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And then there were four - Super Rugby semi-finalists confirmed
By Online Editors
Super Rugby is nearing its conclusion and the top four teams have confirmed their respective places in the semifinals. The Crusaders and Hurricanes from New Zealand, the Lions from South Africa and the Waratahs from Australia are the teams left in contention for the 2018 crown.
Crusaders v Hurricanes, Saturday 7.35pm NZT
One final New Zealand derby will take place in Christchurch on Saturday night.
With the ledger even after two meetings this season, their third battle of the year will have extra meaning.
It's been ten years since these two last met in the playoffs, with the Crusaders taking out the 2008 semi-final 33-22 on their way to the title.
The Crusaders haven't lost since week five of this season and haven't lost at AMI Stadium in two years. Scott Robertson's men will be looking to edge closer to their ninth Super Rugby title with a win.
The Hurricanes will be hoping to send departing head coach Chris Boyd and captain Brad Shields off in the best way possible. They booked their spot in the semi-final after beating the Chiefs 32-31 at home.
Lions v Waratahs, Saturday 3.05pm SAST
The Waratahs are looking to make the grand final in their first playoff appearance since their championship season in 2014.
They will have to get past the Lions, who have made the last two finals but are still searching for their elusive first title after consecutive losing efforts against the Hurricanes and Crusaders in 2016 and 2017 respectively. They will have the benefit of playing at home for this semifinal after seeing off the Argentina-based Jaguares 40-23 in their Johannesburg quarter-final.
The Waratahs had a tougher path to the semi-final, needing a big second-half comeback to defeat the Highlanders 30-23. Three quick tries saw the Waratahs erase a 23-6 halftime deficit as they scored 24 unanswered points to emerge victorious.
The Lions and Waratahs last met in round 10 of the competition, with the Lions picking up a 29-0 victory in Sydney.
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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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