It all comes down to 80 minutes of rugby this Friday night. The equation for both teams is simple – win and progress to the semi finals. Lose and they can plan for next season and play in the Internationals or head back to Club Rugby.
The Brumbies head into the final regular season match on the back of 2 bonus point victories against the Reds and Highalnders, whilst the Crusaders are coming off a heart breaking loss after the siren loss to the Bulls in Pretoria. In addition, losses to the Stormers and Western Force have hurt their chances of playing in a semi final as they sit just outside the top 4.
The confidence amongst the Crusaders faithful in Christchurch is rather mixed, with some believing they will bounce back to winning ways, whilst some are worried the Brumbies will pull out a big one and subject the Crusaders to another loss and end their season. Questions have been asked about George Smith making it back for this one, and I have told them he wants to dance with the devil Richie McCaw one last time.
The Crusaders are taking their preparations very seriously and finalised their training with a closed training session this morning at AMI Stadium. The Crusaders are trying to regain their focus and may have something to do with news that reserve half back Kahn Fotuali’i has been stood down for failing to pass an in house alcohol breath test following the Bulls match.
The Brumbies are confident they can do what is necessary to beat the Crusaders although they will have to break a horrible record that has not seen them win in Christchurch since 2000. Added to that fact, scoring tries has also been a problem with the Brumbies not crossing the line in the Garden City since 2004.
The conditions for the game have been forecast to rain, but having been outside and nearly sunburnt today it could be a conspiracy to psychologically put the Brumbies off their game. On the other hand, this is New Zealand and the weather could change very quickly. Either way it’s aiming to be a cracker of a game – Leave work early, get to a TV or follow it online but whatever you do make sure you don’t miss this one!
BRUMBIES
Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Salesi Ma’afu, Mitchell Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Rocky Elsom, George Smith, Stephen Hoiles, Josh Valentine, Matt Toomua, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Tyrone Smith, Pat McCabe, Julian Huxley.
RES Huia Edmonds, Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Ben Hand, Colby Faingaa, Patrick Phibbs, Brackin Karauria-Henry, Andrew Smith.
CRUSADERS
Owen Franks, Ti’i Paulo, Ben Franks, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, George Whitelock, Richard McCaw, Kieran Read, Andrew Ellis, Daniel Carter, Zac Guildford, Daniel Bowden, Robbie Fruean, Sean Maitland, Colin Slade.
RES Daniel Perrin, Wyatt Crockett, Chris Jack, Thomas Waldrom, Willi Heinz, Tim Bateman, Jared Payne.
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (NZ)
Assistant referees: Josh Noonan (NZ), Kane McBride (NZ)
TMO: Ben Skeen (NZ)
