It’s going to be a big weekend in the finals!
Two teams have been eliminated, and only one Australian side remains for Hamilton’s shocking results. But now there’s no second chance anymore, will it win, you’re out.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, June 13th
Crusades vs. Blues
Apollo Project Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (aest)
Crusades: Jordan, Chai Fihaki, Braydon Ennoll, David Havili (captain), Cebu Reese, Rives Reihana and Noah Hotsham. Christian Rio Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackader, Antonio Charhoun, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Cody Taylor, Tamaite Williams. exchange: George Bell, Tamity Williams, Kersholl Sykes Martin, Taler Cahill, Karen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.
Blues: Zarr Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, Ioane, Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Adrian Choat, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tipulot, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusita’a. Alternatives: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, and Cole Forbes.
Official: James Dollman; Assistants: Paul Williams, Fraser Hannon. TMO; Richard Kelly
prediction: If the qualifiers between the Blues and Chiefs were big last week, this weekend’s opening semi-finals will definitely bring fireworks. Running late in the final, the Blues made sure to make the weekend come out and sneak into the semi-finals in an after-the-water lily attempt via Josh Biele, but they can’t rely on leaving late this week when traveling south to Christchurch. One of the most incredible final records in the sport, the Crusader is unbeaten at home in the final after 30 matches and is desperate to keep that record alive. With everything on the line, Vern Cotter has made Zarn Sullivan a full back, while Rob Penney has made one change to the bench. Defence is key for the Blues to make them impossible and reach the final, but given the Crusaders’ strong forward puck it’s hard to protect them from the tri-line. Crusades 7.
Odds (tab.com.au): Crusades $1.36, -6.5$1.90; Blues $3.10; +6.5$1.90
Saturday, June 14th
Chief vs. Brumby
FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, 5:05pm (aest)
chief: Sean Stevenson, Daniel Lana, Quenan Carcie, Cooling, Gallege Dyer, Wilga Myer, Wilgon Alternatives: Brody McAllister, Jared Profitt, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Karim Bossier, Xavier Law, Josh Jacombe, Gideon Ramling
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Soli and Corey are also Noah candidates, Ryan Donner. Leatapi, Rory Scott, Rob Hooper, Nick Frost, Alan Pauley, James Swellard, James Swellard. exchange: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Leli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Decan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford.
Official: Nick Berry; Assistant: Damon Murphy, Jordan Way. TMO: Brett Cronan
prediction: There’s a lot going on in Brunby, sent to New Zealand after winning qualifiers last week, but if they’re going to be the first Australian team to win a ditch in the final match, they’ll have to be behind them. Their final three seasons ended in New Zealand, and if they kick the chief from the competition, they need to produce something special. The Chiefs’ backline, which was bolstered by Quinn Tupaea’s return, was given an additional punch, but the Brumbies hope to replicate Blues’ defensive smart from last weekend and get a bulldog until the final. Chiefs up to age 5
Odds (tab.com.au): Chiefs $1.17, -10.5 $1.90; Brumbies $4.80, +10.5 $1.90