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Preview: Crusaders v Waratahs
Sportal.co.nz - (9/04/2010)
This battle between two of the top three teams promises to be a cracker. Although the Crusaders have history on their side, the Waratahs have been exceptional in 2010 and will push the red and blacks for the full 80.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 16 – Crusaders 12, Waratahs 4.
LAST TIME: April 28, 2009 (Sydney, ANZ) – Waratahs 13-17 Crusaders.
LAST TIME AT VENUE: April 28, 2008 – Crusaders 20-12 Waratahs (final).
WALKING WOUNDED: Andy Ellis was ruled out with concussion, so Kahn Fotuali'i moves back into the Crusaders starting XV while Chris Jack is promoted ahead of Sam Whitelock in a straight swap. Phil Waugh (quad) and Wycliff Palu (hamstring) were both included in the Waratahs squad but needed to prove their fitness before selection. Palu was cleared to play quite early in the week but Waugh was bracketed with Chris Alcock, a debutant last week, until the last possible moment.
FORM:
PAST FIVE Crusaders:
Round 4: Beat Blues 33-20
Round 5: Beat Chiefs 26-19
Round 6: Beat Lions 46-19
Round 7: Bye
Round 8: Drew with Hurricanes 26-26
PAST FIVE Waratahs:
Round 4: Beat Sharks 25-21
Round 5: Beat Lions 73-12
Round 6: Beat Force 14-10
Round 7: Beat Blues 39-32
Round 8: Beat Cheetahs 40-17
Neither of these sides has been beaten for a month, with the Crusaders ending a winning run when held to a draw at Wellington last week while the Waratahs ran off their fifth straight victory at Sydney. Although the Crusaders have had to work hard in a few of their recent matches, particularly against fellow New Zealand teams, they've been getting the job done through a combination of solid forward play and some quality attacking out in the backs. Perhpas the tactics were a little misguided last week, as the Crusaders looked unstoppable early on when the ball went wide but more limited when play was kept close to the forwards, but it was the forwards who finally bashed across for the match-levelling try. The Waratahs have played expansively recently, which has surprised a few critics, and have obtained bonus points in three of their last four matches even if two of the wins in this run have been a bit fortunate. That said, a team makes its own luck and the 'Tahs have shown an ability to cash in off opponents' errors more often than not. Confidence levels appear to be higher than for some time and while the side is still not rated among the title favourites just yet – especially on the eastern side of the Tasman - it remains a dangerous opponent for anyone; teams get to the top of the table for a reason and that's where the Sydneysiders sit going into this match.
WHO'S HOT: Owen Franks continues his rapid rise through the New Zealand propping ranks and his form this season has been consistently good. The Crusaders strong man is sure to trouble a pretty decent Waratahs scrum this weekend. Veteran Brad Thorn is playing as well as ever, offering total commitment in the tough stuff and a presence around the field. If the Crusaders can offer Zac Guildford a bit of space he will be a real menace to the Waratahs, as his dangerous running can open the tightest defence. Waratahs lock Dean Mumm is having a fine season in all areas and he offers a lot in broken play as well as the tight. He is one of the leaders in a well-performing eight and a player the Crusaders must look to contain. Daniel Halangahu has made the first-five role his own recently, solving a troublesome selection dilemma in the position as well as kicking his goals, and Lachie Turner is a well-known threat on the Waratahs wing with his speed and all-round footballing skill.
WE THINK: We believe the Crusaders should win this match, but it won't be easy. A lot will depend on the quality of possession each backline gets so, as ever, the forward battle is vitally important and our call is that the Crusaders will have a slight but telling edge here. That said, any margin above 5-10 points would be a surprise.
TEAMS:
Crusaders: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2.Ti'i Paulo, 3.Owen Franks, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Chris Jack, 6.Richie McCaw (captain), 7. George Whitelock, 8.Kieran Read, 9. Kahn Fotuali'i, 10. Daniel Carter, 11.Zac Guildford, 12.Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14.Sean Maitland, 15. Colin Slade.
Reserves: 16.Dan Perrin, 17. Ben Franks, 18. Sam Whitelock, 19. Thomas Waldrom, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Adam Whitelock, 22. Jared Payne.
Waratahs: 1.Benn Robinson, 2.Tatafu Polota-Nau, 3.Al Baxter, 4.Dean Mumm, 5.Kane Douglas, 6. Ben Mowen, 7.Phil Waugh or Chris Alcock, 8.Wycliff Palu, 9.Luke Burgess, 10.Daniel Halangahu, 11.Drew Mitchell, 12.Berrick Barnes, 13.Rob Horne, 14.Lachlan Turner, 15.Kurtley Beale.
Reserves: 16.Damien Fitzpatrick, 17.Sekope Kepu, 18. Will Caldwell, 19. Dave Dennis, 20.Josh Holmes, 21. Tom Carter, 22.Sosene Anesi.
No captain was named but Waugh will lead the side if he plays.
REFEREE: Craig Joubert
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