1 MUSCLE UP
They are called the Sharks, and they are exactly that: strong, vicious and will eat you alive if you are half asleep. That is why the Chiefs need to stand tall, especially at set-piece time. The Sharks have a mighty scrum but the Chiefs have also been not too bad in this department, if a tad inconsistent. They will need to be at their best tomorrow night.
Their lineout has also been wonky in the past few weeks and captain Craig Clarke's return will help that cause.
It is a bit like saying young Ye Shiwen is not a bad swimmer, but the winner of this match is going to be the team which is better at slowing down the other's ball.
The Sharks have plenty of speed in their pack, and plenty of youth. They stifled the Stormers last week and that is not an easy thing to do.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie must have been greatly tempted to move Liam Messam to No 8 and bring Sam Cane into the starting line-up. Cane is surely too good a player to be on the bench for a big final.
The Sharks are tigerish at the breakdown and have won games from their ability to turn ball over and slow the opposition down.
If the Chiefs are going to win they need to stop this happening. Big games are going to have to come from the likes of Tanerau Latimer, Messam and young All Black Brodie Retallick.
3 GIVE IT TO THE MAIN MEN
The Chiefs have been revitalised this year by a lot of people and things, but two main men have contributed most to the success: Aaron Cruden and Sonny Bill Williams. They have got the side on the front foot in most of their games and when the heat is on, they have come to the party.
Cruden has been the form No 10 of the competition and his running game has grown throughout the season. He is more than delivering on his early promise. His goal-kicking has also been top notch.
Much has been written about Williams, about his exploits on and off the field, but he has been the most devastating back in the competition this season.
His ability to get past defences and then offload the ball have set up many Chiefs tries, and more will be expected tomorrow night.
If the duo bring their A+ game to Hamilton tomorrow night, and get plenty of ball, the Chiefs will be mighty hard to beat.
