Muscle vs mind in the midfield

Ma'a Nonu (left) and Tana Umaga can be expected to run at the Crusaders' midfield pairing Mauger and Laulala. Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

It's power vs finesse; abrasiveness vs thoughtfulness.

That might be a shade unfair on the Hurricanes midfield pairing of Tana Umaga and Ma'a Nonu, but when assessing the strengths of the rival midfield combinations for tomorrow night's Super 14 final, it's not hard to guess what the tactical planning will revolve around.

And why not? Nonu, the Hurricanes centre, has proved himself perhaps the most formidable tackle breaker in the Super 14. No defensive line can be absolutely secure with the dreadlocked 24-year-old charging towards it.

Umaga is no stranger to Route One rugby either, so Crusaders pair Aaron Mauger and Casey Laulala won't be tossing and turning trying to figure out what strategies the Hurricanes will bring to Jade Stadium.

By contrast, Mauger is the closest thing to the thinking man's midfield back in New Zealand rugby, especially with Conrad Smith recovering from a broken leg.

A classy kicker, who can take the pressure off Daniel Carter inside him, and a player whose modus operandi is to look for gaps rather than run over tacklers, Mauger is looming as an important figure in the All Blacks' plans this year, and for next year's World Cup.

He has Laulala outside him, a player who has secured the starting centre spot only in the latter stages of the season.

Laulala was an All Black in 2004, against Wales, but went off the boil last year. He has the step to beat a tackle and might yet figure in the All Black selectors plans this year and, by extension, the World Cup.

Muscularity is not his forte, and ditto Mauger. So it's a stark contrast tomorrow night.

Bruce Robertson, the All Black centre par excellence in 100-plus games over more than a decade and now preparing Northland for the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup, knows plenty about the requirements of the midfield men.

His partnership with Bill Osborne in the late 1970s was an ideal blend of power and grace. He likes the qualities of both tomorrow night's matchups.

"Obviously the Hurricanes have their aggression and power and ability to break the line," Robertson said.

"But Mauger is quite an astute player, who reads play very well, and Casey's form has come to light at the right time."

Robertson rates Laulala's ability to break the line with his step alongside Mauger's passing, support work and kicking.

Not only is it a significant contrast in philosophies, Robertson has noted the two teams diverge along separate paths in overall backline policy.

"The Hurricanes have got the ability to break the line throughout the whole backline, whereas the Crusaders look to move the ball wide and move people around."

As for a winner, Robertson is not alone in finding it too tough to call.

"The Hurricanes are on a roll. If they're on fire and get good ball and are able to keep the continuity going, with all their good runners in the forwards and backs they'll be hard to tip over.

"The Crusaders, if they get the control and play their system, the game will tip their way. They're always so consistent. They're hard in finals."

In other words, hedge all bets.

* OTHER CRUCIAL MATCHUPS

FULLBACK

Leon MacDonald v Isaia Toeava

The form fullback of the competition, MacDonald has shown a willingness to counter-attack.

Has beaten a host of tacklers with his stepping and strength while proving as sound as ever defensively.

Rising star Toeava made a nervous start to the competition but has been part of a much-improved Hurricanes backline of late. A rocket off the mark, he shows glimpses of startling attacking ability.

FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH

Daniel Carter v David Holwell

The world's best player in 2005, Carter is widely considered the player of the Super 14. His rapier-like thrusts can open any defence, while his left boot sends the ball into orbit with his punting, and between the posts with his goalkicks.

Holwell has been an unexpected saviour for the Hurricanes. Expected to play second fiddle to Jimmy Gopperth, he has provided the steady, experienced head between world-class loose forwards and a power-packed back division.

OPENSIDE FLANK

Richie McCaw v Chris Masoe

McCaw has been as influential as ever, leading by example and winning turnovers like it's loose change. Named All Blacks skipper this month but that won't distract him from the job at hand - standing up to the hardened Hurricanes loosies.

One third of "the bouncers" loose forward trio, the muscular Masoe has shown just why he went on the Grand Slam tour. Has played every game, never turning in a quiet performance on both defence and with ball in hand.

LOCK

Chris Jack v Jason Eaton

All Blacks stalwart Jack has been the chief ball-winner all season, even more so in recent weeks when partnered by usual flanker Reuben Thorne as the Crusaders adopted a twin-openside flanker approach.

Eaton is one of the main reasons the Hurricanes have taken a step further this year, turning in a tremendous Super rugby debut season. A surprise All Blacks tourist last year, he overshadowed Jack when the teams met last month.

- NZPA