2 teams, 46 players, 1 winner
The 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa champion will be crowned tonight. Paul Cully looks at the match-day squads and analyses who will have the edge.
15. Will Jordan: Can beat defenders for fun but in the past couple of weeks he has improved in the parts of the game he doesn’t find so easy. Defence is the key, and if he nails it he can be world-class. 8
14. Sevu Reece: A far better year from the explosive finisher who continues to deceive defenders with his pace off the mark. 7.5 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku: The Crusaders’ standout back this year in terms of adjusting to a newish role and getting them over the gainline. 7.5
12. David Havili: Would prefer to be playing at No 15 but he has muscled up and is taking so much heat off Richie Mo’unga. 7.5
11. George Bridge: Not at his peak after a long injury layoff. Class is permanent though, and he’ll really click at some point. 7
10. Richie Mo’unga: Loves the big stage and normally produces a game-turning piece of magic when it matters most. 8.5 9. Mitchell Drummond (pictured): Enjoyed some strong form in first half of the season but there is an argument that neither of the Crusaders’ No 9s has been at their absolute best. 6.5 8. Cullen Grace: Second-season syndrome has hit hard for the young flanker who still looks better in the No 6 jersey. 7
7. Sione Havili Talitui: A standout for Tasman, the tough No 7 has found the step up to Super Rugby a sizeable one. 6
6. Ethan Blackadder: Brings incredible energy every time he plays after a tough run of injuries. Must be close to an All Blacks callup. 8
5. Sam Whitelock: He has been the standout lock in New Zealand rugby once more. When the Crusaders’ backs are against the wall, they look to the big man. 9
4. Scott Barrett: The perfect time to find some form, because he has been quiet by his own standards. Working hard but hasn’t dominated. 7.5
3. Michael Alaalatoa: The Crusaders scrum bullied the Chiefs in Christchurch earlier this year, but they’ll be expecting a tougher clash. 7.5
2. Codie Taylor: The best player in Super Rugby Aotearoa this year. There can’t be a fitter front-rower in the country. 9
1. George Bower: Put on a lot of weight quickly at the end of the last year and hasn’t been as dynamic around the paddock. But that won’t be where he is judged on Saturday.
We say: The Crusaders have the edge, but only just.
The Chiefs have found a rich vein of form in the second half of the season and even during their loss to the Blues last weekend you could see the belief and desperation coursing through what was effectively their B side.
However, the Crusaders are nearly unbeatable in Christchurch, and will feel that the presence of Richie Mo’unga at No 10 gives them the advantage. Warriors Codie Taylor and Sam Whitelock are also set for influential roles as they defend their Super Rugby Aotearoa title. 15. Damian McKenzie: Back to his brilliant best as a fullback, and better as an option at No 10 than he was a few years ago. The dangerman. 9
14. Jonah Lowe: What’s not to like about the Hawke’s Bay wing? Tough, and can finish an opportunity. Underrated. 7
13. Anton Lienert-Brown: Career-best form in terms of the influence he is having on those around him. Certain to start in the All Blacks midfield. 9
12. Alex Nankivell: Another player in the Jonah Lowe category – doesn’t always get the credit he deserves. Runs hard lines. 7 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo: Brilliant footwork and is coming off his wing to look for work more often. Not much in his duel with Sevu Reece. 7.5
10. Bryn Gatland: If there is a gap between the two sides it’s at No 10. Form has improved in recent weeks but pressure today will be the real test. 6.5
9. Brad Weber (pictured): A strong all-round game these days. TJ Perenara’s move to the Roosters could create more opportunities in the black jersey and some will say that it’s about time. 8 8. Luke Jacobson: Do the Chiefs fancy their chances in the back row battle? Jacobson was one of the best in the country before concussion struck again. 8
7. Lachlan Boshier: His breakdown feats for Taranaki against Canterbury in Christchurch last year will be giving the home fans some sleepless nights. 7.5
6. Pita Gus Sowakula: If he can get his hands on the ball, he can be one of the players who cracks the game open. Positional shift isn’t easy, though. 7.5 5. Mitchell Brown: Always empties the tank but is small for a lock and his discipline can be questionable at times. 6
4. Tupou Vaa’i: The best young lock in New Zealand this year, and a crucial ball-carrier for the Chiefs. 8
3. Angus Ta’avao: Has roared back into his best form and will not be missing injured Crusader Joe Moody one bit. 7.5
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho: A defender’s worst nightmare with ball in hand, but this will be the biggest test yet of his lineout accuracy. 7.5
1. Aidan Ross: The turnaround in the Chiefs scrum has been remarkable and the big Bay of Plenty man has been central to that. 7.5 Reserves:
Bradley Slater 6, Ollie Norris 7, Sione Mafileo 6.5, Naitoa Ah Kuoi 7, Zane Kapeli 6.5 ,Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi 6.5, Rameka Poihipi 6.5, Chase Tiatia 7.