Crusaders take on Sharks in second quarter-final of Super Rugby - Match Preview
The Crusaders are all set to go up against the Sharks in the second quarter-final of Super Rugby at Trafalgar Park, in Nelson, on June 25.
The first quarter-final of current Super Rugby was played yesterday on June 24, between the Blues and Waratahs in Auckland where Blues made it through to the semi-finals. The Crusaders are hosting the South African derby, Sharks, which qualified for the
play-offs after winning their last round match against the Bulls by 26-23 on June 18.
New Zealander conference, Crusaders, ended up third at the point tables and 1st among the other home teams. Despite large scale injuries, the Crusaders remained impressive with good performances throughout the Super Rugby championship. They remained
victorious in 11 games and played on match draw after 16 outgoings in the season.
On the other hand, the Sharks hardly managed to qualify for the quarter-final stages with 10 victories in the whole season. However, they handled the pressure well in the later part of the round matches and won their last match in knock out position.
Both sides have made a few changes to their squad for the crucial game. The Crusaders have been boosted with two major returns for the upcoming match. Sean Maitland, who missed the last six matches of Super Rugby, will be available for the Crusaders after
a long injury outing. Sonny Bill Williams will also make his way back into the side after missing the last game due hip injuries.
The Crusaders will be relying on incoming Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Robbie Fruean and Brad Thorn. Meanwhile the Sharks will be looking towards Frederic Michalak, Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo and their skipper Stefan Terblanche.
The Crusaders have got a psychological edge over the Sharks as the overall equation favours them heavily. The Crusaders have won 13 matches out of 17 games they have played against the Sharks, whereas the Sharks grabbed only three victories. The Crusaders
won the last match against the Sharks in the ongoing Super Rugby season by 44-28.
Teams:
Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis; Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Quentin McDonald, Ben Franks, Luke Romano, Jonathan Poff, Kahn Fotuali'i, Matt Berquist, Ryan Crotty/Brent Ward.
Sharks: Patrick Lambie, JP Pietersen, Stefan Terblanche (c), Meyer Bosman, Lwazi Mvovo, Frederic Michalak, Charl McLeod; Willem Alberts, Jean Deysel, Keegan Daniel, Alistair Hargreaves, Gerhard Mostert, Jannie du Plessis, Bismarck du Plessis,
Tendai Mtawarira.
Reserves: John Smit, Eugene van Staden, Ross Skeate, Ryan Kankowski, Jacques Botes, Adrian Jacobs, Louis Ludik.
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