FULLTIME – WARATAHS 32 CRUSADERS 22
An enthralling match played out this evening with the Waratahs securing the victory in the much awaited ‘Grand Final’ replay.
With a try each within the first five minutes, the match never let up in intensity or physicality.
It was that physicality which saw the Waratahs home, particularly on defence, often harrasing the Crusaders attack and forcing them sideways and into errors. at one point gaining a 17 point lead and looking in complete control of the match.
In typical Crusader fashion, they did manage a comeback, getting to within three points of the Waratahs with ten to play and the Crusaders with flying home.
However a poor kick from Dan Carter allowed a counter attack opportuntiy to the Waratahs who managed to apply pressure inside the Crusaders 22, which in turn saw Richie MaCaw yellow carded for a professional foul and despite repelling the Waratahs for a few minutes, an individual piece of brilliance from Bernard Foley put the result beyond doubt.
The Waratahs now move into first place in The Australian conference and now hold the upper hand in the race to win their conference while for the Crusaders this loss has perhaps consigned them to their first absence from the Super Rugby playoffs since 2001.
It’s a grand final rematch as the Waratahs host the Crusaders from ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Join The Roar for all the action from 7:40pm (AEST).
Last season’s grand final replay has been one match that many supporters would have had pencilled into their calendars as a must-see, and with both teams needing to win to keep their playoff hopes alive there is plenty riding on this match.
The Waratahs have named an unchanged line-up for tonight’s clash, with Jacques Potgeiter again unavailable, while the Crusaders have shaken their side up a touch with Richie McCaw brought into the starting side.
Neither side can claim to have reached vintage form this season, with both producing scratchy losses mixed in with some dynamic wins.
Claiming top spot in your individual conference is seen as a must for teams wanting to win the title and the Waratahs will certainly see this match as a must-win to achieve that goal. With the Brumbies having a bye this week, a win tonight would see them in pole position with only three rounds remaining.
The Crusaders need to win tonight to keep pace with the other wildcard contenders; a loss would almost certainly rule them out of contention for the playoffs for the first time since the 2001 Super Rugby season, back when fax machines were a thing.
In the Crusaders’ favour is the form of Colin Slade, the pivot is having an excellent season and another top-notch performance tonight will be crucial for a Crusader victory.
In saying that, Bernard Foley also played his way into form, with a solid match last weekend. The clash of the two playmakers will be one to watch and may be witnessed again come the international season.
Dan Carter and Kurtley Beale looking to weave some magic for both sides from inside centre, and of course both sides will look to unleash their respective giant wingers in Nemani Nadolo and Taquele Naiyaravoro – the match-up between these two is worth the price of admission alone!
With a number of Wallaby and All Black representatives lining up tonight, we should expect a match of the highest quality and intensity as they slug it out. Of particular interest will be the form of the two number 8s, Kieran Read and Wyclif Palu. Many will also be comparing Michael Hooper’s performance to Richie McCaw’s.
I for one will be very keen to see how the Waratahs’ much-improved scrum fares against one of the better scrummaging units.
Tip: Waratahs
Join The Roar as we cover what promises to be a classic match between two of the competitions heavyweights.
Diggercane
Guest
Havent had time to check Mike but pretty sure the Brumbies/Stormers game have examples from Robs last article. As I see it, if the TH binds on the arm or dragging the shirt back so technically not binding on the arm but getting the same sort of leverage so as to keep the LH down and try and splinter him from his hooker it makes sense to me for the LH to adjust his bind down to the hip, shorts to bring his weight down lower onto the TH hip, upper leg and limiting his footwork and maintaining your balance.
Mike
Guest
Sorry duplicate post.
Mike
Guest
I am intrigued as to how he could reach that far. It was a second bind, i.e. he first bound at about rib level and then shifted - were the others you saw second binds? I am wondering if the TH has dropped his hips and forced forward and up after engagement. That can result in the LH dropping him on his face, but if that isn't on, the LH could take the lower bind to try and pretzel him, which would lessen the forward force that the TH could exert. These things are all so slight, and only the guys actually in the scrum can tell us what's happening with the weight and forces in there. Shifting the bind is legal. Binding on the shorts probably isn't, although as long as he gets part of the jersey in his hand it should be okay. The specific prohibition in the laws is against binding on any part of the arm.
Digby
Roar Guru
It is interesting Mike, have noticed a number of looseheads shifting to the shorts, wonder if it is a planned tactic in order to keep yourself from collapsing and limiting the TH movement.
Mike
Guest
Interesting to see Robinson shift his bind to grab Franks' shorts in one of the scrums. I suppose its still binding on the body - certainly wasn't on the arm!
Mike
Guest
Yep, there's an excuse for everything Bruce. Keep 'em coming. If your team share your attitude, then no wonder they are losing.
Tiger
Guest
Yeah, I've always admired guys like Ritchie. I like how he plays on the edge (or cheating as its known in some circles), how he fights all game and how he deals with tough situations. From all accounts he is a really nice bloke as well. Kinda makes you sick right... These great Kiwis you met in NZ, I take it you weren't in Auckland then..... Settle down my Auckland brethren, I'm just kidding. How are blues getting on any way... It's a joke...
Kirky
Roar Rookie
If the Waratahs last long enough to play another Kiwi team, you can be assured that they won't get away with that crap thug rugby again, Your big Kiwi lock won't be around for a while and the Samoan hooker won't be either, The Referee shouldn't get another Super game either and I doubt he will. As a rule the Waratahs don't beat the Crusaders and the only time it has happened recently. is last season by a referee blunder, and yesterday by the Ref again and filthy tactics. ~ I was waiting to see Skeltons already flat nose get spread across his face a bit more, but perhaps he got lucky, the Crusaders ran out of time! ~ Pity that Latu and Skelton won't be in South Africa with the team!
wardad
Guest
This from the guy who accused NZ fans of the very same gloating lack of humility [ except it was a sports mad pom from Adelaide who had not in any way behaved the way you do ] NZ fans arent perfect but given the ammo supplied by our teans to gloat with year in year out the vast majority of NZ rugby fans keep it in check ,unlike you .
wardad
Guest
Obesilex?
Rugby Tragic
Guest
Yep you've got it jeznez ... and who could deny them the title if they could do that. A bit of water needs to pass under the bridge before that though. Assuming the Canes win their semi final against at this moment, unknown opposition, the final will be held in Wellington. If the Tahs, can finish 2nd overall and other games went with predictions, it possible that they might need to beat the Chiefs in Sydney who they have not met in 2015 due to the quirks of the conference system to reach the final... if that happened, it would be a mouthwatering cracker of a game!
RobC
Roar Guru
I was off by half, Harry Tah win only by 10. Only one limped off.
kesmcc
Roar Pro
didn't tiptoe it very well seeing as he's been cited this morning for meeting the red card threshold. only got lucky that the ref didn't have the balls to send him off on a few different occasions
kesmcc
Roar Pro
you have to be delusional if you think skelton was going for either the ball or DC. watch the replay, if he had wanted to try for the charge down he had a clear channel but instead chose to shoulder charge mccaw in the back. He is turning into the dirtiest player in the competition IMO. constant cheap shots and off the ball charges. not in the spirit of the game at all. Pathetic.
Digby
Roar Guru
Cheers Bennalong, I will ;)
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks lads
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Agree. Not a fan of Foley but have to say he had a very solid game last night. He was keen and inspired, often took the right option.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Spot on RT. Hopefully nail 2nd place, win a home semi and then head to Wellington to try beat the Canes at home for the second time this season!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Gold DC. Thanks for the call.
bennalong
Guest
Great call Digger! You continue your rational calling and your love of the game!