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Crusaders v Chiefs - The Hard Numbers
By Sam Smith
The Crusaders host the Chiefs in an all New Zealand semi final in Christchurch this weekend where they will look to continue an incredible home finals winning streak.
The Chiefs have had the wood on the Crusaders in recent finals meetings however the Crusaders appear back to their dominant best. Read on for all the key numbers ahead of this one which is bound to be a real thriller.
- The Crusaders won 31-24 when these teams met in Round 13 this season, their first win against the Chiefs since 2014; they’ll now be looking for back-to-back wins against them for the first time since Round 14, 2011.
- This will be the third Finals meeting between these teams after they met in the semi-finals of both 2012 and 2013, the Chiefs earning wins in both but by no more than three points on either occasion.
- The Crusaders have never lost a Finals fixture when playing as the home team on the day (W17).
- The Crusaders (17m 47secs) average the most time in possession of any team so far this season, while the Chiefs (14m 19secs) average the least.
- Only Damian McKenzie (74) has beaten more defenders than David Havili (58) so far this campaign.
- James Lowe has made 37 clean breaks so far this season, four more than any other player, and has found the try line in five of his last six games against the Crusaders.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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