THE BIG MATCH
History favours the home side … the Hurricanes have beaten the Crusaders just the once at AMI Stadium – a 41 – 29 cracker of a game in 2001. Christian Cullen scored two tries that day with two other handy players, Jonah Lomu and Tana Umaga, also chiming in with tries. The Canes drew 18-18 in 1999 in Christchurch with Cullen again scoring a brace. More recently, the Hurricanes lost the semifinal 22-33 in Christchurch last year and who can forget the Fog Final in 2006? The Crusaders won that day 19-12.
Expect some running rugby … the Crusaders and Hurricanes have played each other 15 times in Super rugby history with 11 wins to the Crusaders, three wins to the Canes and the one draw. The two sides have played attacking rugby in that time, with some big scores posted. The Crusaders have averaged 27 points in all games against the Hurricanes with the Canes averaging 19 points.
Crusaders of the future on show … Get to The Big Match early to see the up and coming rugby talent from Christchurch play. St Bede’s will play Christ’s College in the Secondary School Tens curtain-raiser. Kick off is 6.05pm. There will also be plenty of activities for junior rugby fans – with the R80 Rugby Zone interactive rugby playground up and running on the concourse.
Grassroots support … If the Crusaders have an extra spring in their step, they can thank the AMI Stadium turf for it – the playing pitch at AMI Stadium has been redeveloped recently with real grass grown in strips on a synthetic base which can be dropped in and pulled out as needed. Drainage is vastly improved and any heavy wear areas damaged during games or concerts etc. can be easily replaced.
Mate against mate … Thomas Waldrom v Rodney So’oialo will be one of the key match ups of The Big Match. Waldrom moved from the Hurricanes to the Crusaders this year and Friday’s game will be the first time they have met in opposing Super 14 sides. It’s not only So’oialo that Waldrom has to look out for … older brother Scott, the Hurricanes loose forward, will also be looking to give his bro the hurry up.
Other New Zealand matches – Week 3 (NZ Time)
Fri 27 Feb 9.40pm, Waratahs v Highlanders, Sydney
Sat 28 Feb 7.35pm, Chiefs v Sharks, Hamilton
Sun 1 Mar 6.10pm, Stormers v Blues, Cape Town
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