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Crusaders
42
Match Complete
NSW Waratahs
18
| R. Mo'unga |  | 79 | ||
| S. Havili |  | 77 | ||
| 74 | | N. Leatigaga | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 59 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 58 | ||
| 55 | | D. Pietsch | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 37 | ||
| F. Burke | | 36 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 28 | ||
| M. Drummond | | 26 | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 21 | ||
| C. Taylor | | 20 | ||
| 13 | | J. Gordon | ||
| R. Mo'unga | | 9 | ||
| D. Havili | | 8 | ||
| 6 |  | B. Donaldson |
| 6 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 6 | Conversions | 0 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The Crusaders host the Waratahs at Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch on Saturday. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 2:35pm (AEST).
The Crusaders lost to the Waratahs last year, which may have surprised both coaches somewhat because it was Darren Coleman’s debut year. The previous year against the Kiwis trashed the New South Welshmen.
The Crusaders lost to the Waratahs two years before that match, preceded by a narrow win the year earlier. There was a couple of wins few years before that. But before this, the Waratahs lost every match for a decade.
This year the Crusaders have lost only three matches, whilst the Waratahs lost six. The points difference is a point of difference, with Kiwis dominating with a 156 point surplus versus the Waratahs 12 point surplus
The Waratahs beat one Kiwi team so far this season, being the Highlanders. This was the first of the last four wins in a row – the first “four-peat” in five years.
The Crusaders will be aiming to have their own four game winning streak by beating the Waratahs today, after comfortably dispatching the Force, the Blues, and Pacific Moana recently.
Tonight, is expected to be a cool cloudy afternoon, around 17 degrees. This is probably winner weather for the Canterbarians, who have never lost to the Waratahs at home in 20 years.
Defence by the Waratahs improved recently, a key reason for their win streak. The Crusaders have kept their opponents score fairly low with their typical breakdown brutality, especially against Aussie teams.
The Waratahs’ attacking prowess was in full display last week with their backs scoring a brace of smart and skilful tries. Many have been catalysed by the dynamic fullback Max Jorgensen. Today, the Crusaders will work in concert to physically and psychologically undermine him.
The Crusaders superior lineout, scrum, and loose scrum (i.e. maul, and breakdown) has been their main weapon of choice to dispatch opponents. The forwards ability to combine the basics with interlinking with their backs is the backbone of their team. Actually it is also the backbone of the All Blacks dominance. Today should be no different.
The Waratahs pack, have done fairly well so far, having bounced back from early season woes. But they will be targeted on the basics by the grizzled Kiwis.
Key matchups to watch are the outside backs who have plenty of flair and speed. In the end, the front row and backrow forward battle is where the game will be pitched, especially the hookers: the Crusaders captain Code Taylor versus Dave Porecki.
Prediction
The Waratahs performance will surprise most today I think. But the score in the end, should distinctly favour the Crusaders.
Game information
Venue: Orangetheory Stadium
Kick-off: 2:35pm (AEST)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Odds: Crusaders $1.06, Waratahs $10.00 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
Crusaders (1-15): Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Codie Taylor (c), Tamaiti Williams, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Dallan McLeod, Fergus Blake.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Seb Cader. Reuben O’Neill, Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Chay Fiahki, Will Gualter.
Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Mosese Tuipulotu, Joey Walton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen.
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Tom Lambert, Ned Hanigan, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson.
Referee: James Doleman
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.