What's wrong with the Crusaders - and can it be fixed?
Toby Robson (Wellington): There are two major factors at play in the Crusaders malaise. One, they're nearing the end of a great era with Richie McCaw and Dan Carter managing their bodies and workloads and unable to simply will those around them to great feats, and fullback Israel Dagg is perennially injured. Secondly, they have stagnated in the way they play. The modern game has become about power running and offloads and they are the two things the Crusaders simply don't have in the midfield right now. Can it be fixed? Yes, but they'll need to find a first five-eighth and some physicality in the midfield next season. There remains a good young core to build around with promising futures ahead for the likes of Jordan Taufua, David Havili, Codie Taylor, Jimmy Tupou and Jone Macilai.
Liam Napier (Auckland): The empire is certainly crumbling before our eyes but there's no one problem. Predictable attack - the frustrating tendency to drift across field without straightening - and a lack of punch from the midfield have been major concerns for some time. The Crusaders should have moved Nemani Nadolo closer in, played Dan Carter at 10 and Colin Slade at fullback when they had the chance. Todd Blackadder hasn't been helped by underperforming All Blacks who are, no doubt, subconsciously thinking beyond this Super Rugby campaign. Injuries are another issue, but all sides endure. That's not an excuse. The playoffs are, realistically, gone and the expectant Christchurch public won't take that kindly. Next year also requires a massive rebuild. Challenging times indeed.
Richard Knowler (Christchurch): Inaccurate execution and a predictable game plan can be corrected - not that it will help them because they are toast as far as this season is concerned. It's far too late for rescue missions. They require a miracle to make the playoffs and a win in Nelson will only offer false hope. Their inconsistent form doesn't warrant a finals position.
Is Will Skelton Australia's next antagonistic Quade Cooper?
Robson: Yes and no. Skelton doesn't appear to have the personality to get under New Zealanders skins like Cooper did. However, he does have the size, skill and attitude to be a problem for the All Blacks in years to come. Usually when New Zealanders start talking about disliking an Australian sportsman it's because they're very good. Skelton should probably tone it down a tad after his Sydney antics against the Crusaders, but his hardnosed attitude is exactly what the Wallabies need.
Napier: Seems to be setting himself up that way. Skelton's performance against the Crusaders last week was nothing short of thuggish; his two-week suspension well deserved. Perhaps you could give him the benefit of the doubt had it been one incident, but at least three times he overstepped the mark. Skelton is a man mountain. With the right attitude, he has the potential to add a much-needed physical edge to the Wallabies pack. But someone needs to pull him aside and serve a subtle reminder that playing the fool didn't work out well for Cooper.
Knowler: It depends whether Michael Cheika considers him a frontline test player and whether Skelton can risk playing the big shot on that stage. The repercussions from acting like an unhinged pub patron at that level are much more serious. Especially in World Cup year.
Injuries excluded, if a 31-man All Blacks squad was named tomorrow who is your bolter?
Robson Two. One is Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst who has put together a mountain of evidence that he can mix his natural skills with work-rate and physicality this season. He's offering more than some more established alternatives. Two is Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo who has chewed up metres, beat defenders and played with a low error rate for most of the year. Big enough to set up phase play from the blindside and quick enough and strong enough to finish the smallest opportunities.
Napier: Can't go past Nehe Milner-Skudder's irresistible form. This kid can play. Naholo presents a compelling case but Milner-Skudder's versatility and ball playing skills, honed by a two-year stint in Sydney league, set him apart.
Knowler: As a third halfback option the Chiefs' Brad Weber warrants close scrutiny.
Highlanders and Chiefs... who ya got and why?
Robson: Highlanders, but this should be as entertaining as it is close. The Chiefs, already down on locks, will miss talisman loose forward Liam Messam who pulled out late with injury. Not playing under the Forsyth Barr Stadium roof could be a major factor for the home team if the weather closes in, but the combined kicking games of Lima Sopoaga and Aaron and Ben Smith means the Highlanders are well equipped for a territorial battle.
Napier: Even down on star power the Chiefs pack should give them the edge. Deflections don't come any bigger than Brodie Retallick and Liam Messam but this team thrives on adversity. The McKenzie brothers are sure to be motivated for their Invercargill homecoming and it seems the Chiefs are again building at the right time. After a long trip back from Perth the Highlanders may run out of puff and conditions won't favour their attacking-minded outsides.
Knowler: Chiefs by a point. The Highlanders have endured a tough three weeks on the road and their energy levels may be starting to dip. The Chiefs forwards will be up for this
