georgesmith says...

All good things come to an end. R. McCaw's playing days r coming to an end. His decision making cost the Crusaders. Crusaders need to start benching him if not it will affect thhe whole team and players. T. Blackadder is affected, lack of game time and D. Carter also has ambitions to captain the team. There is a right time for everything.

Posted 09:23 29th July 2012

passtheball says...

The Chiefs have a much better chance than last time. Like the Sharks this time they traveled - SA / NZ - both ways twice - then had to face Loftus, full of mad Bull's fans while having just two of their own supporters - the coach's brother and his wife! At least the Sharks will have some expat supporters.

The Sharks wont be easy but its odds on for the home town. You can get the feeling they are like their namesake in the ocean - doomed.

Posted 01:42 29th July 2012

ABlack says...

The thing about the Chiefs this year is they have all these young and unheralded players who are just out there getting stuck in and doing the job. Defensively they have been very intense most of the time this year, which has been a failing of Chiefs sides in the past. On attack they have probably the best overall strike players in the comp( along with the Hurricanes).

If they are as intense on defence & attack equally as the semi-final game they should win against the Sharks. The Sharks are the most improved team during the comp though, so Chiefs will need to bring their A game

Posted 22:00 28th July 2012