And then there was two

The Waratahs (NSW) coach Michael Cheika has named an unchanged starting side for Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Crusaders (Saders) at the ANZ Stadium. Yes the Olympic Stadium you read that correctly. 

The hosts have last defeated the New Zealand outfit in 2004, that equates to losing their past 11 encounters. NSW led in last years encounter 22-10 in Christchurch only to lose by one point thanks to a certain Daniel Carter's boot. But they will not be phased, they are at "home"(in Australia) where they have not lost this season. Rightfully this seasons table toppers and after last weeks kicking performance there may still be a few kinks in the All Black pivots goal kicking armour.

 

The fact that the top two teams on the overall log reach the final is a regular occurrence in SupeRugby but the top two teams playing each other for the first time is somewhat mind-boggling for me. Just testament to this format of the SupeRugby season. It does bring an extra twist, a kind of test match feel to the occasion and that can't be bad, can it?

The Saders coach Todd Blackadder is expected to field the same match day 23 for consecutive weeks in fact only one change in their last 3 matches. Though Carter's goal kicking was a tad off, he will definitely be a thorn in the side of NSW.

Player to watch - Saders
Kieran Read who has been in sublime form and if NSW can keep him quiet they have a great chance to end this unwanted winning draught.

Player to watch - NSW
The leading try scorer (12) this season so far just underlines his importance in the final and he will be itching to win a first major honour since converting to rugby union. He will have a eye on Saders winger Nemani Nadolo who himself has 11 tries this term.

Official's
The experienced South African, Craig Joubert  will referee the final and will be assisted by New Zealnd born Steve Walsh and Australian James Leckie and Australian George Ayoub will be the Television Match Official.

Prediction
The form team is arguably the away side and I would ague both teams are away. Yes financially it makes sense to move to the 83 500 strong seater Olympic Stadium as apposed to 45 500 of  the Sydney Sport Stadium (Allianz stadium) but it actually nullifies that home ground feeling of invisibility the NSW would've had. I agree with former All Black Justin Marshall when he says:
"As soon as I heard that I could imagine the Crusaders thinking, "Well, that's one obstacle out of the way." "I really question the greed behind the move to the Olympic Stadium. If you're that money-hungry raise ticket prices by $5 a head next year but don't compromise a golden chance for your first Super Rugby title."
One thing you don't do is make life easier for the seven times champions and the move though makes sense to the bean counters but in rugby terms it might cost them more than they think.

Waratahs: (confirmed)
Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper (capt), Stephen Hoiles, Jacques Potgieter, Kane Douglas, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Tola Latu, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Will Skelton, Mitch Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbon, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Peter Betham (two to be omitted).

Crusaders: (probable)
Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Dominic Bird, Samuel Whitelock, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Kieran Read (C), Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Nemani Nadolo, Dan Carter, Ryan Crotty (VC), Kieron Fonotia, Israel Dagg, Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl

Jade Christopher Bentley Adams signing off (@ jcba)