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Brumbies v Crusaders, preview
April 27, 2007 - 10:02am
Story by: Sportal
Venue & time:
Canberra Stadium, Saturday April 28, 19:40 AEST.
Head to head:
Played 14 – Brumbies 6, Crusaders 8.
Last time:
May 12, 2006 (Christchurch) – Crusaders 33-3 Brumbies.
Walking wounded & team changes:
Laurie Fisher must have been cheered by the return of Stirling Mortlock. His match-winning centre returns this week following a long lay-off but obviously needs to be up to top speed immediately. George Smith keeps the captaincy, which suggests Mortlock won't see out the 80 minutes. Mortlock's return to outside centre sees versatile back Adam Ashley-Cooper shift to the right wing, with Peter Playford going back to the reserves bench. Julian Huxley stays at fullback, while Clyde Rathbone is still sidelined with a knee injury.
Crusaders centre Aaron Mauger returns from a groin strain and Michael Paterson from a broken rib. Scott Hamilton is back on the wing in place of Rico Gear and Reuben Thorne is back at flanker.
Form:
The Brumbies won last week against a determined Force outfit stretch their winning streak to four matches and maintain their push for the finals. However, they have only scored 19 tries this season – fourth lowest in the competition - so they will need score points and defend remarkably well if they hope to overcome the potent Crusaders attack.
The Crusaders did not take a bonus point last week after getting five five-pointers in a row but still won a torrid physical battle with the Hurricanes to move to the cusp of a home semi; a win this weekend will almost certainly ensure that. Playing in Canberra is no big deal for the Crusaders, who have won there three times including the 2000 final.
Who's hot:
Both teams were industrious rather than inspired last week. The Crusaders made plenty of errors under pressure and a lot of ball was spilled in tackles, while the Brumbies were much the same without having to go through the physical bashing that the Crusaders took. Defensively, both teams were excellent and tackled superbly. Perhaps the outstanding figures were Reuben Thorne, Ross Filipo and Rua Tipoki for the Crusaders, while Jeremy Paul, George Smith and Gene Fairbanks all worked hard for the Brumbies, while George Gregan proved what a valuable commodity he is for the Brumbies with a general's role.
Teams:
Brumbies:
1. Nic Henderson,
2. Jeremy Paul,
3. Guy Shepherdson,
4. Adam Wallace-Harrison,
5. Mark Chisholm,
6. Jone Tawake,
7. George Smith (c),
8. Stephen Hoiles,
9. George Gregan,
10. Stephen Larkham,
11. Mark Gerrard,
12. Gene Fairbanks,
13. Stirling Mortlock,
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper,
15. Julian Huxley.
16. Saia Faingaa,
17. Salesi Ma’afu,
18. Richard Stanford,
19. Julian Salvi,
20. Patrick Phibbs,
21. Peter Playford,
22. Francis Fainifo.
Crusaders:
1.Ben Franks,
2. Corey Flynn,
3. Campbell Johnstone,
4. Ross Filipo,
5. Michael Paterson,
6. Reuben Thorne,
7. Richie McCaw (c),
8. Mose Tuiali’i,
9. Kevin Senio,
10. Daniel Carter,
11. Caleb Ralph,
12. Aaron Mauger,
13. Casey Laulala,
14. Scott Hamilton,
15. Leon MacDonald.
16. Ti’i Paulo,
17. Ben May,
18. Kieran Read,
19. Johnny Leo’o,
20. Andy Ellis,
21. Stephen Brett,
22. Rico Gear.
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