The Waratahs have kept their winning streak rolling on with a hard-fought 26-8 victory against the Brumbies in Sydney.
They will now host the Crusaders in the grand final to decide who will be crowned champion of the 2014 Super Rugby season.
FINAL SCORE:
Waratahs 26
Brumbies 8
The second Super Rugby semi-final of 2014 sees the Waratahs hosting the Brumbies from Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Join us for live scores and updates from 7:40pm AEST.
An all-Australian clash, this match promises to be an absolute cracking affair.
The Waratahs are deserved favourites after a stellar regular season finishing top of the table, allowing them not only a week off but home ground advantage.
It was also only a month ago that the Tahs handed the Brumbies a heavy defeat, also in Sydney. However the last match played was against an injury depleted Brumbies, who have the majority of their regular starters back and in good form.
With only a short trip down the highway and a solid preparation, the odds aren’t a fair reflection of the Brumbies’ chances.
The Waratahs will play a fast and open game as they have for the majority of this season, and the Brumbies will try and keep the game tighter and focus on set piece, territory and counter attack.
There is plenty of talent on display, with both teams boasting 11 Wallabies each from Ewen McKenzie’s recently announced squad.
All of these players have a golden opportunity to perform well in front of the Australian coach and not only push their franchise through to a Super Rugby final but further their cause for starting positions in the upcoming Rugby Championship.
Key match-ups to look out for will be at scrum time, with Scott Sio up against Sekope Kepu, the halfback battle between Nic White against Nick Phipps will be keenly contested, as will the contest between the playmakers Matt Toomua and Bernard Foley, whose respective fortunes will go a long way to deciding the outcome.
Throw in the entertainment value of Henry Speight and Israel Folau and this is not a match you want to miss!
Join in and post your thoughts below as we cover all the action live from Allianz.
Tip: Waratahs by 8.
Billy Bob
Guest
Like Jake coached Sharks didn't, on the same night?
Ben.S
Roar Guru
Good for you! It was a good try. I enjoyed the game. I fancy the Waratahs to win next week. The Crusaders played well, but the Sharks were always set up to lose that game.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Perhaps making excuses. It is the way they set up though. Don't expect even handed analysis from me at the moment. Am just enjoying the ride at this stage.
Ben.S
Roar Guru
You just being kind to Skelton, jez? It was a counter attack and he was huffing and puffing in the middle of nowhere. Was an excellent try though.
Clark
Guest
Don't know how that got through moderation. Got to love that pointless comment. I just think the Waratahs bubble has burst. The Crusaders are a whole new level of class, one slip and they're in trouble.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Was a cracking game and tight for the vast majority. Tahs only sealed the result inside the last five minutes when they got their third try (which was an absolute beauty)
jeznez
Roar Guru
Don't sully the GPS. Pretty sure Johnno is a CAS lad.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Scrum will be interesting next week. Kepu should eat Crockett and you have to think a Franks would have it over Robinson. Scrum could spin like a top except both Looseheads will cheat their @rses off to try and maintain ground. Lineout is a massive advantage to the Saders and is the element of play I am most concerned of. I think that Tahs defence will be as consistent as it has all year but the lack of a lineout could starve us of ball as it did last night. Can't wait for the match. GO TAHS!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Ha ha gold
jeznez
Roar Guru
Surely we are the Mainlanders? You blokes would be the East Islanders.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Tahs have been stacking forward runners throughout the backline all season. Is a key to their attack structure. Chapman was in the same channels the entire time he was on as well. To get so quickly into their shape on turnover ball was one of the things that impressed me most about that try.
The Moondawwg
Roar Rookie
A+
RobC
Roar Guru
Hi Mike, yes game was played in the middle. A good tactical decision considering Tahs rush defence and their powerful lateral movement both attack and defence. The critical point was the 20 minutes in Tahs half after the Mogg turnover / Beale try. Once the ball was out in the back, Speight backpeddled the Tahs d-line and linked well. One particular move create the momentum for the butchered Coleman try - the same phase Speight busted his hammy. After Speight left, the platform was still there. But remaining Brumbies backs not enough to break, link-up or back-peddle the Tah's defence. On a separate note, I think their 12/10 should swap - and CLL goes back to kicking school.
Chui
Guest
Close. Spelling slightly off
TonyH
Roar Rookie
Craig Joubert will assuredly referee the final, won't he?
Mike
Guest
He was very good, no question. But I'd still give it to Jacque Pots. I really do not think we could have won that without him, and I can't think of any other lone player I could say that about.
Mike
Guest
"Had chances to attack. But when Speight walked off, attack went flat" I didn't notice much of Speight, except for a fairly brief period mid-game. I am not criticizing him, I think he's a great player and should be selected for Wallabies when available, but I just don't think the Brumbies attack went flat because of his absence. I think the style of game didn't suit players like Folau or Speight, and therefore not much was seen of them, relative to their talent.
Billy Bob
Guest
Kent?
RobC
Roar Guru
Yup. I think their scrum on the 2nd turned around. I hope they start with the same form from 0' in the finals Lineout was a big reason they couldnt get out of their half in the 2nd stanza Maul defence was good also in 2nd half c/o Skelton
Firstxv
Guest
get home a little late did we? not a way to treat your guests now is it?