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Crusaders v Hurricanes (Final) |
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Written by Site Admin
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Friday, 26 May 2006 |
 VS 
Saturday's finale to the inaugural Rebel Sport Super 14 has all the hallmarks of a classic final with the home town defending champions, the Crusaders, facing a rejuvenated Hurricanes side playing in its first final.
VENUE & TIME: Jade Stadium, Christchurch, Saturday May 27, 19.35 NZT.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 13 - Crusaders 9, Hurricanes 3, Draws 1.
LAST TIME: April 1, 2006 (Wellington) - Crusaders 20-11 Hurricanes.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Crusaders go into the match without one of their finds of the season, halfback Andrew Ellis, who damaged the medial ligament in his right knee during the semifinal last weekend. His is the only notable absence from the home side.
FORM: Dealing to the Bulls, the Crusaders were at their clinical best and are a classic example of peaking at the right time. Their win over the Brumbies a week earlier had more lessons than last weekend's semifinal. The ability to absorb all the pressure the Brumbies could mount for 70 minutes and then unleash some superb action in the last 10 minutes said it all. The Hurricanes have been through some demanding build-up as well with games against the Waratahs on successive weekends. They were two different matches but which demonstrated the qualities they have developed this year. Now it is a case of marrying those two defensive and attacking styles to provide the sort of challenge needed to win the final.
WHO'S HOT: Second five-eighths Aaron Mauger demonstrated his readiness not only for the final, but the international season ahead in the semifinal while inside him Dan Carter continues to be a shining light for the Crusaders not only in his personal play but in choosing the side's tactical direction. Flanker Richie McCaw will have to fight a determined Hurricanes loose forward unit but has risen to that challenge so many times in the past. Fullback Leon MacDonald has again impressed with some key touches recently while wing Rico Gear looked hungry for tries in the semifinal. Midfield backs Tana Umaga and Ma'a Nonu combined well again against the Waratahs while flanker Chris Masoe had an especially big semifinal. Lock Paul Tito's return was noticeable in the lineouts to supplement partner Jason Eaton.
WE THINK: Favouritism must rest with the Crusaders, for their special abilities at this level alone. They have completed an outstanding campaign with their only areas of concern being in the front row and at halfback where Ellis' loss will be felt. The extra time he provided for Carter could be missing in the final. The Hurricanes have strength in those specific departments but it is in the elimination of mistakes and indiscipline, areas that they have handled well this year, in the crunch situation of a final that will determine their fate.
TEAMS:
Crusaders: 1 - Wyatt Crockett, 2 - Corey Flynn, 3 - Greg Sommerville, 4 - Chris Jack, 5 - Ross Filipo, 6 - Reuben Thorne, 7 - Richie McCaw (Captain), 8 - Mose Tuiali'i, 9 - Kevin Senio, 10 - Dan Carter, 11 - Scott Hamilton, 12 - Aaron Mauger, 13 - Casey Laulala, 14 - Rico Gear, 15 - Leon MacDonald.
Reserves: 16 - Tone Kopelani, 17 - Campbell Johnstone, 18 - Johnny Leo'o, 19 - Tanerau Latimer, 20 - Stephen Brett, 21 - Cameron McIntyre, 22 - Caleb Ralph.
Hurricanes: 1 - John Schwalger, 2 - Andrew Hore, 3 - Neemia Tialata, 4 - Paul Tito, 5 - Jason Eaton, 6 - Jerry Collins, 7 - Chris Masoe, 8 - Rodney So'oialo, 9 - Piri Weepu, 10 - David Holwell, 11 - Shannon Paku, 12 - Tana Umaga, 13 - Ma'a Nonu, 14 - Lome Fa'atau, 15 - Isaia Toeava.
Reserves: 16 - Luke Mahoney, 17 - Joe McDonnell, 18 - Luke Andrews, 19 - Thomas Waldrom, 20 - Brendan Haami, 21, Jimmy Gopperth, 22 - Tamati Ellison.
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan.
Touch judges: Craig Joubert (reserve referee), Tape Henning.
Television Match Official: Jerome Fortuin.
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