Waratahs face Crusaders test |
http://www.sina.com.cn 2005/04/01 19:11 Shanghai Daily |
The New South Wales Waratahs' venture into unknown territory will meet hostile opposition tomorrow when they take on the Canterbury Crusaders in a Super 12 match in Sydney. The Waratahs' recent 42-14 win over South Africa's Bulls was their fifth in as many matches, keeping them top of the standings and equaling their best-ever start to a Super 12 season. But their attempt to move beyond the five-win mark will face a major obstacle in the Crusaders, freshened by a bye last week, who remain at test-match strength and who have scored 171 points in four games. The only adjustments to the Crusaders team which savaged the Auckland Blues in its last start are in the reserves, where Fijian Vilimoni Delasau and All Blacks No. 8 Sam Broomhall strengthen a powerful unit. The Waratahs will again be without Wallabies utility back Mat Rogers but retain the clear attacking threat of fullback Peter Hewat who scored 34 points last week and has 64 points, including four tries, from four starts. The Waratahs have long been one of the most enigmatic teams in the Super 12, showing both promise and strength on paper but often faltering after strong starts. They have made the semifinals only once in nine years and are aware a loss to the Crusaders might be one of the turning points after which previous seasons have gone awry. "Everyone is fully aware that the big tests are in front of us," said Wallabies flanker Phil Waugh whose clash with Crusaders captain Richie McCaw will be one of the match's individual highlights. "This week is probably a benchmark game to see where we are at in the competition." Auckland has been ravaged by injuries and suspensions, and more particularly by poor form ahead of its clash with the defending champion ACT Brumbies tomorrow. A bye last week allowed the Blues time to recover from a 19-41 drubbing by the Crusaders but their selection problems are serious. All Blacks pivot Carlos Spencer has been dropped for Tasesa Lavea. Spencer's form this season has been erratic and Lavea has been a steadying influence when he has taken the field from the bench. All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina will move into center outside Lavea. Lock Ali Williams, inside center Sam Tuitupou and scrumhalf David Gibson were suspended for their roles in a rucking incident in the Crusaders match, further weakening a troubled team. Tomorrow's match is the first clash between the Brumbies and their former coach David Nucifora, sacked after leading the ACT to the Super 12 title last season. He's now a technical adviser to the Blues. Flyhalf Stephen Larkham said the Brumbies were aware of, but were not overstating, Nucifora's influence. "We haven't spoken about it at team meetings, but I'm sure Nussy has something up his sleeve," he said. In other matches, the Hurricanes host the Waikato Chiefs in Wellington today. The Chiefs have made seven changes after their loss to the Queensland Reds which followed an upset win over the Blues - their only win of the season to date. The Otago Highlanders travel to Brisbane to play the Reds today after good wins in South Africa over the Sharks and Cats. (The Associated Press) |