At the moment, no teams can live with the Kiwis – they are sweeping all in front of them. So the ladder-leading, unbeaten Crusaders against fourth-placed, reigning champion Hurricanes is a mouth-watering match-up.
The Crusaders have been superb this season. Scott Robertson has slipped seamlessly into the head coach’s role, leading his team to ten wins from ten games – six with a try bonus-point.
The loss of Richie Mo’unga was dealt with and they have looked better and better as each week has passed. Kieran Read has been in and out with injury as well, with other senior players such as Sam Whitelock and Ryan Crotty really stepping up to the plate.
The Canes started their title defence like a house on fire, winning their first two games by a combined total of 154-23 against the Suwolves and Rebels respectively. They have played a game less than the Saders and have only lost one match, against the Chiefs in Waikato, and since then they have been superb.
Beauden Barrett has been electric and Jordie Barrett is showing his talents. The continued emergence of Ngani Laumape at 12 has given their already explosive back division another dimension – and all this without Nehe Milner-Skudder.
Both teams come into this game on the back of convincing wins against South African opposition, so will be high on confidence.
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Key battle: Ryan Crotty vs Ngani Laumape
The current All Black 12 faces up against one of his challengers. Laumape has been in great form this season, really starting to fill the void left by Ma’a Nonu’s departure to France.
With Sonny Bill Williams back in New Zealand rugby, the battle for the All Black 12 shirt is going to be one to keep an eye on.
One to watch: Jordie Barrett
Beauden’s younger brother has exploded onto the Super Rugby scene this season. Milner-Skudder’s injury has barely been noticed, as Barrett has filled in superbly, often linking with his brother for tries.
This is his toughest test yet, and if he can keep this form up, there could well be an All Black call-up on the horizon.
Prediction
The Crusaders have home advantage and that will prove the difference here. After a slowish start, the Saders have been irresistible, blowing away opposition.
In a blockbuster, akin to a finals game, the Hurricanes will certainly offer a tough test, but the men from the south will have just enough to keep their unbeaten run going.
Old Bugger
Guest
Sam Its the same as what he was doing with the Cantabs provincial side...I'm just surprised that everyone, didn't expect this form, at all...?? The only reason he lost the U-20s WC was because of wet weather. If it was fine, the NZ Jnrs, had a damn good chance. All water under the bridge now - its obvious that Razor, has learned from his mistakes.
Redsfan1
Guest
Hurricanes look to have more talent and especially in their halves. Think Canes will edge this one.
stainlesssteve
Guest
Yes, Sam, first words of sense among the fly-by comments It's never much more than a lottery, but the Hurricanes definitely have the advantage, and if the Barretts fire, it'll be "good night, nurse", within 20 minutes
Lara
Guest
How bloody big is this one Barrett, because baby Barrett is 6ft 5 inches .
Ryan
Roar Rookie
Go the mighty Canes - Reigning, defending, undisputed!!
scottd
Guest
Perth to Exmouth is a monopoly I think as the contract for supply was awarded by the WA government after tender. Someone might know more???
piru
Roar Rookie
Haha, dumb bugger here had one in miles the other in KMs carry on
Wal
Roar Guru
Perth to Exmouth = 1138 km Auck - Dun = 1055km
piru
Roar Rookie
Also it's only about half the distance, the planes in WA must be smashing along
piru
Roar Rookie
There's more hills for the plane to get over in NZ
dontcallmeshirley
Guest
Auckland to Dunedin 2hrs $120 Perth to Exmouth 2 hrs $395
Nicholas Nakos
Roar Guru
I think the travel factor will be difficult for the Crusaders to overcome in this one. The Hurricanes looked as though they had one eye on this game last week in their match against the Stormers. The Canes historical record and lack of travel mileage gives them the tick for me. This should be the match of the season so far in Super Rugby. The NZ derbies have been rare in the last few weeks so I am really looking forward to watching a competitive, world class game on Saturday afternoon.
Winston
Guest
Canes have better backs by far. The crusaders have a better forward pack overall but the gap is closer. Canes will win it becaus of B Barrett
Willie Mack
Guest
I have a foot in both camps for this one but can't see the Crusaders being beaten. Too consistently strong and getting stronger as the recent trip to SA showed. Hurricanes are awesome for periods but aren't putting it all together for 80 mins yet and they'll need a big 80 and then some to beat the Crusaders at home. Huge game though. Can't wait.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
But the one Barret is the size of the other two together.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Home ground advantage, with the game on at Addington, I personally would lean towards the Saders. It is in my book, the game of the weekend, & I do think, that this game will be a ripper. Even without a couple or so stars, the Saders will be hard to beat, on their own track, & I don't mean, the Raceway track next door.
Matt
Guest
What is incredible for me is the form and quality of these two teams despite the players who are missing (Coles, Whitelock, Fatialofa, Thompson, Gibbons, Read, Proctor, Milner-Skudder, Dagg). That's 3/5th of a test quality side!
piru
Roar Rookie
We use ta dream of 'avin a roobber band!
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
yep, hopefully no major injuries occur
Wal
Roar Guru
No but if you have done that flight from Sydney to Port Macquarie you'll know you all have to get out and push start the bloody thing.