Super Rugby final preview: Chiefs vs Brumbies

The Chiefs will play host to the Brumbies for the 2013 Super Rugby final, set to take place in Hamilton, and the affair couldn’t be harder to call. 

The Chiefs will be looking to win the prestigious tournament back-to-back following their win over the Sharks in last year’s climactic final, but the Brumbies have had a spur of inspiration this year, following the wins over the B&I Lions and beating the Bulls at Loftus; but there are more things to consider.

The Chiefs have opted to stick with the team that managed to overcome the Crusaders last week, with Horrell and Ngatai holding their centre partnership which worked well against the Crusaders.

The only question mark floating is above Lelia Masaga, who scored one of the important tries in last week’s game, is bracketed before the final training to see if he is fit after a slight injury.

Jake White as also gone with the same philosophy for the Brumbies, selecting the same team that defeated the Bulls in Pretoria.

The experience of George Smith and Clyde Rathbone will be a big boost for the team, as both veterans have played in Super Rugby finals before.

Rugby Informer’s take: the Brumbies have had a fairytale season so far – defeating the British and Irish Lions and making it to the finals was a huge feat, but the Chiefs’ unpredictable yet consistent style should be too tough to beat at home. Chiefs by 10.

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Gareth Anscombe, 14 Lelia Masaga/Robbie Robinson, 13 Charlie Ngatai, 12 Andrew Horrell, 11 Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Matt Vant Leven, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Craig Clarke (captain), 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Toby Smith.
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Michael Fitzgerald, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Augustine Pulu, 21 Bundee Aki, 22 Robbie Robinson/Patrick Osborne.

Brumbies: 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Clyde Rathbone, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Scott Fardy, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Fotu Auelua, 19 Colby Faingaa, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Andrew Smith, 22 Joseph Tomane.

Date: Saturday, August 3
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.35 (09:35 GMT+2*; 07.35 GMT; 17.35 AEST)
Expected weather: Cloudy with occasional rain (50% chance of rain) and a 12km/h easterly wind. High of 16°C and low of 10°C
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro

*South African audiences