//Getty Images
|
Preview: Hurricanes v Crusaders
Sportal.co.nz - (1/04/2010)
The Hurricanes have now dropped four in a row and it doesn't get any easier with the best of the New Zealand sides coming to town. The Crusaders have named their strongest line-up and it's hard to see them dropping this one.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played 18 – Hurricanes 4, Crusaders 13, drawn 1.
LAST TIME: February 27, 2009 (Christchurch) – Crusaders 24-30 Hurricanes.
LAST TIME AT VENUE: March 28, 2008 – Hurricanes 13-20 Crusaders.
MATCH ODDS: NZ TAB (Opening odds): Hurricanes $2.50, Crusaders $1.50.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Hurricanes welcome two All Blacks into the starting XV; Piri Weepu has been promoted from the bench and Hoseea Gear has recovered from injury. Corey Flynn’s ankle, which had previously been diagnosed as sprained, was correctly identified as being fractured during the week and his Super 14 season is over. Dan Perrin, who played five matches in similar circumstances last year, comes into the squad as his replacement. Apart from that, the Crusaders have named what most would consider to be their strongest possible side.
FORM:
PAST FIVE Hurricanes:
Round 3: Beat Lions 33-18
Round 4: Lost to Cheetahs 12-28
Round 5: Lost to Stormers 13-37
Round 6: Lost to Bulls 18-19
Round 7: Lost to Sharks 26-29
PAST FIVE Crusaders:
Round 3: Beat Sharks 35-6
Round 4: Beat Blues 33-20
Round 5: Beat Chiefs 26-19
Round 6: Beat Lions 46-19
Round 7: Bye
The Hurricanes are on a slide that may well prove to be terminal at present and have dropped the last four matches after opening with three wins. They’ve already slipped into the bottom half of the table and still have the bye to come, so this game – hard as it is – becomes vital. The side has been in positions to win its last two matches but its own failings have eventually cost both games; similar mistakes against the Crusaders will lead to that sorry tale being told for a third week running. Apart from that shock loss to the Reds (it was a shock at the time but the Reds are better than most people thought this year) the good ship Crusaders has been ploughing ahead steadily in 2010. They worked hard to overcome both the Chiefs and Blues before letting the second-stringers have a run against the Lions, with some senior players coming into that game late to secure the fifth point. This is the Crusaders last match against New Zealand opposition this year, so they’ll be more than keen to finish with a whitewash of the other local sides.
WHO'S HOT: Andrew Hore gets a mention nearly every week in this section, but his form warrants it. There is no harder trier in the whole side, and few who can play at such a consistently high level on a weekly basis. Michael Paterson, whether at lock or blindside flanker, is another who can be relied upon each time out. Aaron Cruden made a huge difference when he came on last week, opening the Sharks defence several times, but the Crusaders will be aware of the threat he poses and will close those channels down more quickly. Conrad Smith continues to play at the highest levels and the Hurricanes backline, which has not fired yet despite his best efforts, would be lost without him. Daniel Carter goes into this match on 996 Super rugby points and should become just the second player, after Stirling Mortlock, to break the thousand mark. His form has been up to its usual high standards this year. Colin Slade has been used as a utility this year and has played well everywhere he’s been asked to fill; although he may be without a settled position he always gets one of the low numbers when the side is announced. Ti’i Paulo, now the Crusaders top rake, has been going strongly this year and is responding well to the increased responsibility while this match, which should be a rugged forward battle, will suit Brad Thorn to a nicety.
WE THINK: Although it’s a home game for the Hurricanes, we think the Crusaders will take it by 10 points or so. They’re not fussed about playing in Wellington and have had the ‘Canes number for some time now, with 10 wins since 2002, and the difference in current form meant this was a relatively easy call to make.
TEAMS:
Hurricanes: 1.John Schwalger, 2.Andrew Hore (captain), 3.Neemia Tialata, 4.Jeremy Thrush, 5.Michael Paterson, 6.Victor Vito, 7.Karl Lowe, 8.Rodney So’oialo, 9. Piri Weepu, 10. Willie Ripia, 11. Hosea Gear Andre Taylor, 12.Ma'a Nonu, 13.Conrad Smith, 14.Tamati Ellison, 15. Cory Jane.
Reserves: 16.Dane Coles, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18. Bryn Evans, 19.Scott Waldrom, 20. Tyson Keats, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Jason Kawau.
Crusaders: 1. Wyatt Crockett, 2.Ti’i Paulo, 3.Owen Franks, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6.Richie McCaw (captain), 7. George Whitelock, 8.Kieran Read, 9.Andy Ellis, 10. Daniel Carter, 11.Zac Guildford, 12.Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14.Sean Maitland, 15. Colin Slade.
Reserves: 16.Dan Perrin, 17. Ben Franks, 18. Chris Jack, 19. Thomas Waldrom, 20. Kahn Fotuali'i, 21. Adam Whitelock, 22. Jared Payne.
REFEREE: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Pass It On
0