Time to start getting excited for this match. With all the hype and hoopla that has surrounded this fixture, in some ways it is disappointing that it is being played on a Sunday. A Saturday afternoon start would have meant 24 less anxious, nervous hours for me to wait. By Sunday I expect the excitement and tension levels will have built up to the point where the anticipation will be almost unbearable . Regardless, with a crowd of close to 50,000 expected I am sure that the QRU is very pleased with the scheduling of the game.
So much has been talked about the scrum contest. And yes the Crusaders should have an edge at scrum time. But the Crusaders tight forwards will also have to play very well to match the Reds front row in other facets if their team is to be competitive. The Reds front row has been a revelation in general play, and their Crusader counterparts will have to match them in this area if the Red’n’blacks are to compete in general play. The Reds pack have worked tirelessly at the tackle area, and have been adept at both securing counter-ruck turnovers, and recycling their own attacking ball with lightening speed.
I enjoyed Rod Kafer’s analysis on the Reds and Crusaders last night. As Kafer pointed out on last night’s Rugby Club, the Reds tight forwards are being used increasingly used as effective ball-runners close in to the ruck. The Reds will attack repeatedly through forward ball runners on either side of ruck, and because they know exactly which channels their team mates will be aiming for, they are very proficient at recycling ball. And when they are able to secure fast ball, and catch the defense on the back foot or outnumbered numerically, Genia is able to unleash hell through Quade Cooper and his potent backline.
One area of the game where the Reds will hold a clear, and potentially match winning advantage is at half back. Will Genia is arguably the form no.9 in SANZAR, with such a well rounded game. He directs his pack better than any halfback in the competition, has a great kicking game, a timely and accurate passing game, is brilliant defensively and poses a threat individually as a very effective and dangerous ball runner. His leadership and decision making is so important to this relatively inexperienced Reds team. In contrast, Willie Heinz is a gutsy but relatively limited journeyman. The Crusaders 3rd choice halfback (and arguably lucky not to be 4th choice given the quality of Steve Alfeld, who is in the Crusaders wider training squad and will be on the bench come Sunday), he will give 100% to the cause, and has built up a reputation as a combative and ultra-competitive scrumhalf for his Christchurch club Linwood. But he’s clearly not in the same league as Genia. Not even close. This mismatch puts extra pressure on Dan Carter to perform, who himself has only recently returned from injury and is opposing the rampant, in-form Quade Cooper.
