Saturday’s rematch of last year’s Super Rugby final between the Crusaders and the Waratahs promises to be the match of the round.
Both sides need to win – but the Crusaders more so. On 31 points, and with no hope of topping the New Zealand Conference, the Crusaders have to ensure they finish in the top six overall placings on the ladder.
Currently they sit in ninth place with the Waratahs in sixth place on 36 points. A loss will most likely be the end of them for 2015.
Whilst there is no doubt they are up against a formidable opposition in the Waratahs, the Crusaders have had a good couple of weeks.
Their last serious hit-out was in Round 12 when they narrowly went down to competition leaders the Hurricanes, 29-23. A humiliating demolition of the Reds in Round 13 and a bye in Round 14 sees them refreshed, confident and desperate – a dangerous combination.
Whilst the Waratahs edged the Christchurch-based Crusaders 33-32 in Sydney last August to claim their first Super Rugby title and deny the Crusaders their eighth championship, this will not be on the Crusaders mind when the run out onto Allianz stadium.
The only thing the Crusaders will be thinking about is what they have to do to ensure victory and stay in the race to the finals. And if there is one thing I know about kiwis of this caliber when placed in do-or-die situations, is that they will play at their optimum for every one of the 80 minutes.
There is simply too much pride and professionalism at stake for them to fail. And if they fail, then it will be a tremendous compliment to the Waratahs who will be doing everything they can to knock the Crusaders out of finals contention.
This game also is not just about McCaw or Carter – it is about the entire team, all the people that make up the Canterbury franchise and the area they represent. It is about their history and the sense of responsibility that each member of their squad has in ensuring their remarkable legacy continues.
The Crusaders will need every bit of their history to course through the veins of their players if they are to defeat the Waratahs, and it is because of this sense of history, and duty, that I believe the Crusaders will prevail.
Having said that, it is by no means a foregone conclusion. The Waratahs have a powerful forward pack with a great set piece and a good back row. Their backs can attack from anywhere and are not afraid to chance their arm – much like the Crusaders in that respect.
On top of this, the Waratahs have the experience of defeating the Crusaders in the 2014 Grand Final, which should hold them in good stead.
But the Waratahs chances of success will depend upon how they prepare for the match both consciously and subconsciously. Whilst they are clinging to the playoff zone in sixth place, the Waratahs know the Brumbies have a bye, and may see that as some breathing space, should they get rolled by the Crusaders.
If any one of their players think this way, then that will be enough to see them fall short. They need to treat this match like a grand final.
Expect to see big performances from the Crusaders’ stars McCaw and Carter as they show yet again why they have achieved such extraordinary success over the years. If they lead the Crusaders charge, then it might be just enough to get them the points they so desperately need.
Whilst the parochial side of me want the Waratahs to take the Crusaders apart, I cannot help but admire greatly the Crusaders and their approach to rugby. They have set a great example of how to operate a rugby franchise professionally in the modern era of the game.
Tah Mate
Guest
I burnt a stack of yellow cards as a sacrifice to the rugby gods.
RT
Guest
Hope you had a bet. Pure genius.
rob
Guest
good call son
Redsfan1
Guest
It was exactly 10. Prophetic.
PeterK
Roar Guru
you have that wrong. For crusaders to make it they have to win every match. So they have to beat the tahs, canes and brumbies. Tahs can drop one and win the rest and still make it.
RobC
Roar Guru
During halftime, Cheika had a gigantic picture of Mt Everest. Its like 8 foot tall and 15+ feet wide. There were lines and arrows. The Tahs were gathered around it, and Cheika was pointing at it, explaining stuff. I guess it worked!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Toss of the coin tonight, really hoping for a Tahs win but reckon the Saders will get the money.
Johnny Boy Jnr
Guest
Happens to be a popular Captain? To who? AAC, Kurtley Beale? I think you'll find the non-Waratah's players see him as a Pratt. He's a glory seeker who has divided the Wallabies squad along state lines during his term as skipper and turned his back on a good coach to save his own skin and that of a hopeless basket case of a Waratah team mate. Gill has improved but still yet to prove he is physical enough in a test match to be effective and Hodgson is a journeyman. Pocock is three times the player Hooper is and as a person is classes apart
bennalong
Guest
Sorry Rob, That allusion's lost on me!
2211
Guest
Interesting you mention teams struggling after the bye this year, Jez. Do you think this will carry over into the finals and be a disadvantage to the top two teams who have a rest on the first weekend?
Not Bothered
Guest
Hopefully Rebellion does his ACL tonight. Then he can spend all the time off thinking because its not difficult to come to the conclusion that Hooper is asked and picked to play the way he does. It wouldnt surprise me to see Hooper retain his 7 jumper given that he is a popular leader and has been a consistent top performer. If McKemzie or Cheika wanted a strong performer over the ball they could have selected Hodgson, Gill or asked Hooper to play tighter. So even though Poc0ck has been outstanding it may not be enough to grab the 7 jumper off an outstanding young player who just happens to be a popular captain.
Not Bothered
Guest
Its not like the Saders are playing the Brumbies. Tahs shouldnt provide too much of a challenge.
Brawlsinmauls
Guest
Argh its possible, hopefully the crusaders can do it.
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks Chris. Cheika used Mt Everest last week as his coaching guide. This week, he should use Gauntanamo.
RobC
Roar Guru
I think so too tman. Its going to an action filled game. I meant from a penalty perspective And the poor Ref is the middle is going to get demoted :)
bennalong
Guest
The comments expected of twitterati !
bennalong
Guest
That is malicious and should be moderated .
bennalong
Guest
A match against a psychologically damaged opposition and a bye in your mind constitutes an advantage????? It suggests, like so many Australians on this site, its important to you that the Tahs lose. I have no doubt that this will be a real derby , and therefore either side could claim the honours. But I would imagine there aren't many Cantabrians who have mortgaged their house to bet on their team winning away. I tip the Tahs for the reasons you gave and the fact that we're at home.
Harry
Guest
Love it! Then I woke up!
Dave from Mt Druitt
Guest
Agreed. This is the match which will define the season by either team. However a bit harsh. "Are the Crusaders past their ‘use by date'?" The Crusaders may have Carter and McCaw but generally the rest of the team are not past their used by date. The Waratahs have a bit of hit and miss this year. Sure they have been the only team to beat the Hurricanes but it was a game that could have easily gone either way. Either times they played like the Waratahs of old - headless, leaderless and scared of losing. The incentive of the Crusaders is if they beat the Waratahs, they make the finals and end the Waratahs chances.