Legendary Wallaby predicts potential twist when Waratahs host Crusaders

Legendary Wallaby Tim Horan believes the NSW Waratahs “can potentially cause an upset” when they take on the Crusaders in Sydney on Friday evening. The Tahs beat the Crusaders twice last season and will need to repeat those heroics to keep their finals hopes alive.

After winning seven Super Rugby titles in as many years, the Crusaders missed the playoffs last season, having lost 10 of their 14 matches. Two of those defeats were against the Tahs, including an all-time classic at Allianz Stadium on April 12.

Another chapter will be written in this long-lasting rivalry when the two sides go head-to-head at that very same venue on Friday night, which is an incredibly important fixture for both teams, with the playoffs only a few weeks away.

The Crusaders are looking to bounce back from a tough 35-19 loss to the Chiefs in Christchurch, with the visitors scoring 32 unanswered points to win that top-of-the-table clash. If the Crusaders lose to Tahs, then their chances of a top-two finish will take a real hit.

Then there’s the Waratahs, who are also looking to return to winning ways, having gone down swinging to the Queensland Reds last week, which was their first loss at home this season. With the Tahs sitting in eighth place, this is a must-win game for Dan McKellar’s side.

“Three games left for the Waratahs. No Joseph Suaalii of course, he’s out for the next three matches for the Waratahs,” Horan said on Stan Sport’s The Call Up.

“Three games left, what can they do? I still think they can make the top six, but you’re going to have to win at least two of their next three games. They go Western Force next week as well, then they’ve got the Blues at home in Auckland.

“Big challenge for Dan McKellar and his team. First game they lost last week against the Queensland Reds at home, so they do have a fortress there. They knocked off the Chiefs earlier in the year so they’re a chance against the Crusaders.”

As Horan referenced, the Tahs will be without Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who requires a minor operation on a fractured jaw. Suaalii will be reassessed four weeks after the surgery, but Tahs coach McKellar doesn’t expect the code-hopper to miss any Wallabies Tests.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

31

35

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

The forced omission of Suaalii has prompted a slight reshuffle in the outside backs, with Andrew Kellaway shifting to fullback, while one-Test Wallaby Darby Lancaster returns to the starting side on the left wing.

Captain Jake Gordon will partner Tane Edmed in the halves, then there’s the likes of Rob Leota, Miles Amatosero and Angus Bell who have been named in a star-studded forward pack who will pack down against an All-Star Crusaders side.

All Black George Bell is back for the Crusaders off the bench. Tamati Williams, Ioane Moananu, Cullen Grace and Christian Lio-Willie are among those starting in the forwards. It’s a formidable side, which also includes 64-Test Wallaby James O’Connor in the No. 22 jumper.

While recent form, the loss of Suaalii and the strength of the Crusaders’ matchday 23 count against the Tahs, Horan is anticipating an upset at Allianz Stadium, and it could go a long way to saving the home side’s season.

“I think the Waratahs can potentially cause an upset here,” Horan added.

“The way Dan McKellar has got his team humming at home, struggling away from home, just went down to the Queensland Reds last week.

“I think the home ground advantage will go for the Waratahs.”