Tips and Predictions for the final

This is now really it! We have reached that final stage in the 2005 Super 12. In fact, we reached the final match in the Super 12. Next year it will be the Super 14 with the inclusion of the Perth Western Force and who know what team from South Africa. With the current turmoil in the South African Rugby Union anything can be expected!

If you said at the beginning of the Super 12 that we would be seeing a final between the Crusaders and the Waratahs, I would have probably called you a liar. I don’t think there is any problem with the Crusaders as they are undoubtedly the best team we have ever seen in the Super 12. but the Waratahs in the final? I did not think it was possible for the Tahs to get this far.

The Crusaders are an exceptional team. I have said it before and need to say it again, I have so much respect for this team. They are so well balanced between back and front. In a number of matches this year, they seemed to play at half pace, just to accelerate when they need to score and then win comfortably. Their tight five has the big Chris Jack leading them to the fight and do not throw the very mobile Gregg Sommerville away. They also have a very well balanced loose trio with the ball-poacher-per-excellance Richie McCaw leading the team. He is supported very well by the ex-captain, Reubens Thorne and Moses Tuiali’I at number 8.

Behind the pack is a very sly Justin Marshall with Dan Carter at number 10. They form the decision making brain of the team and with the vast experience of Justin to help the young star, they are a formidable team. In centre field Aaron Mauger is a little vulnerable on defense, but with his attacking and decision making ability he more than makes up for the little glitches on defense. On the outside is the very experienced Caleb Ralph and Rico Gear with Leon McDonald is covering the back.

The Waratahs do not have the strongest front row, but there is nothing wrong with the two locks, Harrison and Vickerman. I am sure that Harrison will see that the Waratahs get enough ball and will also ensure that there is some fireworks! Phil Waugh will be taking on McCaw in the loose as he is just as good at stealing ball and at the back is the massive nr 8, David Lyons. His driving will have to be closely monitored by the Crusarers.

Chris Whitaker controls the backline from the base and the experienced Nathan Grey is in midfield. On the outside is the talented Peter Hewat who would definitely want to end off his excellent season with a win. Matt Rogers is covering at the back and will be hoping for a better effort than his previous outing. Loti Tiquiri covers the other touchline. I don’t think I have to elaborate.

Where should they play? I think the Crusaders will take the Waratahs on up front and break them down slowly. Carter will chase Rogers all over the park
And it will be important that Hewat and Tiquiri give him some real assistance. Rico Gear and Caleb Ralph is going to chase everything hard and these guys will have to be at their best. The Crusaders should have more possession in the match and that will give them a chance to kick and case a lot. I do not see them going “hand-to-hand” with Nathan Grey and Morgan Turinui.

The Waratahs are going to live off scraps and they will run it up in the backline with either Grey – straight at Mauger – or Lyons to set up the second phase. On number 10 they have Laughlin MacCay and I do not think that he is going to control the match as much as Carter. He is not going to get enough ball and neither is he quite as talented as Carter. This really looks like their weak spot and the Tahs management team will do will to come up with a strategy to plug this possible proverbial hole. If they can get the ball out wide we know what to expect.

Taking all into consideration, I think that it should be a very nice match to watch and the winning team will win by 18 points. The winner, the Crusaders of course!