The stage is set for a classic Super Rugby final after a week-long build-up spiced with psychological shots from both sides of the Tasman ended in more drama and controversy.
Fed-up Crusaders captain Kieran Read walked out on a scheduled photo shoot with NSW counterpart Michael Hooper and the coveted trophy on Friday after the Waratahs skipper arrived an hour late.
Tensions were running high in both camps with the Waratahs privately none too happy about the Crusaders demanding the shoot take place at ANZ Stadium rather than the more scenic – and central – backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
Hooper’s tardiness was due to the Waratahs’ captain’s run – held as usual at Allianz Stadium, some 45 minutes from the match venue – running overtime.
In a bizarre and embarrassing conclusion to preparations for the SANZAR showpiece on Saturday night, a sheepish Hooper was left to pose solo with the trophy, which he refused to touch.
“It would be nice if I can touch it tomorrow night. It would be cool,” he admitted.
If he does, Hooper will be the first Waratahs captain in 18 years of Super Rugby to hoist the prized silverware.
But to do so, the Waratahs must overcome Super Rugby’s ultimate super powers in a final for the ages.
The title match pits the runaway minor premiers hosting their historic first final against the seven-time champions from New Zealand contesting a remarkable 11th competition decider.
The Waratahs’ only two previous final appearances both ended in despair at the hands of the Crusaders, who have won the two sides’ past 11 encounters stretching back to 2004.
Despite boasting the competition’s best attacking and defensive records in 2014, NSW have had their pack derided by former All Blacks forward Craig Dowd as the soft underbelly of the Waratahs.
“All we can do is go out there and try to prove that wrong at the end of the day,” Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said on Friday.
“It’s all about what you do and then being judged on what you do.”
After winning their past seven games by an average of 25 points, Hooper said he’d be disappointed if anyone under-estimated the Waratahs.
“We finished on top this year, so we did well in the minor premiership,” he said.
“(We’re) new to finals footy, a lot of us, so I guess people can be apprehensive about us in this situation. But we’re hungry.
“We want to be there and we figure in this position for a reason and you’ve got to be able to try and grab the opportunity with both hands.
“Obviously against a good Crusaders outfit, things aren’t going to happen easily.
“They’re not going to give you ways to score tries, ways to put points on the board.
“You’ve got to be able to make opportunities.”
Coach Cheika was unconcerned about star playmaker Kurtley Beale failing to complete the Waratahs’ final training session before the final because of a shoulder complaint, saying the treatment was precautionary.
With more than 50,000 tickets already sold, the match is guaranteed to be the biggest crowd for a Waratahs home game in more than 100 years – and possibly even break Super Rugby’s all-time attendance record of 55,000 set at the 2009 championship decider between the Bulls and Chiefs at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
TahDan
Roar Guru
Wow... I bet you're feeling like a right fool right about now. Waratahs-Crusaders final was the best and most heart stopping match in years. ANZ Stadium went mental and the noise throughout the game was just immense.
The V Man
Guest
NOTHING!! There..ah....feel a lot better. Just saw an interview with Hooper on Foxsports. He seems confident.....but my money is on the great McCaw to lead the Crusaders to victory.
Xenomorph
Guest
I guess "Read leaves after wating for nearly an hour" wasnt a good title.
Sportym
Guest
What for , he never got upset or stormed out. The title on the roar is misleading.... Again!
Sportym
Guest
Editors , why make up that title?? This story has been reported in a number of sources and Read did not storm out. Why resort to the sensational reporting ?!? This also happens to contributors that write stories on the roar.
Lewis
Guest
18 mins but close to an hour
Winston
Guest
Suncorp sold out in minutes in 2011
Dave H
Guest
It would have been inappropriate for Read to be at the same venue even if just for a photo where the Tahs are having the final run before the game. I can see the headline - Crusader Read spotted spying on Warratah training. Silly article.
Tom Groggin
Roar Rookie
The hosts get the choose where the game is played. It is not unreasonable that the creation of promotional material for the game should take place in a nearby location. If the Tahs wanted to do the photoshoot in Sydney Cove they should have played the game at Moore Park.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Mr Read should take his pill and have a mojito catch a few rays at da hotel pool :-)
Billy Bob
Guest
Actually, as the hosts, surely the Tahs have the privilege of choosing the photo venue? As our guest, surely the Saders captain turns up to place where he is asked? But no. Looks like the Tahs lost that argument. Now for the real one.
Antennae
Guest
Tinfoil, that is a decent comeback. Hats off to ya.
Tom Groggin
Roar Rookie
I suppose "Read leaves photo shoot after hour" doesn't quite have the same pizzazz as clickbait.
Tinfoil Hat
Guest
He also said the Crusaders would beat the Tah's, so...
Patriot
Guest
Most anticapated final for me by a long shot .Good to see the resurgance of oz rugby.
AndyS
Guest
Snore. Seriously, if there was a schedule clash and the picture that important they couldn't just photograph them separately and do a quick photoshop? Probably too much technical complexity, what with having to get the film to the lab so that it could be developed, wasting flashpowder, etc...
Antennae
Guest
Oh touche Dave. Seriously, is that the best reply you can muster ?
Starchild
Guest
I saw Hooper on the news and he was scared of the trophy. He walked around it like it was a live snake. He probably knew that is exactly what the crusaders are going to them - be the boa constructer snake and strangle them. Oh well AAC can cheer them up afterwards with a bit of poetry.
Wozza
Guest
Sounds pretty typical of the total disdain and complete lack of respect Kiwis have for all things Australian. Except for having an Australian address that is. Thinking that the Tahs are an absolute joke might be a lesson for the uber arrogant Kiwis!
DaveMcDonald
Guest
No school at all by the sound of it