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Without wanting to be too dramatic, this is one of the most important games the Wallabies have played since the last RWC. Win this game, especially with a convincing performance, and they finish the Rugby Championship on a high. Players and fans will have something to be positive about, and the...

Agreed Baldric, regardless of the result I hope that come Sunday morning no-one is talking about the match officials, except perhaps to say how good they were.

Forget all the talk about the decline of the Springboks. This weekend’s clash between New Zealand and South Africa promises to be a wonderful occasion and should be just as intense and competitive as any previous test match between these two traditional foes. Any time the two best teams square...

Just going off what Nemani said himself in a recent interview on radio sports NZ. He attributed his safe hands and kick retrieval to his AFL background. There are a number of reasons why players can struggle under the high ball. Maybe he was down in confidence when in Australia?

There is so much to savour about this final, which should be a battle for the ages. It features traditional rivals with a history of contesting finals. The best team in the competition in 2014 versus the best team in the tournament’s history. On paper these are the two most balanced, talented...

Mods please delete if too long, just some thoughts of an excited Crusaders fan who is trying not to think ahead to a possible final next weekend... This will be the Crusaders best chance to qualify for a final since 2011. Despite being a hugely successful team, the Crusaders have suffered...

Yeah really looking forward to seeing the Lions play. Have heard so much about them during the CC, but didn't watch much of them play. Given that the depth of country's usually stays fairly static, I wonder if their rise will coincide with the decline of previously strong South African teams...

Can't see anyone other than the Blues or Crusaders winning the NZ Conference (so business as usual). The Reds were outstanding last year, playing unbelievably well at times, but I think they'll find it harder being the 'hunted' and I expect the Tahs to top the Oz conference. Stormers to top the...

The reality is that SBW has always preferred League and has always been a better League player than Rugby player. And if it wasn't for a massive falling out with the Bulldogs a few years back, he'd never have run from Australia and switched to Rugby in France. As a Crusaders and ABs fan I'll...

I love rugby, and think today's game is more enjoyable than ever to watch. However, in the spirit of this thread.. 1. Players clapping when a referee makes a decision which favours their team. What possible purpose does this serve? Is it an attempt to ingratiate oneself to the referee? I think...

I've got no problem with the name. The Rugby Championship is fine. RC for short. Like any new name for a new comp it will at first seem strange and a little odd, but we'll eventually get used to it. I'm sure if the Bledisloe Cup was unveiled today as the new name for a comp we'd all think it was...

So here's a formatted Crusaders squad. Forwards Corey Flynn Quentin MacDonald Ben Funnell Nick Barrett Wyatt Crockett Ben Franks Owen Franks Sam Whitelock. Luke Romano Tom Donnelly Ross Kennedy Richie McCaw Kieran Read Matt Todd Joe Wheeler George Whitelock Luke Whitelock...

I agree that the firs 10-15 minutes is crucial. Emotions will be running high and the ABs will be under extreme pressure. If they are slow out of the blocks and the French get a sniff, it could set the rest of the game up to be an intense, close affair. I think this will be a close, tight match...

I would have thought that stomping on any part of a player's body was both illegal, and not in the spirit of the game. Whilst I would expect every team to target McCaw's foot, I am surprised that the French defensive coach Dave Ellis said this to the media, albeit he was most likely tongue-in-cheek.

Okay, some pre-match thoughts from a nervous AB supporter. I think this is going to be an epic final. I think this will be a treat for anyone fortunate to watch it, and the only people who will be dissappointed come the final whistle will be the supporters of the losing team. Whilst my nerves...

Very happy for the Reds. They have been the best team all season and were definitely the best team last night. It's hard not to think that we are witnessing the start of a Reds' dynasty as long as Cooper and Genia stay in Brisbane.

I can't imagine.

Trying to pace myself emotionally for this match. That sounds ridiculous because I am only watching the game, but I'm trying not to burn too much nervous energy too early. Went out for lunch and didn't talk about rugby and now I think I might mow the lawn and do some gardening. If I'm feeling...

I see a lot of similarities between this Reds team and the Crusaders title winning team of 1998. Both teams were/are underrated and faced much more experienced and vaunted opposition in the final. Both the Crusaders team in 1998 and the current Reds team relied on superb team work and an...

After 20 weeks of Rugby we’re down to just two remaining teams. The best two teams. And I don’t think anyone could argue that this final will be a truly epic event. The script could not have been better written. A full house of 50,000 cheering Aussies will be on hand to support their team...