THE CRUSADERS’ WINNING record in Super Rugby is downright scary but, with each passing season, the New Zealanders’ aura dims ever so slightly.
Between 1998 and 2008, the Cantabrians won seven Super Rugby crowns. Possessing a squad full of proven All Blacks stars, the Crusaders stream-rolled their way to three titles in four seasons before a New Zealand golden age was replaced by one for South African teams.
2011 was the last time the Kiwis reached the final and they fell short, that day, to a Will Genia-inspired Queensland Reds side. The Chiefs, who would go on to win the title in 2012 and 2013, knocked them out at the semi final stage two years running.
With Richie McCaw [thumb and rib] injured for much of the season and Dan Carter’s sabbatical only ending a month ago, Todd Blackadder’s side have relied on the likes of Colin Slade, Dominic Bird, Matt Todd and Ryan Crotty [occasional and newcomer internationals], as well as a 10-try regular season contribution by Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo.
Crusaders won three of their last four games to claim a home semi final, something Sharks boss Jake White has openly complaimed about. White’s contention is the fact that the fixture list saw Crusaders avoid matches against the league-leading Waratahs and the Bulls [ninth place] in Durban.
White, who led South Africa to the 2007 World Cup, has infused Sharks with a bristling confidence and a belief in a forwards-driven game that relies heavily on set-piece rugby. The South Africans have been Super Rugby bridesmaids on four occasions without ever hitching themselves to the main prize. They will, however, take confidence from a 34-25 away win over Crusaders in Christchurch.
Back on 17 May, Sharks beat their hosts 30-25 despite playing 54 minutes with 14 men and 10 minutes with 13. S’bura Sithole and Kyle Cooper scored tries that day at AMI yet both men start on the Sharks bench. It is a sign of the squad depth that may well see White’s men buck history and win a Super Rugby semi final on their travels.
Verdict: Crusaders.
Australia’s finest
Michael Cheika coached the Waratahs to the top of the regular season table and will be desperate to add the Super Rugby trophy to his Celtic League, Heineken Cup and Shute Shield [Randwick] success stories.
‘Tahs out-half Bernard Foley has enjoyed an excellent season while Kurtley Beale is proving dangerous in various backline positions as Israel Folau owns the 15 jumper. Second row Kane Douglas is off to Leinster at the end of the season but will be hoping to delay his departure for Dublin by an extra week.
Check out the ‘Tahs evocative ‘Doing it for New South Wales’ promo ahead of the semi-final:
Brumbies come into the game battle-hardened after disposing of Highlanders last weekend. Henry Speight and Jesse Mogg [surplus to Wallabies' requirements] were on the score-sheet while the Brumbies pack excelled at line-out and maul time.
The form guide gives few clues as to who will win this one. ‘Tahs have a better overall record [13 to 11] but Brumbies have won three of the last five outings. The average scoreline between the sides is 24-22 to the Waratahs. The hosts beat Brumbies 39-8 as recently as 28 June and will be confident of repeating the victory even if the final score turns out to be much, much closer.
Verdict: Waratahs.
The first semi-final [Crusaders v Sharks] will be shown on Sky Sports 1 from 8:25am on Saturday morning. Waratahs v Brumbies immediately follows, from 10:25am on the same station.
