A LOOK AT THE SUPER RUGBY SEMI-FINALS
Two matches will determine the 2018 Super Rugby finalists.
The defending champion Crusaders take on the Hurricanes in an all-New Zealand clash in Christchurch.
In Johannesburg, South African Lions host the NSW Waratahs, Australia”s only surviving representatives and first semi-finalist since 2015.
* Cue perennial bleating from across the ditch on the Super Rugby format. The vagaries of the controversial Super Rugby format means the two teams which accrued the highest points through the season – the Crusaders (63) and the Hurricanes (51) – can only meet in the semi-finals, rather than the final, much to the chagrin of Kiwi rugby lovers.
* Do the Hurricanes have any chance against a team that has won 13 straight games? You betcha. They are only of only two teams to beat the eight-time champions this year, albeit it was in Wellington., The Canes have won eight of their last 12 against the Crusaders, but it would take a brave punter to back them for a win in Christchurch..
* The NSW Waratahs go Lion hunting in Johannesburg. Well, not the actual animal, but the South African conference winners. The Tahs will be outsiders but won’t lack motivation after the Lions became the first team to hold them scoreless in Super Rugby with a 29-0 drubbing in Sydney in April.
* How tough a task for the Tahs to beard the Lions in their Ellis Park den? Extremely tough. The Lions beat the Tahs in their past two clashes there before wiping them in Sydney earlier this year and have won five out of six finals matches there since 2016.
* The tryscoring battle continues. The teams bearing the top-three tryscorers have all advanced to the semi-finals. The Hurricanes’ Ben Lam was the only one of the trio to cross in the quarters, joining the Tahs Taqele Naiyaravoro on 15 – which is the equal all-time season record – with the Crusaders George Bridge remaining on 14.
* Give Gus a go. Will rising Australian referee Angus Gardner get a semi-final gig? He had another good game in the frantic Tahs-Highlanders quarter-final , earning praise from the visitors coach Aaron Mauger.