SUPER RUGBY FINAL, 2023 24th of June,
CANTURBURY CRUSADERS v WAIKATO CHIEFS
The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown as the Canterbury Crusaders and Waikato Chiefs prepare to face each other in the highly anticipated Super Rugby Final 2023. A clash of titans awaits at FMG Stadium, where history will be made and rugby supremacy will be contested.
Saturday, the 24th of June, 2023, marks a date etched in rugby history. The Chiefs have a chance to etch their name as the team that ended the most remarkable winning streak in Super Rugby history, while also aiming for their third victory over the Crusaders in a single season, a feat they have never accomplished before. On the other hand, the Crusaders seek to continue their dominant reign and secure their seventh consecutive title.
The Crusaders’ path to the final was paved by an emphatic 52-15 victory over the Blues, a display of their sheer power and precision at Orangetheory Stadium. The Chiefs, however, had a tougher time in their quarter-final, struggling to overcome the Brumbies with a narrow 19-6 win at Waikato Stadium. Both teams have showcased their resilience and determination, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter.
Hosting the final is a testament to the Chiefs’ outstanding performance throughout the regular season, losing only a single match. Led by the attacking talents of their consistent performers and a formidable pack led by Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick, expertly coached by Clayton McMillan, the Chiefs have proven their mettle. However, their recent struggles to break open opponents coupled with the Crusaders’ defensive dominance against the Blues and their prowess at the breakdown present a formidable challenge for the Chiefs.
The grand final is a different beast altogether, where form, momentum, and previous encounters hold little significance. The intensity and pressure escalate to unprecedented levels. The Crusaders, known for their pedigree and success, have thrived in such conditions, as evidenced by their flawless home playoff record of 29-0. Their victory against the Blues in last year’s grand final at Eden Park showcased their ability to triumph even on enemy territory.
Assistant coach Scott Hansen’s analysis and strategic prowess played a crucial role in the Crusaders’ dismantling of the Blues’ midfield. Exploiting the defensive idiosyncrasies of their opponents, the Crusaders capitalized on opportunities near the breakdown, a testament to their tactical acumen. Richie Mo’unga, a master of exploiting such spaces, stands ready to unleash his brilliance on the Chiefs’ defense, while Damian McKenzie, the Chiefs’ playmaker, poses a formidable threat of his own.
A major boost for the Crusaders is the inclusion of Sam Whitelock, the veteran lock, who has defied expectations by overcoming his troublesome Achilles injury to start in the final. Whitelock’s return provides invaluable leadership and experience to the team, as they aim for yet another championship. This match could potentially be Whitelock’s final appearance for the Crusaders before he embarks on a new chapter in French club rugby.
The Chiefs, on the other hand, are on the cusp of seizing glory after a decade of falling short in crucial moments. Coach Clayton McMillan has named an unchanged 23 for the final, demonstrating their belief in the team’s capabilities. They are eager to avenge their previous losses and capitalize on every opportunity that comes their way.
As the Super Rugby Final 2023 draws near, anticipation reaches a fever pitch. The clash between the Crusaders and Chiefs is not just a battle on the rugby field; it is a clash of rugby cultures, legacies, and dreams. Brace yourself for a spectacle of skill, determination, and unwavering passion as these two powerhouses collide in pursuit of rugby greatness. The Super Rugby Final awaits, promising an epic showdown that will be etched in rugby folklore for years to come.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (capt), Oli Jager, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O’Neill, Quinten Strange, Dom Gardiner, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki.
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber (co-capt), Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (co-capt), Pita Gus Sowakula, Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi.
PREDICTION
Are you brave enough to bet against the Crusaders winning the title one more time? Not me. I think they will want to send their senior players and coaches off as winners in what will be a wet cold night in front of a sold out stadium packed with the Chiefs fans, ringing the famous cow bells trying to bring their team home. Crusaders by a couple of points for me.
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