Dan Carter is still New Zealand’s best five-eighth, say the Brumbies, but don’t for one second think they’re not treating Chiefs pivot Aaron Cruden as a massive threat.
The Brumbies and Chiefs will meet for a grand final re-match at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night in a knockout Super Rugby qualifying final.
When the two sides last met in round 11, the Brumbies partly avenged last year’s grand final defeat with a comprehensive 41-23 victory over the two-time defending champions.
But that win counts for nothing in the confidence stakes, says Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher, as the Chiefs were missing key playmakers Cruden (thumb) and Tawera Kerr-Barlow (concussion).
“Cruden and Kerr-Barlow make it a whole different team,” said Fisher.
“We’ve looked at that game, but it’s not going to help us win.”
After directing the Chiefs to back-to-back Super Rugby titles, Cruden, 25, has started at No.10 for the All Blacks in their four most-recent games while Carter, 32, was taking a six-month break ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
When asked if Cruden had stepped up in Carter’s absence to become NZ’s best playmaker, Fisher replied: “Look, I’d pick Dan Carter if I had to. But I’d take either.”
Fisher’s high assessment of Cruden was echoed by Brumbies skipper Ben Mowen.
“One of the best 10s in the competition. He’s a massive threat,” Mowen said.
“We’re going to have our hands full.”
That said, the Brumbies have their own in-form No.10 in Matt Toomua, whose imposing defensive game could just act as the perfect foil for Cruden’s attacking raids.
Toomua’s also coming into the match after picking up a hat-trick in last week’s 47-25 thumping of the Western Force.
“Matty is a big physical 10. He’s in the best form I’ve ever seen him,” Mowen said.
The Chiefs have been the most-penalised team this season, averaging 13.1 penalties per game to the Brumbies’ 11.8.
However, Mowen will resist the temptation to get into referee Craig Joubert’s ear about that stat.
“Nah not yet – I don’t think we’re too far behind,” he laughed.
The game is all but certain to be Mowen’s last Super Rugby match at Canberra Stadium, which will also double as his record-breaking 50th as Brumbies captain – surpassing legend George Gregan.
“Obviously, I’m very proud. But I want the pathway to keep going,” he said.
Common Sense
Guest
Cruden was the better player out of the two that night.
pick & go..!!
Guest
Highlanders Have to win.
Squirrel
Guest
Proven right again Magic
Chris
Guest
Does anyone what it will take so the Tahs play the sharks/highlanders winner and if the brumbies win they can play the crusaders - i would love to see a all aus final - i dont think there has ever been one right?
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Totally agree....it was Cruden that hung on to Rathbone in a desperate tackle in the grand final last year......if Rathbone had scored it was game over. I couldn't see QC making the same tackle.
Jimmy from Dunedin
Guest
Defends at 10 most of the time
pick & go..!!
Guest
You are right its a double edged sword. Rushing out of the line does leave gaps. But not if the defensive line moves up with Toomua. I'm not sure if Cruden will have much in attack if he is forced to consistently defend waves of attack from the Brumbies down the 10 channel. But in saying that I'm not sure if Cruden does defend in the 10-12 channel, or does he defend at 15 for the quick counter attack?
wazza perth nz ex pat
Guest
Absolute tripe Magic Sponge and obviously trolling ! Does your name depict the ingestion of too much alcohol perhaps ??
Winston
Guest
Damn that's cold.
Sam
Guest
No it was 37! Wait - that's how much the Hurricanes beat the Chiefs by....
Jimmy from Dunedin
Guest
My point still stands, rushing up out of the line from any angle opens up gaps. Considering how Cruden defend against Tuilagi, running those ball carries will have little effect.
Jimmy from Dunedin
Guest
My point still stands, rushing up out of the line from any angle opens up gaps. Considering how Cruden defend against Tuilagi, running those ball carries will have little effect.
PeterK
Roar Guru
well Chiefs have to infringe less, it is really their own fault if it happens
Brett McKay
Expert
Oh dear Lord....
Brett McKay
Expert
Completely agree. The Brumbies best tackler this season, too, Melon. Make nearly 11 tackles a game...
Mark Skinner
Roar Rookie
If the weather continues I doubt the teams will even come out of the sheds :)
pick & go..!!
Guest
Jimmy, all Toomua has to do is rush up from the outside shoulder in. This will force Cruden to step back into the forwards, or have Cruden second guessing whether to throw a low percentage floater to his outside backs which will put them under more pressure, because Toomua is blocking the passing lane to the outside backs. Or take the tackle. Larkham & Fisher should get the powerful ball carries like Kurandrani, Speight to identify Cruden in the defensive line, & run plays down his defensive channel. So Cruden would spend most of the game defending & less time attacking.
moaman
Guest
Some of the saner aussies here might like a squiz at this http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11295697 Magic Sponge( you know they aren't really 'magic' eh?) and Redsfan1 probably shouldn't bother.
Adsa
Guest
I am looking forward to the battle of the 5/8 tonight, lets see whoo can control the game and unleash their outside backs. Whichever forward pack gives them some room to move should be able to really use it. I hope the ponies don't resort to a kick fest, that is when the Cheifs will make them pay.
WQ
Guest
Would have tipped the Chiefs had it not been for Joubert, he will penalise them out of the game! Brumbies by 5