Can the Chiefs Win Two In A Row? 2013 Super Rugby Final Preview

So this is it. After many weeks of competition, it comes down to this one game.

Whatever happens, Hamilton will witness the champion adding to their collection of titles - the Brumbies would love to add to their 2 titles won in 2001 and 2004, while the Chiefs are hoping to be only the 4th team in Super Rugby history to be crowned back to back champions - and with the Final on their home turf in Mooloo country and the opposition having had to travel to and fro Canberra, Pretoria and now Hamilton in 2 weeks, it would be quite an upset if the Chiefs didn't quite make it back-to-back on Saturday.

Indeed, the scenario facing the Chiefs couldn't be any more dissimilar to their northern rivals, the Blues. When the Blues did their back-to-back titles in 1996 and 1997, they played the Sharks and the Brumbies respectively. The Sharks of course were losing finalists to the Chiefs last year. Can the Brumbies avoid the same fate that befell them in 1997 at Eden Park?

This should be a cracker of a game between undisputably the two best sides in Super Rugby this season.

Both sides will be keen to give the ball air when they have the ball in hand. Both sides also have powerful and brutal defenses - indeed it will be the battle of two rush defences with Jake White and Dave Rennie having employed those systems so effectively this season.

In fact, with the weather forecast being not so good, this may very well turn into a low-scoring encounter with defence ruling on the night.

So bring on Saturday! My tip - Chiefs by 3. Jake White is an expert coach and those Brumbies will be very difficult to beat but the travel could take its toll in the 2nd half. Rain might very well keep the scoreline close.

Teams:
Chiefs - Gareth Anscombe, Lelia Masaga/Robbie Robinson, Charlie Ngatai, Andrew Horrell, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Matt Vant Leven, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (C), Ben Tameifuna, Hika Elliot, Toby Smith.

Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ben Afeaki, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Bundee Aki, Robbie Robinson/Patrick Osborne.

Brumbies -
1. Scott Sio, 2. Stephen Moore, 3.Ben Alexander, 4Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Peter Kimlin, 7. George Smith, 8. Ben Mowen (c), 9. Nic White, 10. Matt Toomua, 11. Clyde Rathbone, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Jesse Mogg

Replacements - 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Ruan Smith, 18. Fotu Auelua, 19. Colby Faingaa, 20. Ian Prior, 21. Andrew Smith, 22. Joe Tomane