Both sides are loaded with All Black talent so this one should be an absolute belter of a final.
Saturday 24 June
Chiefs | Draw | Crusaders
Odds TBA*
The Chiefs put in a gutsy display in last weekend’s semi-final showdown with the Brumbies. In a cagey affair, Damen McKenzie once again stole the show with the All Black Utility back nailing three penalties and a conversion as well as sparking Brodie Retallick’s try.
While there’s a load of debate surrounding Beauden Barrrett versus Richie Mo’unga for the starting 10 national jersey, another composed showing from McKenzie in a high stakes game must have him firmly in the mix for start at fly-half.
Speaking of the Mo’unga versus Barrett debate, Richie came out on top last weekend when they two pivots squared off in the other semi-final. Barrett was a shadow of himself in the fixture as the Blues were hammered 52-15 by the Crusaders, with Mo’unga pulling the strings at fly-half.
Taking a look at the previous encounters between the sides this term, the Chiefs won both fixtures running out 10-31 victors in Christchurch and 34-24 victors in Waikato. While they do have the psychological edge when it comes to recent head to heads, it must be noted that the Crusaders are a team who knows how to get the job done in finals rugby with the Cantabs winning 11 of the 15 finals they have been involved in,
In terms of team news for this one, the Crusaders are still without long term absentees David Havilli, Ethan Blackadder, Zach Gallagher, Sevu Reece and Cullen Grace amongst a long injury list, while All Black lock Sam Whitelock is touch and go for this one. The Chiefs, on the other hand, have a pretty clean bill of health headed into the Grand Final and should be able to select their strongest side
I said the Crusaders injuries would catch up with them last week and they didn’t as they ran rampant against the Blues. I really do think they will this weekend, however. I don’t think that alone will be enough to see the Chiefs to a comfortable win and I reckon this game will be tight. My money is on the hosts taking it by no more than three points.
Chiefs to take the win.
