3rd JUNE 2023, SKY STADIUM,WELLINGTON, NZ.
In a highly anticipated clash in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, the Canterbury Crusaders and the Hurricanes are set to lock horns in a thrilling Round 15 encounter. This showdown promises to be an intense battle, as both teams aim to secure a crucial victory and strengthen their position in the playoffs.
One of the major talking points leading up to this match revolves around Julian Savea, the joint record try-scorer in Super Rugby. Speculation is rife that this could be Savea’s final game for the Hurricanes, but departing coach Jason Holland remains hopeful of the winger’s re-signing. The off-contract former All Black has been a force to be reckoned with, and his potential departure would undoubtedly be a significant loss for the team.
Unfortunately, both Savea and fellow winger Salesi Rayasi will be sidelined for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season due to injuries. Their absence poses a challenge for the Hurricanes, especially with the Crusaders match looming. On the flip side, the Hurricanes have received a boost with the return of Dane Coles and fullback Ruben Love, offsetting the absence of their injured players.
The Hurricanes’ setback comes after Savea sustained a pectoral muscle injury while attempting a tackle against Caleb Clarke in the previous match against the Blues. Subsequently, his replacement, Rayasi, was also forced off the field due to a knee ligament injury. These injuries have dealt a blow to the Hurricanes’ aspirations of securing a home quarterfinal and have put them four points behind the fifth-placed Brumbies.
To keep their playoff hopes alive, the Hurricanes face an uphill battle. They must secure a bonus point victory against the Crusaders and hope for the Brumbies to lose without gaining a bonus point in their match against the Melbourne Rebels. It’s a challenging scenario, but anything is possible in the world of rugby.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders have had their share of injury woes as well. Midfielder David Havili, a key player in their lineup, will miss the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, loose forward Cullen Grace is set to sit out the remainder of the season with a knee injury. These setbacks have added to the growing list of Crusaders players who won’t feature in the playoffs, including All Blacks props Fletcher Newell, Joe Moody, and George Bower, as well as wing Sevu Reece.
Despite these challenges, the Crusaders remain a formidable force. Coach Scott Robertson has confirmed that Jack Goodhue and Dallas McLeod will step up in the midfield to fill Havili’s absence. The team is determined to maintain their winning streak as they face the Hurricanes in the regular season finale.
In a surprising turn of events, it was announced that Sam Whitelock, the second most capped Crusader in history, will be moving on next year to play for French club Pau. He will join his brother Luke playing at Pau. At one stage Sam, George and Luke all played for the Crusaders. Sam is the only current Crusader who has played on Lancaster Park. Lancaster Park was damaged during the Christchurch earthquakes some years ago and was demolished. This revelation has sparked reminiscing at Rugby Park, highlighting the long-standing contributions of Whitelock to New Zealand rugby. As he takes the field for his 179th game with the Crusaders against the Hurricanes, Whitelock will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
As the Canterbury Crusaders and the Hurricanes prepare for their clash at Sky Stadium, the anticipation continues to grow. Both teams are fueled by the desire to secure a victory and solidify their position in the playoffs. With injury challenges on both sides and the uncertain future of Julian Savea, this match promises to be an enthralling spectacle of skill, determination, and rugby excellence. Be sure not to miss this showdown of titans in Super Rugby Pacific Round 15.
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Daniel Sinkinson, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (capt), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Caleb Delany, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Tevita Mafileo.
Reserves: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Owen Franks, Justin Sangster, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan.
CRUSADERS: Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, John Afoa, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan
RESERVES: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O’Neill, Zack Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Louie Chapman, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Marcus Playle
PREDICTION
There will not be a lot between these sides at the final whistle, but I think the Crusaders will get home by a small margin. Crusaders by 3.5 points
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