The Reds:
There is no doubting that they are having the best season in their history. Coach Ewen McKenzie has been working his magic for them since late 2009 and it seems to be paying dividends...but for how long? There half back pairing has been the main focus this season as Will Genia and Quade Cooper have been destroying the opposition. The have finished top this season and have earned a week off. The Reds have been losing semi finalists three times in their history, the last being in 2001, and will be looking to cap a top of the log season off with the trophy.
The Stormers:
It is great to see that they have built on their good performance from last year. They are looking much better and their combinations and depth will help. They have lacked the deadly finishing of Bryan Habana but they have been able to cope without him... and he aint done yet. They look solid up front and look deadly out wide... Cape Town has been patiently waiting for this trophy for some time. Losing finalist in 2010, they will be looking to go one better and have set themselves up perfectly for it.The Crusaders:
The seven time champions have made it into the knock out stages...yet again. Their experience on this end of the tournament will be crucial to them making the final. The have had by far the most disruptive and emotional season ever and their is no doubt that they will want to prove to everyone that they can overcome it and win this tournament, not only for themselves but in memory of all those who lost their lives in that tragic earthquake. They have produced some of the best running rugby this season and will have to thank their powerhouse forwards for that clean ball. Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Fruean are all desperate for this.
The Blues:
They dominated in the first two years but since then have played second fiddle to the Crusaders. They have turned their season around and will be looking to take their forward momentum and capitalise. The have struggled at fly half but Stephen Brett seems to be settling nicely with Luke McAlister outside him. Jarred Payne and Kevin Mealamu have both had solid seasons. With three wins and one runner up they will be looking to win and start challenging the Crusaders.The Waratahs:
Two times runners up, the Sydney based Waratahs have sneaked into the knock out phases of the tournament. Fair enough they needed some results to go their way but they're in and are going to show their true fight now. They have been playing second fiddle to the Brumbies in the Australian SupeRugby pissing contest and we all know how big that rivalry is. With the nerves of the last week gone and the focus of the Blues this weekend who knows what they will dish up.The Sharks:
They did their utmost to finish seventh this season after a great start. Eventually head coach John Plumtree knocked some sense into the players and they sneaked into the wildcard spot, I just don't think sneaked is the correct word here. If ever the Durban boys needed any motivation or belief they got it last weekend against the Bulls. They have a solid team with a few of the bigger names only coming into their own now. The young shoulders of Pat Lambie have been carrying this team the entire season. They will never forget and will be looking to make amends for their last minute loss to the Bulls in 2007. If they are to do it they are going to take the toughest road traveled as they won't be playing at home again this season. Tweet
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