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Two teams with pretty contrasting styles will square off in the 2017 Super Rugby final. Let’s have a look at the main men for both the Crusaders and Lions.
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Richie Mo’unga v Elton Jantjes
Mo’unga has enjoyed a very successful season with the Crusaders, and now with Aaron Cruden out of the All Black picture is seemingly set for a test call up at some stage. Meanwhile Jantjes had a shaky start last weekend against the Hurricanes, but came back admirably to score a try and guide the Lions’ massive turnaround victory.
Ross Cronje v Bryn Hall
Cronje wasn’t the guy that everyone would start for the Lions at the start of the season, with He-Man lookalike Faf de Klerk playing the bulk of last season ahead of him in both Super Rugby and test matches. Hall has cemented his spot as the first choice number 9 in a tight battle with Mitchell Drummond this year, meaning both teams have serious depth at halfback on game day.
Malcolm Marx v Codie Taylor
Set piece was crucial for the Lions last weekend, with the Hurricanes’ lineout being targeted constantly. Marx went about his business making sure the Lions won all their ball and scrummaged effectively, as well as powering over for a try. Taylor has had more test rugby than he would’ve thought this year, and will need that sort of high pressure experience in front of a big Ellis Park crowd.
Kwagga Smith v Matt Todd
The Lions flanker is more than just a great name, Smith has leapt from Sevens specialist to integral part of the Johannesburg side’s finals charge this season.Todd, the ‘nearly-man’ of NZ rugby, has likewise toiled away on the side of a mostly dominant Crusaders pack. Smith is dynamite with ball in hand, while Todd’s work at the breakdown has to nullified for the Lions to gain parity in that area.
Sam Whitelock v Franco Mostert
Scotty and Mils debated the merits of these two on The Short Ball podcast during the week – however that was so far as how much you’d want either man to date your daughter. Whitelock and Mostert will be far more interested in what happens at lineout time during the final, although both are solid ball carriers in the open field as well.
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