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Super 15 Play Off QF: Crusaders - Sharks @ Trafalgar Park, Nelson (25-06-2011)
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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 413796" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>No surprise to see Michalek at 10 and Lambie at 15 again, as it seemed to be quite effective last week against the Bulls. Interesting to see both Deysel and Alberts in the Sharks starting lineup (with Kankowski and Botes on the bench). This probably in response to the wet conditions forecast, with Kankowski always much more effective on a hard ground. It is also interesting to see the Sharks have gone for a 5/2 split on the bench, which again points to a forward orientated game.</p><p></p><p>The tight-five battle is going to be key again. I see the Crusaders having an edge in this department, as they had when they played in Twickenham. The Sharks have an all Springbok front row, but the Crusaders front row of Flynn + 2 of Franks, Franks, and Crockett has dominated all season at scrum time, and have been huge around the field. A key to the Crusaders scrum dominance is Brad Thorn, who many regard as the best scrummaging lock in the world. Mtawarira and Bismark du Plessis are both key ball runners for the Sharks; I'd imagine we are going to have some big collisions between them the Crusaders tight forwards (the Franks brothers and Crockett in particular). The loose-forward battle will an interesting battle of contrasting styles. Deysel and Alberts are probably two of the most powerful ball runners in the world, while Read and George Whitelock offer a bit more at ruck time. I rate Keegan Daniel, but I feel Matt Todd has a slight edge over him on the openside flank, though this is perhaps more due to the fact that the Crusaders loose-trio hunts as a pack, which means it is far easier for them force turnovers. Overall I think the Sharks pack contains a lot more powerful ball-runners, but I feel the Crusaders should dominate at the breakdown, and have an edge at scrum time.</p><p></p><p>I feel the Crusaders have an edge in the halves, though I've always thought on his day Michalek can be as good as anyone in the world. Andy Ellis has been outstanding at halfback this season, and the Sharks will have to keep a close eye on him. The Crusaders should have an edge in the midfield, though nowhere near as much as they had when the teams first met. SBW has struggled with injury for the last 5-6 weeks and has not been overly effective when he has been on the field, while Robbie Fruean has faded badly as the season has progressed. I'd imagine Fruean will have a quite a few runs at Terblanche though, as I don't think Terblanche is overly strong on defence. The battle between the back threes could also be a highlight of the match, with both teams having plenty of pace and skill out wide. Guildford and Pietersen are probably the form two wings in the competition and face each other on one wing, while Mvovo (also in great form) faces Maitland (who is just returning from injury, but was in great form before injury) on the other wing. Lambie v Marshall is another good matchup at fullback. Though Lambie probably has an edge in this matchup, Marshall has played well for the Crusaders at fullback; he's certainly dangerous with the ball in hand, but he has made a few errors. </p><p></p><p>Overall I see the Crusaders have an edge in most departments, so I expect them to win the match. I'm picking the Crusaders to take it by 10-15 points.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 413796, member: 24910"] No surprise to see Michalek at 10 and Lambie at 15 again, as it seemed to be quite effective last week against the Bulls. Interesting to see both Deysel and Alberts in the Sharks starting lineup (with Kankowski and Botes on the bench). This probably in response to the wet conditions forecast, with Kankowski always much more effective on a hard ground. It is also interesting to see the Sharks have gone for a 5/2 split on the bench, which again points to a forward orientated game. The tight-five battle is going to be key again. I see the Crusaders having an edge in this department, as they had when they played in Twickenham. The Sharks have an all Springbok front row, but the Crusaders front row of Flynn + 2 of Franks, Franks, and Crockett has dominated all season at scrum time, and have been huge around the field. A key to the Crusaders scrum dominance is Brad Thorn, who many regard as the best scrummaging lock in the world. Mtawarira and Bismark du Plessis are both key ball runners for the Sharks; I'd imagine we are going to have some big collisions between them the Crusaders tight forwards (the Franks brothers and Crockett in particular). The loose-forward battle will an interesting battle of contrasting styles. Deysel and Alberts are probably two of the most powerful ball runners in the world, while Read and George Whitelock offer a bit more at ruck time. I rate Keegan Daniel, but I feel Matt Todd has a slight edge over him on the openside flank, though this is perhaps more due to the fact that the Crusaders loose-trio hunts as a pack, which means it is far easier for them force turnovers. Overall I think the Sharks pack contains a lot more powerful ball-runners, but I feel the Crusaders should dominate at the breakdown, and have an edge at scrum time. I feel the Crusaders have an edge in the halves, though I've always thought on his day Michalek can be as good as anyone in the world. Andy Ellis has been outstanding at halfback this season, and the Sharks will have to keep a close eye on him. The Crusaders should have an edge in the midfield, though nowhere near as much as they had when the teams first met. SBW has struggled with injury for the last 5-6 weeks and has not been overly effective when he has been on the field, while Robbie Fruean has faded badly as the season has progressed. I'd imagine Fruean will have a quite a few runs at Terblanche though, as I don't think Terblanche is overly strong on defence. The battle between the back threes could also be a highlight of the match, with both teams having plenty of pace and skill out wide. Guildford and Pietersen are probably the form two wings in the competition and face each other on one wing, while Mvovo (also in great form) faces Maitland (who is just returning from injury, but was in great form before injury) on the other wing. Lambie v Marshall is another good matchup at fullback. Though Lambie probably has an edge in this matchup, Marshall has played well for the Crusaders at fullback; he's certainly dangerous with the ball in hand, but he has made a few errors. Overall I see the Crusaders have an edge in most departments, so I expect them to win the match. I'm picking the Crusaders to take it by 10-15 points. [/QUOTE]
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Super 15 Play Off QF: Crusaders - Sharks @ Trafalgar Park, Nelson (25-06-2011)
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