tha_mai says...

rakavi187 - enjoy the match, as I intend to, as a neutral; could never support Crusaders (South Islanders! never!) or any Waikato-based team.

I'm content with Hurricanes season, better than expected, and will follow the results of Taranaki's first Ranfurly Shield defence of 2013 tomorrow at Inglewood, v King Country - the real match of the day. Inglewood population 2590, stadium 6000 sold out.

Posted 10:58 26th July 2012

sukkadoits says...

@georgesmith i disagree emphatically with your assessment of Mo Schwalger. Yes his Crusaders performance wasn't the best, but he didn't lose that game for them. His play has been awesome all year before that game, with the Chiefs having the best lineout of all teams, his ruck, tackle and run stats indicate a toiling workhorse. You seem to base your assessment on 1 bad game, I'm glad Rennie and Smith aren't so short sighted.

The Chiefs played poorly in their last game v Crusaders and if it wasn't for a wrong TMO decision or if SBW had made that last pass the result would've been different. For all their set piece dominance, the Crusaders needed a bit of luck to get them by.

It is great to see Horrell at 13. He is a complete footballer that offers more than Willison's 1 dimensional play. He lacks 13 experience, but Willison is also dodgy defending the outside edge so it is a good trade.

Posted 00:51 26th July 2012

rakavi187 says...

as a Blues fan....it's really a dilemma for who to support.

considering our history and rivalry, I'm going for the Chiefs this week.

Chiefs by 7.

Posted 21:41 25th July 2012

three6three6 says...

The pool match between the Chiefs and Crusaders was simply outstanding. The Chiefs could have come much closer on the scoreboard had they used their three man overlap in the dying minutes of the game. Expect this one to be another cracking match.

The Crusaders are the ONLY team in the last four to have won a final.... and I expect the final is likely to be between the Crusaders and the Sharks.

Posted 16:48 25th July 2012

Carpelone says...

JayStarr

Hope the Manager upstairs listens to you.

I predict the Saders, set apiece is too important in make or die games.

Posted 13:54 25th July 2012

philb87 says...

What's happend to Jackson Willison?

When he first got into the team this year, Rennie and Smith were raving about him saying that he was seriously challenging Williams and Kahui. Now he's losing out to Horrell; a man who's only played one other game at centre???

Posted 12:35 25th July 2012

Dangerous says...

Big call not starting Sam cane for this one I feel. Chiefs have to play to their best to take this. Crusaders will throw the kitchen sink at them. Winner will be the one that keeps their head because the potential for handbags and yellow cards is high. Come on chiefs!

Posted 10:09 25th July 2012

JayStarr says...

The only way this team could've been better is if Richard Kahui wasn't injured... because other than that this is their best team. From 1 to 22 they're all exactly where they should be. Perfect selection.

I know they caught a bit of a wobble after the June Internationals, but I think with the brilliant coaching team they have and the extra week they had to prepare, they would've pulled themselves together. The Crusaders on the other hand has had two easy games against the Force and the Bulls and are without Kieran Read... My money is on the Chiefs coming out firing and winning this one.

Posted 09:17 25th July 2012

georgesmith says...

M. Schwalger is the only chink in the Chiefs armour. He is an amaetur among the Chiefs. Big mistake to put him in the starting line-up. He doesn't deserve a spot in the match day 22. Earlier against Crusaders, he was so hopeless. Too many mistakes. he let the whole team down.

Posted 08:42 25th July 2012