The Crusaders started their title defense in strong fashion, defeating the Chiefs by 22 points on Saturday.
Final score
Crusaders 45
Chiefs 23
The Crusaders defense of their Super Rugby title starts in Christchurch with a tough tussle against the Chiefs. Will the Crusaders continue their winning habits or will the Chiefs win in the opening round at AMI Stadium as they did in the corresponding fixture two years ago? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEDT).
The Crusaders pre-season form was far from convincing. Eliminated in the semi-finals at the Brisbane 10s the reigning champions were then beaten 42-26 by the Highlanders in Waimumu last week.
Is this cause for panic? Not likely in February. There are just two changes from the side that lost their final pre-season match.
Luke Romano joins the starting line-up, and will appear in his 100th match for the Crusaders, while Scott Barrett will provide locking cover on the bench.
Led by captain Sam Whitelock and vice-captains Matt Todd and Ryan Crotty, the team will include nine All Blacks with 281 Test caps among them.
Jack Goodhue, George Bridge and David Havili all had breakout seasons last year and will look to hit the ground running in 2018.
Richie Mo’unga has a chance to stake a claim as backup All Blacks first-five to Beauden Barrett. Mo’unga had an outstanding 2017 and will be keen to outshine Damian McKenzie who will be vying for the same spot.
Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond are two servicable halfbacks and will share regular time this season.
Historically the Chiefs field an abrasive and accomplished pack, and up front five All Blacks have been named to start. Prop Kane Hames isn’t one of them though falling ill early in the week.
However his replacement Aidan Ross is very promising and stood up stoically to the might of the British and Irish Lions for the Barbarians last year.
Brad Weber and Damian McKenzie are a fast, young and potentially thrilling 9/10 combination. Weber is back after missing most of 2017 injured while McKenzie moves into his high school position.
With good ball this pair could cause chaos. McKenzie moving into first-five is one of the seasons most exciting prospects.
Charlie Ngatai at fullback provides a strong kicking option of both feet which could be vital if it becomes a territory scrap
There are three players on the bench awaiting a first Chiefs cap, in Taranaki trio Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Sean Wainui and Angus Ta’avo, with the latter two not part of the original squad, before then having taken part pre-season.
It will be a torrid and exciting affair, but the Crusaders didn’t lose at home last season and are favourites to edge this contest.
Sylvester
Guest
I get that. Just making the point that there's a lot to work on.
Dan54
Guest
Geez Sylvester, there is no AB test until June, perhap we judge him a bit clower to then re test status.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Discipline is going to be key. You can’t afford to give the opposition an advantage when attacks are screaming out for space with the way the breakdown is. Both sides have plenty to work on but both can take a lot of positives away. A bonus point at least went begging there for the Chiefs and they’ll feel hard done by coming away with nothing. Sam Cane’s defence is immense. With Kaino gone, it’s pleasing to see this aspect of play shine. Hard luck OB et al. Thanks Harry for the dressing room motivation.
Sylvester
Guest
It's typical of the Crusaders to crush teams in the final 20 so they wouldn't have been overly concerned. McKenzie delivered a couple of very nice short balls that put players in space but generally failed in the core tasks (apart for goalkicking). It's a learning curve but I'd be concerned if he was forced to start an ABs test at 10 at this point.
Marius Ciliers
Roar Guru
I hear regards Damien,but he is a slippery dangerous young lad with ball in hand and broken play. But agree he needs time to slot into his position.Sam Cane was a monster in those tackles. Its sad for the yellow on Crotty and the penlt try. The reff played a major part in this match,ill discipline from the Crusaders,the initial handling errors from the Chiefs,and law interpretations..i believe had anybof those shifted slightly into another direction the outcome would be quite different.
Sylvester
Guest
Chiefs played well in parts, but too inconsistent overall. Penalty try was unfortunate but technically correct. Worrying start for McKenzie at 10. Hopefully he gets to grips with the new role sooner rather than later.
Marius Ciliers
Roar Guru
GG boys. Putem to the sword? Sad regards all them cards. Chiefs played very well.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Good on the Chiefs for throwing it around, but this is just cruel now.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Bridge scores an intercept try. Crusaders will win, but once again cards, cards, cards have had a major bearing on the game.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Penalty try yellow card. Boschier gone. 33.23
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Crusaders 26.20, first try of the second half. Which bench brings more?
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Whitelock try from an earlier midfield break, great save by Boshier to start with but no stopping the captain from close range in the next phase. Crusaders 24.20
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
New front rows, Crusaders have won a couple of earlier scrum penalties.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Chiefs lead with 24 to go 20.19. A McKenzie penalty.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Ngati hobbles off. This player never gets an even break.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Crusaders have fed off Chiefs errors, but Chiefs making most of the play. Still 19.17 to the hosts though.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Left wing having a beauty for the Chiefs. Cane is very busy. Ngati very solid.
Sylvester
Guest
I guess we're going to have to accept possibly min 2-3 cards in most games now.
Marius Ciliers
Roar Guru
Have to agree..same thought crossed my mind
Sylvester
Guest
Two bad misses by Bridge for two tries. Not a great look when you're fighting for a spot in the team.