Pack clash key in S14 final

2008-05-29 10:36

Christchurch - The Crusaders and the Waratahs face off in a classic showdown for the Super 14 rugby crown on Saturday.

"It's going to be an epic," said Crusaders coach Robbie Deans, the most successful coach in the history of Super rugby.

In a match laden with All Blacks and Wallabies, Waratahs assistant coach Steve Tuynman sees the final as one for the purists with the two best packs in the competition vying for supremacy to lay the platform for victory.

"There's no question that the battle up front is going to be huge and it's going to go a long way to deciding who finishes on top," he said.

The Crusaders and Waratahs have proved themselves the two best teams in the competition this year, as demonstrated by their overwhelming superiority in the semi-finals.

The clash carries more than the usual emotion of a grand final as Deans signs off a stellar nine years as the Crusaders' coach in which they have been the Super champions four times and beaten finalists twice.

Semi-final

It's also the end of the road for the most successful Waratahs' coach Ewen McKenzie, but unlike Deans who crosses the Tasman to become the new Wallabies coach, McKenzie does not have a job to go to.

Both sides have made one change to their semi-final winning line-ups, both of them at hooker.

Ti'i Paulo suits up at No 2 for the Crusaders after Corey Flynn broke his arm when the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 33-22.

It is better news for the Waratahs, with the return of first choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau after a hand injury ruled him out of their semi-final when they beat the Coastal Sharks 28-13.

Two players likely to be central to the outcome are the Crusaders flyhalf Daniel Carter and the Waratahs line-out giant Daniel Vickerman.

Carter showed in the semi-final against the Hurricanes that he is back to his best after five weeks sidelined through an ankle injury.

Tougher opposition

With his tactical kicking, tackling and running with the ball, he neutralised the 'Canes strong points and exploited their weaknesses.

Carter was quick to point out his job was made easier by the dominance of the Crusaders' forwards, an area where they can expect much tougher opposition from the Waratahs.

Vickerman is a master in the air, controlling kick-offs and line-outs to ensure a solid source of clean ball for flyhalf Kurtley Beale.

The Waratahs already sense an added advantage with novice hooker Paulo taking the Crusaders' line-out throws.

"Vicks (Vickerman) will be trouble for them if he's not up to the throwing," said Waratahs flanker Rocky Elsom.

"It's not just a couple of throws, but getting it right for the whole game. Once you miss a few throws you start to second guess yourself."

Round robin

History is against the Waratahs with their only win from eight matches in Christchurch coming five years ago when they thumped the Crusaders 43-19.

The losses include the 2002 drubbing 19-96, the 2005 Super 12 final 25-35 and this year's round robin match 7-35.

"We haven't had a good track record here, but it means very little come on Saturday night. So we're not intimidated by that record," captain Phil Waugh said.

Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis said that during training this week they have spent "more time on the computer terminal" analysing the Sydneysiders' playing style and formulating a game plan.

"It's more of a mental approach now, building slowly for the weekend and being ready to fire on Saturday night."

- AFP