What will be the key matchups in the Super 14 semi's this weekend?

Question

what players and positions will be crucial to give their franchise the edge and put them through to the final and why??

Answer 1

Watch the battle up front in Sydney that will be the test.  See if Tah's improvement in the pack can sustain itself agin the big Jaapies.

Answer 2

They're all key, it's the semis! Can't wait..

Answer 3

The No 7 battle for the Saders Canes match will be huge, If Masoe can smuggle some ball the Canes will have a better chance of catching the crusaders on the back foot. Same applies for Mc Caw. Also Nonu / Bateman will be big, bateman will have to step up and stop the line breaks or the Canes will run rampant. Still I give the game to Crusaders by 8.

Answer 4

I reckon it will be between Nonu vs Bateman. If Nonu is able to break the crusaders line and get the canes on the front foot then they will dominate if not the class of McCaw and Carter will steer the 'saders into another final.

Answer 5

I see the Referee having a major impact on this game, and he will be looking at McCaw without a doubt, especially at the breakdown.

Matchups... Has to be McCaw vs the Hurricanes loosies,

they will target him legally and other off the ball ways.

Eaton vs Williams, should be a cracker that match up.

Crusaders backline is not on a par with the Hurricanes backs, depending on how Carter plays, he to me is the key

for the Crusaders.  Most significant factor will be the Referee, and who gives away the most penalties.

Answer 6

Hurricanes v Crusaders 10 Match ups

1) The Front Row - With Tialata on the bench for the canes, the crusaders will have too much experience. Yoda's aka (Greg Somerville) Jedi powers will be to much for the less experienced canes props. Look for the crusaders to domin8 the first 50min. Also look for a good match up between the 2 Hookers, h**e v Flynn.

2) Locks - Crusaders = 2 Hurricanes = 1 Thrush not in the same league as Thorn, Williams and Eaton, Crusaders to have the upper hand.

3) Loosies - Speed v Power, Read, Richie & Tuiali'i v J.C, Masoe & So'oialo. To close to call an out right winner, could be determined by the weather. Expansive or Physical?

4) Halfback - *KEY MATCH UP* More than a place in the final is on the line here. Despite what's been said, a black jersey is up 4 grabs. Weepu to come out on top, he has more to prove.

5) 1st 5 8ths - D.C to experienced & classy. "Watch and learn Willie Ripia, your day will come".

6) 2nd 5 8ths - *KEY MATCH UP* Ma'a Nonu simply holds all the cards, containing him will be difficult, It might only take one of his characteristic line breaks to win the game for the canes. Interesting move by Deans to play Bateman ahead of Brett.

7) Centre - * KEY MATCH UP*  Laulala v Smith, Conrad had a good game against the Blues last week, Casey has been in good form all season. This is shaping into a good match up, Laulala to win the battle but Smith to win the war!

8) Wings - Whoever gets most involved will win this match up.

The only thing the wingmen will catch if they stay stand on the touchline waiting for the ball is a cold. Danger time for Crusaders when Hosea Gear goes on one of his roving commissions.

9) Fullback - Both will be tested under the high ball and on defence, all comes down to who can hold their nerve longer. My money is on MacDonald, he's done this all too many times before.

10) The Bench - Both Teams have some serious strike power to come off the bench, with the likes of Tialata, Waldrom, Gopperth and Tamati Ellison for the Canes, and Thorne, Brett and Maitland for the Crusaders. It's going to come down to a matter of timing, "Don't hit the nitrous button to early"!

Overall Prediction: Book your tickets for Sydney, there's going to be a Super 14 Grand Final there next Weekend!

Crusaders: 13 Hurricanes 15