NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika predicts his side will be entering a Super Rugby war zone against a rested Crusaders side on Saturday.
There’s plenty at stake for the 2014 grand finalists as they return to the venue of last season’s memorable title decider.
If NSW win they will go to the top of the Australian conference, vaulting the Brumbies, who have the bye this week.
Seven-times Super champions the Crusaders find themselves in the uncharacteristically low positions of ninth on the overall ladder and fourth in the ultra-competitive New Zealand conference.
Renowned for their late season surges, the Crusaders rattled up 58 points and eight tries in their last game against Queensland before having a bye last weekend.
Never one to shy away from a rugged contest, Cheika has foreshadowed a fiery encounter at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
“It’s going to be a war zone this weekend that’s for sure, It’s going to be a real battlefield,” Cheika said.
“I really think they are a fine team and they will be coming off a bye, fresh.
“The urgency in the rucks is going to be key.
“I think they will come hard at us in the rucks and we’re really looking forward to the physicality of the game and the challenge it’s going to bring.
“It’s going to be tight but at the same time open, because they like to spread the ball, as do we.”
Cheika is philosophical about the possibility the Tahs could lose a winger and successful rugby league convert for a second straight season.
Alofa Alofa headed to France following last season’s title triumph and Fijian powerhouse Taqele Naiyaravoro has reportedly signed with Scottish club Glasgow.
“We want to keep all the players here, but it doesn’t happen all the time and that’s the nature of the beast,” Cheika said.
“In Australia we also operate with a salary cap environment which the other countries don’t, so there’s restrictions.
“That’s the way it is, you can’t keep everyone.
“We try our best to keep the players here, but that’s professional sport.
“On one side it’s disappointing, on another side we’ve done a good job in helping those players arrive to a situation where they are getting benefit from the game as well.”
Birdy
Guest
A little bit of excuse-making by Cheika here. I'm not 100% certain, but I'd be amazed if Scotland didn't have a salary cap. England certainly has. I imagine the main reason that the Tahs can't match the Glasgow offer is that they've got not far short of an entire team of Wallabies to fund - cry me a river.
Sammy
Guest
The run home: Waratahs - Crusaders (Home), Lions (Away), Cheetahs (Away), Reds (Home) - 3 wins from 4 Brumbies - Bulls (Home), Force (Away), Crusaders (Home) - 1win from 3 Rebels - Stormers (Away), Sharks (Away), Bulls (Home), Force(Home) - 2 wins from 4 The Brumbies will falter and the Rebels are not quite going to be good enough this year.
MARTO
Guest
Crusaders lose to Tahs ..Thats it .. Because they wont beat the HURRICANES and wont beat the BRUMBIES ( at home)..
Billy Bob
Guest
Yes the Saders are favourites becUse it's their first preliminary final. They have to win to live. Tahs do not, in theory. But in reality, a loss this weekend would place doubt in Tah land, and leave them behind Brumbies So this game is season-defining for both teams. But only one team may realize it. Which is why Cheika is talking up the 'war'. He's trying to rally the troops into a 'do or die' finals mentality. Which I don't think that they have. Hope I'm wrong.
MH01
Guest
the tahs are guaranteed to be conference winners? That might be dependent on the saders beating the Brumbies in the last round and the tahs are yet to travel to SA. The rebels could still get up.
PeterK
Roar Guru
no, the tahs are 5 points clear of the crusaders. The brumbies still have to play the crusaders. So the tahs can afford to lose 1 game and still make it, the crusaders have to win all 4.
Stu. B.
Guest
PeterK,history shows us the Crusaders are capable of winning their last 4,your theory falls apart on who losses next.only one team has earned a finals spot so far,NZ.could have one team or four in the finals,we may have one(guaranteed) or may get two with luck.
Stu. B.
Guest
Hope the Tahs are good enough and it will not come down to another hometown referee victory,on paper will be a boomer game.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Sydney night life is not a war zone. At least outside Schoolies week that is... Hoping the Crusaders can still stay in the hunt. Been impressed that for the big games like the Brumbies and the Hurricanes, the Waratahs have fronted. I see no difference this week. They'll want to prove last year's final was not a one-off. Going to be a good game.
Sammy
Guest
Agreed The Tahs will make the finals regardless as conference winners. The Crusaders can only make it as a wildcard based on points. Not sure about it being a war zone. It's not the last throw of the dice yet!
WALLABY BOB
Guest
I cant see the Tahs losing this..Crusaders are not the team which won the super title way back in 2008...Tahs by 12...
Anthony Hird
Roar Guru
I disagree Gaz, Last week was the first week that the Tahs played with fire in the belly. Foley played a lot more direct, there was more momentum and we saw a dim glimmer of last years performance. We were still slow at spreading the ball wide. KB seems to be our only weak link. Tahs by 4.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Said yesterday the difference could well be the Cheika factor...looks like he's getting first dibbs in, talking 'Warzones?' hmmm... Notice Dagg returns for this one as well.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Crusaders have to win their last 4 to make the finals. Tahs can afford to drop one and would still make it if they win their last 3. This is the difference for me why Crusaders will win.
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
IMO the Tahs will get dusted. The Saders will be desparate to win after their demolishon of the Reds to show that they are still a force in the competition. I doubtb that the Tahs will match the Saders in the forwards with PLN??? out with concussion. I also think that the backline of the Tahs is not nearly as lethal as they were last year Beale is not playing well and neither is Falou. The big winger that is going overseas is good only if he gets the ball in space and you can bet the the Saders will cut that off.