This is the game between the two big guns in Super rugby Aotearoa and it is a mouth watering clash. This game is the game I have been waiting for since the tournament started.
Crusaders:
The Crusaders that are the favorites according too the bookies are a team full of immensely talented and hard working players. The blend of experienced and young players seams to work well for this team that has been dominating Super rugby the past couple of years. This will be their biggest test though to date with a brilliant Blues side coming to Christchurch with no intention of losing the game.
Blues:
There is not a lot to say about this tea other than amazing. The turn around that they have made from where they were a few seasons ago to where they are now. Then there is players like Hoskins Sotutu that for me has been the layer of the tournament this far and Barrett that just makes this team dynamics work. This game is going to be full of running rugby and incredible to watch.
Key match – ups:
Sam Whitelock vs Patrick Tuipulotu: The battle of the All-Black locks. These two have been integral parts of their teams success. Patrick who took on the captains responsibility this season has worn the armband and led from the front. The tackles and runs he makes is often game changing and would swing the flow of the game. If he keeps up his good form he would almost certainly be the first pick for the All – Blacks. Sam on the other hand plays a typical number 5 role for the Crusaders he is one of their key line out men and his experience helps with the difficult decision on the field. I think that Patrick is going to win this battle if you look at current form and if he does it will give his team a huge boost the get the win over the Crusaders.
Team:
Crusaders
Blues
| Starting XV | ||
|---|---|---|
| Joe Moody | 1 | Alex Hodgman |
| Codie Taylor | 2 | James Parsons |
| Michael Alaalatoa | 3 | Ofa Tu’ungafasi |
| Sam Whitelock | 4 | Patrick Tuipulotu |
| Mitchell Dunshea | 5 | Josh Goodhue |
| Tom Sanders | 6 | Akira Ioane |
| Tom Christie | 7 | Dalton Papali’i |
| Whetu Douglas | 8 | Hoskins Sotutu |
| Bryn Hall | 9 | Finlay Christie |
| Richard Mo’unga | 10 | Otere Black |
| George Bridge | 11 | Caleb Clarke |
| Jack Goodhue | 12 | Harry Plummer |
| Braydon Ennor | 13 | Rieko Ioane |
| Sevuloni Reece | 14 | Mark Telea |
| David Havili | 15 | Beauden Barrett |
| Bench | ||
| Andrew Makalio | 16 | Kurt Eklund |
| George Bower | 17 | Karl Tuinukuafe |
| Oliver Jager | 18 | Sione Mafileo |
| Quinten Strange | 19 | Aaron Carroll |
| Sione Havili | 20 | Blake Gibson |
| Mitchell Drummond | 21 | Jonathan Ruru |
| Fetuli Paea | 22 | TJ Faiane |
| Will Jordan | 23 | Matt Duffie |
Prediction:
I am going against the bookies on this one. I think that the Blues are going to have enough fire in their belly and energy in their legs on the back of a bye weekend to win this Crusaders team. This is however going to be a very close game and it is going to be decided by no more than 5 points.
Rugby dissect 
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