Waratahs v Crusaders, preview

[Burgs]

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.

[The EnForcer]

It's not going to be pretty.

[Burgs]

Carter, Palu out. Lyons in doubt

March 29, 2007 - 3:28pm
Story by: Sportal

Crusaders flyhalf Daniel Carter and Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu are late withdrawals from Saturday night's Investec Super 14 match in Sydney, while David Lyons is in doubt.

Carter was jarred his neck in last week's 36-11 win over the Stormers in Christchurch and after he pulled up sore at Thursday's training it was decided not to risk him this weekend.

"Dan jammed his neck a little bit in that game. Initially we thought it was an injury they call a stinger, which is painful at the time but comes right pretty quickly," Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said on the team's website.

"It turned out that it wasn't, but our medical team were optimistic all week that he would still be ready to play, which is why we named him in the team.

"We don't think he's far away - certainly that's what we're hoping, and the medical opinion supports that, but we were not about to compromise the player or the team by taking an unnecessary risk.

"For that reason, once it became clear that he was still feeling some discomfort passing to one side, we ruled him out prior to even attempting to try him in contact. Hopefully he will be ready to go again next week."

In Carter's absence, Stephen Brett will return to the No. 10 jersey where he did a sterling job for the Crusaders throughout the opening six matches of the competition.

Caleb Ralph comes in on a bench.

Meanwhile, Waratahs No.8 Wycliff Palu is also a late withdrawal from Saturday night's clash after suffering a grade one hamstring tear in training.

Palu is the fifth Waratahs back-five player to succumb to injury, joining Phil Waugh, Daniel Vickerman, Alex Kanaar and Dean Mumm on the sidelines.

"The quality of players at our match day promotional events will be at an all time high,” joked Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie. (HAHA, least he has a sense of humour still!!!)

"At this stage I’m thinking of giving (assistant coach) Steve Tuynman a run off the bench – at least he knows the lineout calls.

"In all seriousness though, we've been relying on a relatively small group of players in key positions for some time and wear and tear is inevitable."

Veteran forward David Lyons, who has been named in the second row for the first time in his career, is also in doubt after suffering a corked thigh at training.

"We're still sweating on David Lyons we'll take a look at our options when it comes to the make up of the back row," said McKenzie.

[The InnFORCEr]

Saving Dan for the Force

[frontrow]

You gotta feel for the Tahs, it is gonna be a tough night at the office...