Radike Samo v Kieran Read
The best of Read is easy to miss, but not Samo. The New Zealand No 8 is the workhorse of the pack and does a lot of hard graft that goes un-noticed.
As Richie McCaw battles age and injury, Read - the captain in waiting - has become even more vital to the cause. He produces smashing tackles, with a die-for-the-cause attitude that epitomises the best of Crusaders rugby. But is Read at his best? Probably not, as he is still making
his way back after an ankle injury.
The massive Samo is obvious to one and all, especially with his wild haircut. At 35, he is still athletic enough to be used as wing cover by Australia. Samo could be a match turner if he gets the half gaps from which to launch his runs. He reduced the turps consumption and gave rugby a renewed lash, becoming a weapon of destruction for Ewen McKenzie's revitalised Reds.
Samo is a bit of a test luxury and nothing like Read in regards to work rate, but Australia need line-breaking capabilities and Samo turned out to be the right man in the right place.
