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Waratahs v Crusaders, preview
March 29, 2007 - 8:49am
Story by: Sportal
Venue & time
Aussie Stadium, Sydney, Saturday March 31, 19:40 AEST.
Head to head
Played 12: Crusaders 8, Waratahs 4
Last time
April 7, 2006 (Christchurch) – Crusaders 17-11 Waratahs.
Walking wounded & team changes
The Waratahs add a third lock to their large injury list with Dean Mumm out this week with a shoulder injury. This has forced Wallabies No.8 David Lyons into the second row. Coach Ewen McKenzie has also shuffled his misfiring backline in an attempt for more attacking options. Teenager Kurtley Beale moves to fullback, Peter Hewat goes to the wing and Sam Norton-Knight is promoted to flyhalf.
The Crusaders are in good shape, as they have been for most of the season. Robbie Deans will be happy with the way his All Blacks slotted back into the team, even if they looked predictably rusty around the edges. Richie McCaw takes back the skipper role and Kevin Senio rotates with Andy Ellis at scrumhalf, but other than that the team is the same as last week's.
Form
Not having won a game since week one has the Waratahs struggling with self-confidence and it shows in every facet of their play. They are making small mistakes that escalate into major game changing events. McKenzie has rightly tried to concentrate on the set plays as a place to try to regain some form. But even if the lineout is working the scrum doesn't seem to fire and the inexperienced forwards are getting hammered at the breakdown. It is hard to see much changing this week against the powerhouse Crusaders outfit.
With their All Blacks back the Crusaders are looking unstoppable and have registered big wins over the Bulls and Stormers. The returning internationals won't take long to gel with the team, so other contenders should be very worried of the defending champions.
Who's hot
The Waratahs were thumped last week by the Blues - the only player to really stand out was young winger Lachlan Turner, who showed some impressive skills and determination.
For the Crusaders, Daniel Carter returned to his usual high standard of play within minutes last week, while Richie McCaw was obviously the class loosie on the ground. Andy Ellis and Rico Gear, both of whom have been quiet recently, had much better matches and Ellis in particular looked far more comfortable behind a pack going forward.
Teams
Waratahs
1. Benn Robinson,
2. Adam Freier [c],
3. Alastair Baxter,
4. David Lyons,
5. Will Caldwell,
6. Rocky Elsom,
7. Tim Davidson,
8. Wycliff Palu,
9. Brett Sheehan,
10. Sam Norton-Knight,
11. Lachlan Turner,
12. Morgan Turinui [vc],
13. Lote Tuqiri,
14. Peter Hewat.
15. Kurtley Beale.
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau,
17. Matt Dunning,
18. Ben Hand,
19. Beau Robinson,
20. Josh Valentine,
21. Sam Harris,
22. Ben Jacobs.
Crusaders
1. Wyatt Crockett,
2. Corey Flynn,
3. Campbell Johnstone,
4. Ross Filipo,
5. Chris Jack,
6. Reuben Thorne,
7. Richie McCaw (captain),
8. Mose Tuiali'i,
9. Kevin Senio,
10. Daniel Carter,
11. Scott Hamilton,
12. Aaron Mauger,
13. Casey Laulala,
14. Rico Gear,
15. Leon MacDonald.
16. Ti'i Paulo,
17. Ben Franks,
18. Michael Paterson,
19. Kieran Read,
20. Johnny Leo'o,
21. Andy Ellis,
22. Stephen Brett.