Bookies back the Crusaders

2008-05-29 11:33

Cape Town - Bookmakers have installed the Crusaders as overwhelming favourites to win a remarkable seventh Super 14 title against the Waratahs in Christchurch on Saturday.

Kick-off is 09:35 SA time.

Leading bookies Ladbrokes have the Crusaders as 2/7 favourites while the Waratahs can be backed at 14/5. A draw after 80 minutes is on offer at 20/1.

In the handicap odds, Ladbrokes believe the Crusaders will win by eight points.

In their clash earlier in the competition - in Round Six and also in Christchurch - the Crusaders ran out comfortable 34-7 victors.

Both teams have made a single change from their semi-final-winning starting XVs with Crusaders No 2 Corey Flynn ruled out of the match and replaced by Ti'i Paulo while for the Waratahs, Tatafu Polota-Nau has been passed fit and replaces Adam Freier, who returns to the bench, in the hooker position.

Teams:

Crusaders:

15. Leon MacDonald, 14. Kade Poki, 13. Casey Laulala, 12. Tim Bateman, 11. Scott Hamilton, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Andrew Ellis, 8. Mose Tuiali'i, 7. Richie McCaw (captain), 6. Kieran Read, 5. Ali Williams, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Greg Somerville, 2. Ti'i Paulo, 1. Wyatt Crockett.

Replacements: 16. Steve Fualau, 17. Ben Franks, 18. Reuben Thorne, 19. Nasi Manu, 20. Kahn Fotuali'i, 21. Stephen Brett, 22. Sean Maitland.

Waratahs:

15. Sam Norton-Knight, 14. Lachlan Turner, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Tom Carter, 11. Lote Tuqiri, 10. Kurtley Beale, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Phil Waugh (captain), 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Daniel Vickerman, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Al Baxter, 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1. Benn Robinson.

Replacements: 16. Adam Freier, 17. Matt Dunning, 18. William Caldwell, 19. Beau Robinson, 20. Brett Sheehan, 21. Matt Carraro, 22. Timana Tahu.

- Sport24