Super 15 insider: Elimination finals

Sports Editor at Large·NZ Herald·

24 Jun, 2011 01:59 AM3 mins to read

The Super 15 season ends for two of these teams this weekend. Photo / Getty Images

Herald rugby writer Dylan Cleaver looks ahead towards the Super 15 elimination finals and whether both New Zealand teams will advance.

BLUES v WARATAHS

Auckland, tonight, 7.35

Referee: Chris Pollock

THE MATCH:

The Waratahs started the year with a bang. Heard that one before? This was shaping as their year. What, you've that one before too? They started to falter against teams that could match and exceed their physicality. Let me guess, you've heard that one too? In the end, the Waratahs had to go back-to-back to sneak into the playoffs, something they did with aplomb, smashing the Highlanders and Brumbies. They might struggle without Tatafu Polota-Nau, replaced Manly shopping mall security guard Elvis Taione, and Luke Burgess.

The Blues have abandoned the yo-yo effect of recent years and instead went on a long winning run before a troubling four-match losing streak from May 13 to June 11. Having finally settled on Stephen Brett as their best option at No 10, the Blues look poised to win a trip to Brisbane.

WHAT TO WATCH:

According to the All Black coach, the signalled move of Kurtley Beale into first five-eighths could be a red herring. Beale has been arguably the most potent attacking force in the Super 15 this year and has been hard to track, even harder to stop, when chiming in from the back. Henry feels that attacking thrust might be lost if he plays at No 10. Phil Waugh disagrees. "Kurtley's been unbelievable, I think, in the last month," Waugh said.

"He's feeling good, we're all feeling good every time he's got the ball in his hands, so obviously the more that happens, the better."

TIPS:

Mike Greenaway (Natal Mercury): Blues