Crusaders v Tahs, SXV final, Sat 1040, Seedney/Sudney

Swiwi.

End of the wait for eight vs the run for one

It’s back! No, not Swiwi’s super duper previews (but they’re back too), but the SXV final. And it seems as if the right teams have ended up in the final, with the « minor premiers » the Tahs and the 2nd placed Saders both negotiating their respective semis to make the season decider.

It only takes a hint of success to make an Australian cocky, and reading the Aussie based websites this week (GAGR, Rugbyheaven, the ROAR), there are plenty of confident Sydneysiders. It’s true that the Tahs have impressive season stats in both attack and defence, but it’s also true this is the first time they face the red ‘n’ blacks in 2014.

The Crusaders are perennial Super contenders, and this season is no different, despite an extra-ordinary (as in not very impressive at all) start to the season. That was largely due to some eclectic backline selections by coach Blackadder, but the arrival of Lote’s cousin Nadolo, the ditching of the awful Tuitavake and Lee-Lo, and the return of Dan the man from his sabbatical (extra long paid holiday) have seen a dramatic upsurge in form and results at the right time.

However, it’s not the Crusaders’ backs that hold the key to the final, but rather the stellar forward pack. Franks, Whitelock, McCaw and Read are 1st 15 ABs, Crockett is a match day 23 player, Bird & Todd flirt with the squad and only Flynn is no longer in the AB frame – but has been in good form this season. In addition, Jordon Taufau has provided great impact off the bench.

For the Tahs, it’s their backline that can cause skidmarks in Crusaders‘ fans daks. In Bernard Foley, Beale, AAC and Folau they have some classy attacking players, capable of scoring from anywhere. However, although the Tahs seem vulnerable at setpiece, theire forwards are decent enough, and surprisingly Wycliff Plau leads the SXV stats for offloads by a forward. They also have the world class Michael Hooper.

Battles to watch: 1) the lineout. Leinster fans will be intrigued to see how new recruit Kane Douglas goes against Whitelock. The Tahs lineout has been an Achilles heel this season, and in addition I wasn’t that impressed with Douglas around the field last week, and he was hooked early for the gargantuan Skelton. Skelton is thought to have limited anaerobic reserve, but certainly provides impact in the last 20, is suprisingly quick, and with a lovely offload. 2) the tactical kicking. The Crusaders have an upper hand with Slade, Carter and Dagg, but the Tahs love the ball in hand, so both sides will need to be careful ad precise. 3) the mental game. Multi-capped ABs in key positions for the away side.

How I see this game going: the Crusaders to dominate possession and territory, but may struggle somewhat to get over the chalk with the Tahs defence. Set-piece victory to the Crusaders, but the battle of the loose, and how Hooper goes will be vital for the Tahs. The tahs tob e very dangerous in the backs, the Crusaders will have to defend well. Close going into the last 20. Folau and Read to get on the scoresheet, Crusaders by 10 and under. But I wouldn’t begrudge ex-Leinster coach Cheika ad his merry men a well-merited inaugaural super title.

NB. no tables, no teams, no apologies, it's all available on-line...

Buer

I'll unapologetically state I'm supporting the 'Tahs for this one. I like to see different sides win trophies and the Crusaders have enjoyed their success already. Also, there are a couple of Leinster links for the 'Tahs not least of which could see Cheika become the first ever coach to win both the HEC and the Super Rugby titles.

I have a niggling feeling that the Crusaders will win, however. If the Waratahs do it, they'll do it on the same basis that Leinster won the HEC under Cheika, defend, defend, defend. They're more than able to strike in the back line but their pack is not too hot. Douglas, as you highlight, has not been too hot of late (Cheika's calls for him to be recalled by Australia are absolutely mind games).

Crusaders have firepower across the park. Slade has had a wonderful season and they've some old fart at 12 who looks like he can play a bit when bothered too. Throw in Ruchie and Kierun and they've the core of a top class side that is hitting form at just the right time.

The Waratah's form is actually ridiculously good but I just can't shake the notion that the messing is done and now the true class is going to step up. I hope I'm wrong.

matthew8

Waratahs should win this one I reckon. 2 terrific teams but being at home should give them an advantage.

Is that 10:40am GMT?

Swiwi.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Is that 10:40am GMT?

It's 1140 in Switzerland for the game so I took off an hour. I'm pretty sure that's the correct time. Should be 7 or 9pm Aussie time I think.

B0X

I have a fiver on the Crusaders, should make it a bit more craic!

freyners

Would like to see new names on the trophy but I wouldnt begrudge a Crusaders wi either. Think i'll remain neutral and enjoy what should be a cracking game

Judgement Day

Heart says Crusaders, head says it's too close to call but if Kieran Read is on form....Either way it should be a cracker.

JFitzpatrick92

Should be a cracking game. Think Waratahs will get an early lead, but Crusaders set piece dominance and all round experience will get them back into the game and they'll edge a win. Would love to see the Waratahs win it, especially given it's in Sydney..but head says Crusaders will pull through in the end.

.ak

Up for crusaders here.

sydthebeat

Gone on crusaders to beat the spread here.

Also a little sly bet on owen Franks to score in 80 @14/1

P_1

Will be rooting for the Tahs purely because I'd like to see Cheiks become the first coach to do the hemispherical double.

Morf

Up for Tah's.

Huge fan of Folau, Beale, Foley and AAC.

Swiwi.

P_1 wrote: »

Will be rooting for the Tahs purely because I'd like to see Cheiks become the first coach to do the hemispherical double.

There's all sorts of quirky facts associated with this game. If the Saders win Blackadder becomes the first winning captain winning coach. Also there are 5 survivors on each side from the 2008 final.

sullivlo

Is this on the telebox?

LostArt

Really looking forward to this, not too bothered who wins but have a feeling the Crusaders will be ruthless and sneak it

Deano7788

sullivlo wrote: »

Is this on the telebox?

Sky Sports 1

Kiwi_knock

I hope the Tahs win but I can see the Crusaders winning this.

Swiwi.

At least there's a crowd befitting of a final. Hopefully an attacking classic awaits us.

Swiwi.

Tahs on fire!

Kiwi_knock

Woah. What a start

.ak

Always coming after that break but crotty caught out there.

molloyjh

That pass from Beale on the near side. Wow. Great try.

ScissorPaperRock

What a try!

sydthebeat

Great line by aac, crotty a bit suspect.

8 - 0 tahs

.ak

That all came from an impatient crusaders set piece btw.

molloyjh

WTF!?

Buer

Cracking start. Crazy pace on the game. It the Waratahs can get in to the dressing room with a cushion, they can trust their defence to bring this home.

Crusaders are going to come at them though.

molloyjh

Crusaders falling off a lot of tackles here.

Swiwi.

molloyjh wrote: »

That pass from Beale on the near side. Wow. Great try.

Hello stranger! Watching a bit of SXV huh

molloyjh

Swiwi. wrote: »

Hello stranger! Watching a bit of SXV huh

Yeah figured I may as well educate myself.

Buer

Breakdown is a mess. Players making it hard on Joubert. Waratahs not securing fringes and Crusaders flooding in making it all very grey.

DDC1990

Tahs playing very well.

Crusaders really indisciplined around the fringes.

.ak

Love that.

Tries to cheap shot McCaw, gets knocked out.

sydthebeat

A point a minute for the tahs...

Crusaders must score next

Swiwi.

Time to channel that NH v Leinster vibe for my team...where's sexton when u need him.

molloyjh

God Leinster could do with AAC......

Buer

Really, really good decision making by the Tahs in defence. They shot, changed their read and drifted before gang tackling into touch.

sydthebeat

Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!

Kiwi_knock

Some lovely hands in that try

.ak

Nadolo needs to be playing 13.

Swiwi.

Matt "Sexton" Todd. Nice!

Buer

What a passage of play and game on! Waratahs will be in serious danger of running out of steam up front at this pace.

.ak

Lovely try. Should've passed the ball tho, could've been under the sticks.

Read unreal.

DDC1990

Good organization there, to get the line going for the counter attack.

Great try from the Crusaders.

molloyjh

Impressive. Haven't been in the game for 15 minutes. As soon as they do get into it they get 7.

.ak

Forward by a mile.

Buer

Penalty count mounting for Crusaders. Really costing them and Joubert will surely have a word soon. That's 4 penalties in their own half in the first quarter.

molloyjh

Tahs turn to start falling off tackles now.

sydthebeat

Crusaders need to do more up the jumper stuff

molloyjh

Harsh no? He made an attempt to roll away. He can't teleport out of there.