Friday, July 26, 2013

Chiefs vs Crusaders Live Stream Online

Ones to watch:

For Chiefs: It was surprising that Bundee Aki was dropped to the bench after having a strong campaign that's been consistent throughout. His place went to Andrew Horrell, who is a top player but could have been more effective wearing thirteen alongside Aki. Horrell (pictured) was a vital cog in the Chiefs' 2012 Super Rugby triumph at outside centre but has only played twelve twice so far this season. It is therefore quite an ask from coach Dave Rennie then to try and halt this in-form Crusaders midfield duo of Tom Taylor and Ryan Crotty.

For Crusaders: He will be a Chief next season but for now Tom Marshall is one of the top performers in the Crusaders jersey. Outstanding in defence while offering plenty with ball in hand in broken field, he is going to be sorely missed in Todd Blackadder's backline. Credit must to the Chiefs though - who know a good thing when they see it - as their knack of having versatile backs continues. The Crusaders will hope he causes his future team-mates plenty of problems this Saturday, which we are sure he will. Alongside Ryan Crotty and Sam Whitelock, Marshall has arguably been their most consistent player in 2013.

Head-to-head: Much rests of the battle up front and where better to focus than with two of the form props in Super Rugby, Ben Tameifuna and Wyatt Crockett. Tameifuna has taken over the try-scoring exploits of Sona Taumalola (now with Perpignan) and grabbed a brace last time out. The heavy youngster has proved almost unstoppable from close range of late and even the return of Ben Afeaki hasn't shifted the 21-year-old. Crockett meanwhile was superb in the tight last week while his break and offload for Marshall's try was out of the top drawer.

Recent results:

2013: Crusaders won 43-15 in Christchurch
2013: Chiefs won 28-19 in Hamilton
2012: Chiefs won 20-17 in Hamilton
2012: Crusaders won 28-21 in Hamilton
2012: Chiefs won 24-19 in Napier
2011: Crusaders won 25-19 in Napier
2011: Crusaders won 34-16 in Tauranga
2010: Crusaders 26-19 in Hamilton
2009: Crusaders 19-13 in Christchurch
2008: Chiefs won 18-5 in Hamilton

Prediction: Home field advantage, returning players. Chiefs to sneak it by 1!

The teams:
Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Andrew Horrell, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Matt Vant Leven, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Bundee Aki, 22 Robbie Robinson.

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Tom Marshall, 13 Ryan Crotty, 12 Tom Taylor, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read (c), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ben Funnell, 17 Joe Moody, 18 Luke Whitelock, 19 Richie McCaw, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tyler Bleyendaal, 22 Adam Whitelock.

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