Super Rugby Final 2011 Match preview: Crusaders vs Queensland Reds
The grand Final of the Super Rugby championship 2011 is taking place between the top spots Queensland Reds and Crusaders on Saturday July 9, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Both the sides are packed with the perfect blend of youth and experience for the new
Super Rugby champs decider contest as the sides have maintained their semi-final line-ups to claim this years’ crown.
Crusaders coach, Todd Blackadder, who insisted on an unchanged side for the big match said that, “We've had a good week here in Brisbane and the players look full of energy. It's going to be a great occasion.”
The Reds Coach, Ewen McKenzie, also expressed his confidence in the semi-final winning line-up and said, “At this stage you benefit greatly from continuity and the team we selected against the Blues did a wonderful job and deserve another opportunity.”
The Crusaders and Reds are meeting for a second time in the current Super Rugby season. The previous clash on May 29, at Suncorp Stadium ended in the Reds’ favour after a nail biting competition. Reds defeated the Crusaders by a slight margin of 17-16. The
Reds are on two match winning streak against the Crusaders; however the overall equation favours the Crusaders.
The Reds and Crusaders have met 17 times in the history of Super Rugby and the Canterbury side clinched victory in 12 matches. Meanwhile, the Crusaders have also got a little edge over the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. So far 10 matches have been played
at the venue and Crusaders have won six clashes.
The Crusaders, who played most of their Super Rugby season without their skipper, Richie McCaw, have been elevated by with his return. McCaw played a full match against the Stormers and proved his fitness for the final.
The Reds will depend on Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham and their skipper James Horwill to lead from the front. Quade Cooper is the leading point scorer for the Reds in the ongoing tournament. Higginbotham and Will Genia are also major contributors
for the Australian derby.
On the other hand, the Crusaders are looking towards Sonny Bill Williams, Sean Maitland, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter. Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams have been anticipated as a real danger for the Reds.
The Crusaders are thought to be the favourites for lifting the trophy for their brilliant bunch in the forward lines.
Both sides will enter the arena with following players:
Reds: Jono Lance, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Scott Higginbotham, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, Greg Holmes, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley.
Reserves: James Hanson, Guy Shepherdson, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Liam Gill, Ian Prior, Will Chambers.
Crusaders: Tom Marshall, Sean Maitland, Robbie Fruean, Sonny Bill Williams, Zac Guildford, Daniel Carter, Andy Ellis; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett
Reserves: Quentin McDonald, Ben Franks, Luke Romano/Chris Jack, Matt Todd, Kahn Fotuali'i, Matt Berquist, Ryan Crotty.
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