Crusaders v Sharks
Christchurch, 7.35pm
Key Crusaders: The front row has been on the rise in recent weeks. Locks Sam Whitelock and Dominic Bird have been in stellar form and will again be asked to do the job. But the big plus for the Crusaders is having not just Richie McCaw back on the flank for the match but also a fit and firing Dan Carter. Carter has not been at 100% in Super rugby for a long time but after his break he is raring to go and the Crusaders will profit from that.
What the Crusaders want: They will look for a good start and hope to find holes in a Sharks defence which at times is far from tight. An early score is very much desired - from a rolling maul, perhaps?
What the Crusaders do not want: Referee Glen Jackson targeting their front row and play at the breakdown. The Crusaders must also not lose confidence. If they go behind, the doubts about their failure in past semifinals may come to the surface.
Key Sharks: The South Africans love the set piece, and in any Jake White-coached side the onus is on doing the basics well and then defending like your life depended on it. Forwards such as Willem Alberts and captain Bismarck du Plessis will be vitally important to the Sharks cause. Halfback Cobus Reinach was noticeably quiet last week and he needs to spark if the visiting side is going to have any chance. Francois Steyn has to also be on his game. He can sleepwalk through games so needs to be bright and breezy for the Sharks to get over the line.
What the Sharks want: They probably need a chilly, wet, windy night in Christchurch where the game will be dominated by the boot and the men up front. Chances in semifinals do not come along too often and one imagines they will be few and far between for the Sharks. An early decisive score would also help.
What the Sharks do not want: An attacking duel with the Crusaders. If the Sharks kicking game is off key then it may be a long night. A calm, balmy night in Christchurch is not what they desire.
Waratahs v Brumbies
Sydney, 9.40pm
Key Waratahs: This is essentially a complete team. New captain Michael Hooper is the link between the backs and forwards. Halfback Nick Phipps has made huge strides this year and links well with Bernard Foley. There are match-winners further out in Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Kurtley Beale.
What the Waratahs want: The Waratahs play a structured game but seize on any mistake. They need to remain aggressive at the breakdown and want good front-foot ball to get their key attackers into the game.
What the Waratahs do not want: The Waratahs and Brumbies do not like each other so the Waratahs must have clear heads and not start complaining about any dodgy Brumbies tactics And it can not switch to a total kicking game.
Key Brumbies: They play a game based around quick ruck ball and not playing in their own territory. No8 and skipper Ben Mowen is a key man along with halfback Nic White. Forward Scott Fardy has also been to the fore this year. Out the back, centre Tevita Kuridrani and winger Henry Speight have been spectacular.
What the Brumbies want: They are happiest when they get their phase game going and make easy metres down the field. So they will need a clear offside line and plenty of aggression at the breakdown.
What the Brumbies do not want: They do not need the crowd to get into the game, or to give the big Waratahs attackers any room.
