A slew of returning All Blacks have upped the ante for the NSW Waratahs as they look to close the gap on the second-placed Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Waratahs, sitting sixth on the ladder, have made three changes to their XV that started in the win over the Fijian Drua last time out as they travel to take on a Crusaders side keen to lock down a top-two spot and enjoy home advantage through to at least the semi-finals.
Taleni Seu and Charlie Gamble are the only changes in the starting forwards for the Waratahs.
Seu comes in for Will Harris after overcoming a minor shoulder problem, while Wallabies great Michael Hooper makes way for Gamble.
“Michael Hooper genuinely needs a break to be ready for a play-off run,” NSW coach Darren Coleman said.
“Charlie Gamble will be more than ready for his chance and other than Hoops, we have selected the strongest possible team we can and are going there to win.”
Mosese Tuipulotu, replacing Izaia Perese, will look to make his run-on debut at inside centre at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium.
“It’s a perfect time for us now to test ourselves in one of the hardest road trips in Super Rugby,” Coleman said.
“We have utmost respect for the Crusaders and know we’ll need to play our best match of the season to be in the contest.
“We cant wait.”
Struggling for front-rowers, the New Zealand side will nevertheless welcome back a number of All Blacks who were rested from last round’s 41-7 thumping of Moana Pasifika including five-eighth Richie Mo’unga and hooker Codie Taylor, who will captain the side.
Veteran All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock returns to the starting line-up after recovering from an achilles injury.
The Crusaders only have two fit props left on their roster, leaving staff scrambling for replacements.
Kershawl Sykes-Martin replaces Test prop Joe Moody (ankle) while former Chiefs prop Reuben O’Neill has been named in the reserves after joining the team as injury cover.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
The sword was blunt Bro!! I’ll remind you! Saders 42-18
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Yep so close the Saders had a bonus point win!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Could be hard Peter as I see the Chiefs have virtually all their guns there! That along with them having an incredible record this season!
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Yes Muzzo, they still have a good looking side.
cinque
Roar Rookie
I think you may be right. They have something to play for, while the Tahs don't.
JamesD
Roar Rookie
Whoa, game hasn't even started yet and the whinging about the ref has begun.
cs
Roar Guru
Heh. Very much looking forward to this match. Bottom line hope is we're we're not embarrassed. Go you (sometimes) good things!
HAMMERTIME
Roar Rookie
Waratahs with a 23.5 point start. I've backed them and anything better is a bonus. It's a less stressful way to do it...until we are 20 points down with the Crusaders with a 5 metre lineout and 2 mins to play.
Machooka
Roar Guru
:shocked:
Machooka
Roar Guru
C’arn da Tahs… put the sword to them Saders types :thumbup: :rugby: :happy:
cs
Roar Guru
At least it's free.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Looking forward to dominant displays of power, skill and effort by the Tahs Big Three. Gleeson, Jorgo and Mark N. Let's eeer how they go against a top side. Tahs looking great for an upset victory. Tahs by 12.
Possum face
Roar Rookie
Better backline. No. A few stats please.
HAMMERTIME
Roar Rookie
It's the hope that kills you.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I reckon it’s going to be real close
PeterK
Roar Guru
Only if Brumbies beat chiefs. Otherwise hope Canes beat Blues and then canes lose to crusaders last round. If tahs somehow win, then if canes lose to both blues and crusaders do they jump to 5th in which case they want brumbies to lose to chiefs and thus finish 4th.
cs
Roar Guru
Hope springs ... go the Tahs.
cookie
Roar Guru
I would not be surprised if they won tonight only to hand moana their only win next week
Atlas
Roar Rookie
Afoa may play today - to give Williams a break - he's played in all 12 matches, starting in eleven of them. Flankers Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie have also played all twelve - hard work!
Paul D
Roar Rookie
A loss is probably better for the Tahs as it’s likely sure up a Brumbies quarter final. Better play in Canberra then return to Christchurch and try doing it twice.