The Chiefs and Crusaders get week 17 of Super Rugby underway in what is sure to be a preview of what we can expect in the play-offs in a few weeks’ time.
The Chiefs have already secured a spot in the playoffs, and with the Crusaders losing to the Hurricanes last weekend, they have all but secured top spot of the New Zealand conference, and most likely top spot of the overall log as well.
The Crusaders, following their shock defeat, have a bit to do now as they have tough encounters waiting for them in final two weeks, and a loss this morning could spell an away play-off match, or potentially even not making the playoffs at all.
This match should be a cracker, with both teams having it all to play for.
Chiefs: 1. Sona Taumalolo,2. Mahonri Schwalger,3. Ben Tameifuna,4. Craig Clarke (C),5. Brodie Retallick,6. Liam Messam,7. Sam Cane,8. Alex Bradley,9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow,10. Aaron Cruden,11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma,12. Sonny Bill Williams,13. Andrew Horrell,14. Tim Nanai-Williams,15. Robbie Robinson
16. Hika Elliot,17. Toby Smith ,18. Romana Graham,19. Tanerau Latimer,20. Brendon Leonard,21. Jackson Willison,22. Lelia Masaga
Crusaders: 1. Ben Franks, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Richie McCaw (c),8. Kieran Read, 9. Andy Ellis , 10. Dan Carter (vc), 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Adam Whitelock, 15. Israel Dagg,
Replacements : 16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Tom Donnelly ,19. Matt Todd ,20. Willi Heinz,21. Tom Taylor ,22. Sean Maitland
Referee: Steve Walsh
Assistant Ref 1:Garratt Williamson
Assistant Ref 2:Glen Jackson
TMO : Bryce Lawrence
Sam Cane starting this week! Against Richie. Interesting battle. This guy has a huge future if the body will last. Go Chiefs!
Come on Chiefs.
Go Rugby!
So is SBW still going back to Rugby League next year? Richard?
Go Rugga!
@Ben (Comment 4) : There’s nothing official yet.
A Chiefs win here will be good for SA
I see that Sarel Pretorius may be out of a contract soon. If anybody has Rudolf Straueli’s ear then get him to bring Sarel to Durban!!
@ChrisS (Comment 8) : You want another 9 at the Sharks that can’t pass to save his life??
@ChrisS (Comment 8) : Wait you saw what happened with Viljoen do we want to take a chance on another Kwas ?!
Saders 13 – 6 Chiefs
I’m guessing the scores are still ’0′ each.
Saders 20 – 6 Chiefs
DC 20 – 6 Chiefs
Good for my SB but not good for the Sharks.
Try Chiefs
Saders 20 – 13 Chiefs
Taumololo showing off his skills again LOL
@Original Pierre (Comment 17) :
You watching?
Half Time
Chiefs 16 – 20 Crusaders
@Pokkel (Comment 18) : yip, watching my superbru slip into oblivion . . .
So far, only 1 FL try and 4 kicks
@Original Pierre (Comment 20) : I also went with the Chiefs, but it aint over yet
@JarsonX (Comment 21) : Same here, you went with DC and Read as well I take it?
@Original Pierre (Comment 23) : Read in my starting xv but not Carter
Half time
Saders 20 – 16 Chiefs
@Original Pierre (Comment 20) :
Superbru……what’s that??
Hmmm Crusaders scrum under pressure. That`s not good news if you look at the long term picture.
Bulls will have an advantage there.
What ? Bryce Lawrence how could you give that?!
Saders 28 – 21 Chiefs
18 minutes to go.
Chief 21 – 28 Crusaders 15 min to go.
Chiefs try in the corner disallowed. He was clearly out though.
Chiefs trying to build some momentum now. Romano deservedly pinged for ruck infringement . . .
Come on Chiefs. Let’s have a draw here.
SBW you selfish idiot!
Damn.
SBW let them down. That last ball had to go wide he should never have gone alone.
FULL TIME
Chiefs 21 – 28 Crusaders
@Ben (Comment 36) : My score is Spot On!
Wrong team though . . .
Nooooooo, it should have been Chiefs by 7
I would have preferred a Chiefs win but at least I get a margin point for this game.
Well done Crusaders!!
@wpw (Comment 40) : Ag jinne Wes…gaan sny jou hare of eet ‘n gatsby!
@wpw (Comment 40) : It’s hard to decide what’s more optimistic – Sharks making it all the way to the final, or Streamers getting a 4 try bonus point against anyone?
@FireTheLooser (Comment 42) :
Look at the current SR log.
That is all…
@Ice (Comment 41) :
@wpw (Comment 43) : Crusaders or Chiefs win, doesn’t make such a huge difference to us Sharkies – but to the Streamer supporters, everyone on CT supported the Saders today