby season and teams are now really going to be fighting for a spot in the playoffs.
There is going to be no love lost, particularly in this match, and in a New Zealand derby such as this expect some highly entertaining football.
Both the Canes and Crusaders have had a funny old season, where one minute they look like contenders and capable of knocking off everyone in their path. The next, they’re dropping games you would not expect them to lose.
By these standards it makes it difficult to really assess where they are at especially at this point of the season.
In the overall table, the Crusaders are sitting pretty in third spot; if possible they’ll want to move up, but a move is more vital for the Hurricanes who currently sit in sixth place. However, with all teams very close in the playoff race their best bet is to consolidate their position.
Of course the big news this week is the return of Dan Carter. The outstanding Crusader and All Black’s first-five has had a fair amount of time off, busy travelling and just enjoying being away from football.
After a successful return to club rugby he’s been added to the bench for the Crusaders. Even though the Crusaders have managed quite well without Carter, having him in is beneficial. It will certainly be putting all the other teams on high alert.
One key area of strength for the Crusaders is turn over ball. They make a habit of winning opposition line out throws and being first to the break down. They’ve got an un-canny knack of playing better without the ball and starving their opponents of possession.
The Hurricanes can score points from just about anywhere and in matches they are often the first to get on the board particularly in the first half racking up 102 points in total for the opening quarter. If they can get on the board first and not give the Crusaders chances to turn it over then the Canes could get a strong hold on this game.
There could be a lot of points scored in this one; the Crusaders hold a slight edge being a better balanced side but the Canes do have the attacking strength to challenge.
Tip: Crusaders, just.
44bottles
Roar Guru
Here's the video if you haven't seen it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LXqeh-Upeg There's also a similar one with Carlos Spencer v the Saders
Digby
Roar Guru
Not over yet. Can still get second. Dont know whats around the corner.
Digby
Roar Guru
Terrible isnt it!!! Lets just chuck it in and go home! God help us!! :roll:
Digby
Roar Guru
Nice!
44bottles
Roar Guru
Yeh but don't wanna end up 3rd if the Sharks come 2nd. Provided you win the first game you will get the Brumbies horror finals run of last year. All the way to SA and back.
RollAway7
Guest
Digger i will be joining you in the late hours
Leon
Guest
we definitely wont win super rugby this year with the highlanders and Canes in the playoffs. This is bad
Digby
Roar Guru
Guys, just so you knwo I will be running a live blog for the Springboks and Scots this morning for those who are interested
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks mate, cant see your boys missing out though. Still probably our best chance.
Sylvester
Guest
Reminded me a lot of the last game between these teams. Down to the wire and then a late long range try against the run of play to seal the win. The Crusaders have an impotent attack, but somehow kept winning games mid season through set piece dominance. Tonight, they got a taste of why that's not going to be enough come finals time (if they make it).
44bottles
Roar Guru
I thought they would've been favourites at home.
Dandaman
Roar Rookie
Good stuff digger. Congrats.
RobC
Roar Guru
For the life of me, its Hurricanes Rob, Hurricanes. Will need to write this out 100x on a piece of paper.
44bottles
Roar Guru
Good game by the Cane's digger. I did have a bad feeling coming into this match and the Canes confirmed it.
RobC
Roar Guru
Yes! But Hurricanes also a very good win ;)
RobC
Roar Guru
Hurricanes....
Digby
Roar Guru
I agree, Highlanders had a great win.
RobC
Roar Guru
Agree, Victoria. Great game. Thanks!
Digby
Roar Guru
Pretty boring otherwise ;)
Digby
Roar Guru
Good player