Five key battles in Christchurch

Editor

Ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby final between the Crusaders and Lions in Christchurch, we pick out five battles that could shape the game.

Cutting the clashes down to five was a difficult job as there are tussles aplenty that will intrigue at AMI Stadium. Here’s our selection.

Sam Whitelock v Franco Mostert: The set-piece is especially vital in winner-take-all matches such as finals and that’s why we kick off at lock as Whitelock faces Mostert. Mostert has made the most lineout takes in Super Rugby this season with 98 and with Malcolm Marx – to be mentioned later – solid with his throwing, the Lions need that combination to fire. Incredibly Mostert has made the most tackles in 2018 too with 214 but comes up against a highly intelligent and effective rival in captain Whitelock. He’ll look to upset this Lions strength while putting in a typical workmanlike shift around the field. Whitelock’s combination with Scott Barrett is the best in the competition.

Codie Taylor v Malcolm Marx: As mentioned Marx has been in impressive form with his throwing this year, with a competition high 90 percent line-out success rate. Taylor is just three percent behind in that area but it’s the duo’s work elsewhere that whets the appetite, as they are both outstanding in open play. They have pace, power, dynamism and skill and right now are arguably the best two hookers in the world. Marx has scored an impressive 11 tries in Super Rugby 2018, which is the same as Israel Folau in fourth place, and with both sides having been fearsome with their driving maul this campaign, expect Taylor and Marx to be sniffing scores. A truly titanic battle up front awaits.

Richie Mo’unga v Elton Jantjies: It says a lot that Mo’unga’s form in 2018 has now put pressure on Beauden Barrett for the All Black fly-half jersey, something that would have been unthinkable last year. But, the Crusaders playmaker has been outstanding with his running and distribution causing defences ample problems. His progress from Canterbury to the Crusaders and then New Zealand has been swift and this final could be a yardstick moment. If he dominates Jantjies as he did Barrett last week then the ‘Saders should claim the title. Jantjies, meanwhile, has to be error-free as, although he played well last week, there were moments that, if repeated, would dent the Lions’ slim hopes.

Matt Todd v Kwagga Smith: Back into the pack we go and it’s the battle on the openside that should be a treat on Saturday. Matt Todd made 21 tackles against the Hurricanes in the semi-final, the most of any player last weekend; he’s now made 179 tackles for the season, which is the most of any Crusaders player. Arguably the most patient rugby player over recent years after he waited in the shadows for regular starts due to a certain Richie McCaw’s presence, but now he’s in, his game has kicked on. He faces a unique talent in Smith, whose time on the Sevens scene adds to his talents. Such pace and knowledge of space with his option taking, he’ll hope to make amends for 2017’s final.

George Bridge v Ruan Combrinck: We conclude out wide where one of the competition’s deadly finishers clashes with a Lions wing who is not to be underestimated. Bridge has 15 tries thus far this season, which is one behind leader Ben Lam, and has been one of the most improved players in Super Rugby 2018. He’s gained confidence as the campaign has worn on and we’re therefore seeing a lot more of his roaming style at the moment, which could hurt the Lions on Saturday. He faces a man who has fallen out of favour with the Springboks due to a combination of injury and form but what better time to lay down a marker than this weekend. Combrinck’s power in one-on-ones make him a serious threat.