S4, R9: Hurricanes RUFC vs. CW Crabs RUFC(vBookie)

Keen to see what happens here. Reasonably evenly matched if the ratings are to be believed.

 

Draw them into false hope when they see people talking about Hurricane's tries. Muhahaha.

 

This'll be Tuesday at 7.30pm NZT / 5.30pm AEST / 8.30am BST

Also Live.

 

Sell-out crowd expected.

 

Hopefully there'll be a bit more interest in tonight's game.

 

Analysis

Hurricanes versus Crabs

Front Row: Hurricanes <<< Crabs
2nd Row: Hurricanes >>>>> Crabs
Back Row: Hurricanes < Crabs

Pivots: Hurricanes >>>>>>>>>> Crabs
Wings: Hurricanes >> Crabs

Centres: Hurricanes = Crabs

Full Back: Hurricanes > Crabs

So, in the analysis, whilst the two teams are evenly matched on paper, the Hurricanes have a couple of areas of major superiority. They should dominate at the line out if Cattwat Smith can fire. The Crabs on the other hand will be looking to capitalise on their Front Row strength where Herr Burger has been a revelation in his debut season and Os du Toit has been on the up-and-up of late.

In the backs, Pilgrim and Ames should dominate their opposite numbers - a weak area for the Crabs. Both teams will be feeling the absence of key centres in the form of injured Gareth Weaver and John Heads.

The wings aren't an area that the Crabs are famed for, but Daniel Speirs has been a solid performer for them, and he comes up against the more flashy form of Damien Taylor - who can be destructive on his day.

Key Men:

Hurricanes - Cattwat Smith - can he get the line out feed working to allow the Hurricanes to dominate as they should at the line out, and to maximise the upside of Ed Ames' boot?

Crabs - Jake Howe - the Crabs will need their ball carrying Flanker to put in a much improved performance from last week if they are to take this game out.

 

Ames won't be a problem, he'll be off the pitch within 20 minutes. Hurricane will dust off the old brass knuckles if need be.

 

Like this pre-match analysis stuff; adds context to the clash. Perhaps can make it a regular thing, with the burden shifted about? (neutral team officer?)