Our grand finalists have been found for Super Rugby 2017 with the Lions hosting the Crusaders next weekend at Emirates Airlines Park in Johannesburg.
Both sides recorded hard fought victories over the Hurricanes and Chiefs respectively, the Lions running over the top of the Hurricanes in a super second half display, while the Crusaders put on a defensive master class to subdue the challenge from the Chiefs.
Here is the High Five from the semi-finals of Super Rugby.
Crusaders produce a defensive master class.
After last weekend where the Crusaders dominated both territory and possession in a clinical display against the Highlanders in difficult conditions, it was interesting to see the roles somewhat reversed against the Chiefs.
The Christchurch based side was forced to defend for the greater majority of the semi-final and defend they did, making a whopping 172 tackles to just 57 by the Chiefs as their opponents enjoyed over 60% of territory and possession.
But defend they did, breached only the once right at the end of the match against a very dangerous Chiefs side.
The scramble and commitment of the Crusaders side was impressive and a sight to behold, led by flanker Matt Todd with a whopping 22 tackles made and a couple of turnovers also. My personal man of the match.
It wasn’t just about the defence, however, the Crusaders were ruthless in their execution, securing points when the rare visit to the Chiefs 22 presented itself, running out eventual and comfortable winners by 27-13.
If defence wins championships, the Crusaders version is certainly well tuned for next week’s final after conceding only 13 points in the last two weeks against the Highlanders and Chiefs.
End of an era for the Chiefs
It was certainly a sad ending for many of the Chiefs and their fans last night after being bundled out of the Super Rugby competition as the franchise bids farewell to several of their stalwarts, most notably, their All Black halves duo of Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Aaron Cruden, as well as their successful coach Dave Rennie.
They have all played a significant role in turning the Chiefs franchise around from 2012 onwards, winning back to back titles and featuring in the finals every year that they were involved with the Chiefs side and are obviously not just a loss for the Chiefs but New Zealand rugby as a whole.
It remains to be seen whether the Chiefs can continue with their consistently high performances and standards next season but it is certainly the end of an era for the Waikato based side and I am sure I’m not alone in hoping it will not be the last time we see these three involved with the game in New Zealand.
Lions slow starters, fast finishers
For the second week in a row, the lions were looking dead and buried as the Hurricanes, like the Sharks before them, built up a reasonable lead.
The Lions looked disjointed and error prone, however, slowly but surely the Lions increased their tempo to overturn a 19-point deficit deep in the first half to run away winners by 15 points.
An incredible second half display propelled them into the Super Rugby final for the second year in a row with plenty of momentum.
Their pace and intensity was a sight to behold as the Hurricanes were run ragged in the second half, unable to slow the Lions down as they dominated in all facets in the second stanza.
They were scoring at almost a point a minute as the first half jitters were eliminated and replaced with cohesion, pace and control as the match wore on.
The dream remains alive for this impressive side as they now await the Crusaders next week.
Hurricanes will rue their impatience
With all the running and momentum in the first half, the Hurricanes had a number of scoring opportunities but lacked the finishing ability at times.
Impatience with ball in hand hurt them as a number of loose passes and poor ball control proved costly.
(AAP Image/Julian Smith)
The Hurricanes were run over like a possum in the head lights but the lack of ruthless efficiency on attack was pronounced for this time of year and disappointedly, compared to last season, the defensive edge and control the Hurricanes utilised to win the title in 2016 was seemingly lost.
The Canes helter skelter approach backfired on them in the face of a side that was simply much better at it and I would suggest there will be plenty of thought going into the defensive structures for the Hurricanes as they now look to 2018.
One and Two square off
As many have predicted, the two top teams in Super Rugby have been left to slug it out for the title as the Crusaders pack their bags and head off to Johannesburg to face the Lions in what is an exciting and intriguing contest.
Easily the two best sides this season, they both only dropped one game through the round robin section, proving a cut above their individual conference rivals.
The matchup offers an interesting contrast in styles and motivation.
A Lions team who have worked so hard to get themselves into this position, building over the past several seasons and farewelling some of their players and their Coach, Johann Ackermann, who has been central to their revival.
While a reinvigorated Crusaders side, led by Scott Robertson in his first season as head Coach, try to once again take the most successful Super Rugby side to another title.
Certainly the last trip to Johannesburg was not a memorable one for the Crusaders as the Lions ran rampant in the quarter final last year, 42-25 winners on their way to the final in 2016 and the Lions will definitely, or at least should start, as warm favourites at home in South Africa.
However, the Crusaders know what they are walking into this time around and have certainly demonstrated their ability with clinical performances, albeit at home, and will not lack for belief.
Both sides look primed and ready and I for one cannot wait for next weekend’s finale.
Paul
Guest
So we all agree that a Lions' victory on Saturday will have zero credibility unless somebody can produce a previous Super Rugby champion from NZ that never played in SA in the championship year, or (like this years' Lions) a champion from SA that never played in NZ in the championship year? We know that the previous Super Rugby champions from Australia played in both SA and NZ in the years that they won. And no, playing in Australia this year doesn't give the Lions any credibility at all. All of the Australian franchises were absolute rubbish this year, and the Brumbies did not deserve a home final. I guess when one of the key players in SANZAR is an administration in a country that is rife with corruption from head to tail, you have to get used to finals where the fix is definitely in.
DavSA
Guest
Thanks Hannes ...and power to the Force for that .
DavSA
Guest
The Lions won on Saturday not because they did not play a NZ side in the prelims. They won because after the initial flurry of points against them they did what rugby teams have done throughout history and that is to establish forward dominance . The Crusaders may have the same problem . This has got zip to do with formats , referees or Suzy the waitress . Establish set piece and territorial dominance , front foot ball and good players will always capitilize.
Hannes
Guest
DavSA, a great comment: "Almost all those players on the field were literally languishing in rugby obscurity . The likes of Whiteley , Mostert , Skosan , Faf .. and many more selected from the ranks of lower leagues..." The Lions is a case study that proves that it is more important to have a good coach than to concentrate the players in a few franchises. Remember non of these Lions players were big enough, strong enough, fast enough or good enough to make the 2015 RWC. There is elements of the same ingredients in the 2017 Force team with a good coach and a core player group that is improving.
DavSA
Guest
A highlight for me from the Lions is that they have exposed structural issues in SA Rugby. Almost all those players on the field were literally languishing in rugby obscurity . The likes of Whiteley , Mostert , Skosan , FAF De Klerk and many more selected from the ranks of lower leagues. The big name teams , the likes of The Bulls , Stormers and Sharks all getting first pick on star players. Most SA rugby players come into first class rugby directly through the ranks of rugby royalty schools the likes of Affies, Paarl Boys High , Grey College , Bishops etc . How many are lost or ignored in the system when they come from an unsexy High School background. The Lions have emphatically laid down a marker that essentially our rugby is very sound . Doomsayers should take a breather . A new breed of quality coaches are emerging . The likes of Ackermann , Du Preez and Davids of The Kings . Du Preez in his first full SR season took the Sharks to within a coat of paint of a rugby post to a semi-final. Davids of the Kings did an Ackermann taking discarded and unwanted players and surprising friend and foe alike. I predicted by the way a Hurricanes win . I was wrong . So I am going to also put the curse on the Crusaders at the final and call it their game.
It will only be fake for you jacko, I am pretty sure the Lion supporters will be genuinely happy
Jacko
Guest
SJ is winning by a SA side dependant on everything being in their favour is it? Us NZ sides take great pleasure in winning against the odds...Not getting the refs and officials to decide the game for us....As Paul clearly states...The Lions could win the comp without even playing ONE game in NZ.....Fake victories...FAKE celebrations...Fake happiness...You think you achieved something but in reality it was no achievement as it was HANDED to you...Just like a Participation ribbon...meaningless
Jacko
Guest
But didnt every NZ side go to SA? yet the Lions dont go to NZ? Love your version of FAIR
Jacko
Guest
Only 90% Nobody...the other 10% will go to the refs
Jacko
Guest
no one said the yellow was for offside. Hannes said.....There were several possible yellow cards that could have been given by a more aggressive ref for offsides,
SJ
Guest
Keep squealing - maybe you can persuade the organisers to make a last minute venue change.
Paul
Guest
I meant no credit at all to the South African Rugby Union. But my comments were redacted, and a result unfair to me has ensued. Kind of like being a kiwi rugby fan and hoping your team(s) had an even chance to win the competition this year!
Willie Mack
Guest
I agree. The ref situation was not smart, four SA refs wasn't a good look, but the Lions played the better game overall and deserved the win. Beaudy's card was bizarre but the Canes started to lose the game as soon as they began throwing the ball to nobody and making silly mistakes. They took their foot of the gas and let the Lions back into the match when they should have been putting it beyond reach. Regardless, it's better for the interests of Super Rugby not to have a one country final. We've already lost Australian interest after the QF's and if the Lions lost then SA wouldn't care anymore either. A Lions v Crusaders Final will be good. The Crusaders have been ominous this year and I don't think the trip to SA will bother them at all.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Rene never recovered his 2012/2013 form after returning last time.... of course injuries had a part to play, he is in the twilight of his career and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.
Paul
Guest
Well here's a fun question. If the Lions "win" the championship this year, will it be the first time in the history of Super Rugby that a team has "won" without playing a single game in New Zealand? Surely there is no doubt that NZ is the most influential rugby nation in the world at the present time? Still, it's a credit to the officials of South African Rugby Union, to have engineered such a result. The 2011 champions, the Reds, who had a very favourable draw that year, at least they played rugby in New Zealand. A Lions win will have no credibility whatsoever.
Digby
Roar Guru
Would have thought it would have been the other way round to be honest, hopefully a close and thrilling game regardless.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thank you Kia, and yes, it sets up a great final, and you are right, it is an excellent challenge for the Crusaders, should be a cracking match.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Sylvester, I think the Crusaders are as good a chance as any, have had a great year and certainly have the pack to negate the Lions momentum. Fascinating clash coming up.
Digby
Roar Guru
Thanks Nick. The tight five is an area of concern for many, many seasons. Fatialofa injury was certainly a loss for us, needs to be addressed, hopefully by another Barrett in time ;)
Digby
Roar Guru
Thank you KP.