The Crusaders are through to another Super Rugby grand final and will enter as strong favourites after an 18-point win over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
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Final score
Crusaders 30
Hurricanes 12
The Crusaders and Hurricanes go head to head in an all-New Zealand semi-final in Christchurch. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:35pm (AEST).
It would be too easy to assume the Crusaders have got this one all wrapped up. They have been the best side in the competition since their last loss of the season back in mid-March, and they have top class talent in almost every shirt.
Add to that an ability to strike through punishing counter attacks or grind teams down over double digit phases of possession, as well as the meanest defence in the competition, and it’s easy to see why the Crusaders are clear favourites to win at home.
As if they needed any more confidence, the team welcomes Joe Moody back into the starting line up. This is the only change for the home side who will have been working hard to make sure they don’t get distracted by the chance to win back to back championships and pick up their eighth Super Rugby title.
The Hurricanes too are bringing stability in selection into this do or die match, naming an unchanged starting fifteen after their win against the Chiefs in the quarter finals.
The men from Wellington were having a fantastic season before the June Internationals, but stumbled through the final few weeks of the regular season with some uncharacteristic poor form. Their win against the Chiefs, however, showed a level of control that had been missing for a bit and they will be in a good mindset for this semi final.
There are some exciting sub plots to this game beyond who makes the grand final. Seeing what happens when Ryan Crotty and Ngani Laumape go head to head will be fantastic.
Both are in great form and have torn other sides to pieces in recent weeks. This battle in midfield could be crucial as both players are key to helping their sides turn possession into genuine attacking opportunities.
The clash between the two No. 10s will be enthralling. While Beauden Barrett has been the best fly half in New Zealand and the world for a couple of years, his form this season hasn’t quite been as dominant as many expected.
Meanwhile the chasing pack of No. 10s have been catching up, with Richie Mo’unga arguably leading the charge. His performances in key games has been impressive and there’s been talk that, in high pressure moments, Mo’unga is doing a better job of delivering for his team than Barrett.
If the ‘Canes are going to win this one it’s true that their attacking stars are going to need to be on fire, however, even more important is that their forwards give TJ Perenara and Barrett the space and quick ball to unleash their backs. This is where the game will be won and lost and the Canes pack are going to have to deliver the performance of their lives.
Prediction
This should be a fantastic game of rugby and in many ways it should be the final. Either side could win this but given the relentless form of the Crusaders and the fact that they are at fortress Christchurch, it’s hard to look past the men in red and black.
Crusaders by 10 points
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:35pm (AEST).
Sylvester
Guest
The Tahs have lost two finals in Christchurch and the Crusaders haven't lost a playoff game at home (20 wins, I think?). That's a massive mental hurdle to overcome should NSW beat the Lions.
aussikiwi
Guest
Um, you do know the differnce between an opinion and a fact don't you? Oh wait, you are a Tahs supporter, maybe not.....
Reverse Wheel
Guest
I'm happy to just call it like it is, faith. You're a liar. Plain and simple.
Reverse Wheel
Guest
Another fine example of sportsmanship from a humble (just ask them) kiwi. Happy to call out every aussie complaint but still moaning 4 years later about one rare occasion when the same measure was applied to king richie as to mere mortals.
Sylvester
Guest
This is a same BB who is the defending world player of the year and has lost how many games when playing for the ABs? Just checking.
Sylvester
Guest
If we equate Super form to AB form, how many tests would Nonu, Dagg and a few others have played? I feel a bit sorry for BB playing behind such a dreadful forward pack.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Which is it mate? The Tahs don't whinge or we'll have 50% of comments whinging? Pick one side of the argument
double agent
Guest
How good was Drummond? Imagine being that good and being bench.
double agent
Guest
"A lot of Tahs fans have been saying that after the season’s game they have nothing to fear at CCH. " I've never heard any Tahs fan say that at all. Maybe you should stick to KiwiRoar.
double agent
Guest
Wow!!!!! Another reference to the 2014 Final. Only a couple more and we'll hit the Million Mark.
Faith
Guest
The Tahs don't whinge - they talk themselves up and write columns ...
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Cheers RT. They’re a difficult prospect anywhere. But at home they’re even more of a challenge. Tahs or Lions, the travel is going to be an issue.
Faith
Guest
Let's see whether Saders can lay to rest the ghosts of Finals against Reds (when they played all their away games and reached the Finals and the Tahs (which Joubert stole from them and admitted it ...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Commiserations Digger, a tough night.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
KK, I think the first 15- 20 mins set up the way the game was going to be played. While a lot of points was not scored in that period, the red and black forwards took charge of the contest. Congratulations on your side making yet another final, it will take a monumental effort to topple them at home. ... Topple them? ......Nah, that ain't going to happen!
jeznez
Roar Guru
Depends if a lowlife pulls a Moody like elbow to a Tah's player's chin. That is the only blow up I've seen regarding a decision or non-decision regarding the Tahs this year. Love this whinging Tahs narrative that folks are working on.
Fionn
Guest
To be honest, I think you have the 10/14/15 right, Taylorman. Mounga looks like a really special player.
Fionn
Guest
Yep. I look forward to Jacko admitting he is a better flyhalf that DMac ?. Personally, I think he and Sexton might be the two best 10s in the world, even if Barrett is the best back overall. 10. Mounga, 11. Ioane, 12. SBW/Crotty, 13. Goodhue, 14. Smith, 15. Barrett?
Faith
Guest
A lot of Tahs fans have been saying that after the season's game they have nothing to fear at CCH. I wish they beat the Lions so that theory can be tested. Another thing - notice how no one has talked about the Ref. Now watch the live feed on the Tahs Lions game - that will make 50 per cent of the comments. Aussie rugby = one big whinge ... Evans should be on EOYT. Used to play for Landers and left to get game time because Lentjes and Hunt were preferred. Great player. Mounga should get a RC start. Jordie is exhausted - too many games in last 2 seasons. Laumape was great against the Chiefs - did nothing wrong today. The one time BB run the ball he almost scored. Terrible that the Canes now have him kicking all the time ...
Highlander
Guest
Unlucky DC, up against a very unit tonight Both your side and mine will need more starch in the tight 5 before next year rolls around