The Tight Five: What we learned after the Crusaders defeat; by JAMES MORTIMER

The plaudits being given to the Waratahs are well deserved, not only the top of the table qualifier and newly minted champion, but a side that played an attractive style with ball in hand to withstand what was a mighty Crusaders effort in the end.With Investec Super Rugby now a wrap, attention turns towards the second stage of the All Blacks 2014 campaign, with a blockbuster against the Wallabies now a fortnight away.

The All Blacks will be more varied than the Australian team

If Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie had his way, he would likely select the entire Waratahs team, and while the Brumbies have as many international representatives in the Australian squad, the semi-finals and a win in the decider emphatically proved where the balance of power lies.

Core positions in the Wallabies team will come from the new title holders, it is hard to imagine Folau, Ashley-Cooper, Beale, Foley, Phipps, Palu, Hooper, Skelton, Polota-Nau and Kepu missing out on the first Australian matchday 23 for the Bledisloe Cup.

While the Crusaders were not lacking for international representation, they will be a smaller component of the All Blacks side than one would usually expect.

The additions will be considerable, from the three Smiths (Aaron, Ben and Conrad); to Ma’a and Malakai; the Chiefs trinity of Retallick, Cruden and Messam; Test hookers Coles and Mealamu; Hurricanes backs Barrett, Jane and Savea and of course Jerome Kaino.

The Wallabies will have a heavy tint of Waratah blue, but it will be an All Blacks team with representation throughout the New Zealand franchises.

The possession heavy die has been cast

A rugby purist and attack minded aficionado wouldn’t begrudge the Waratahs their first ever Investec Super Rugby championship.

After all, while there might be small differences, there was a distinct All Blacks element about New South Wales approach all season – few nations admire ball in hand offensive play like New Zealand. 

However the All Blacks, who traditionally favour such play, have adapted their approach in recent years to reliance on defence, increased focus on kicking, and a desire to counterstrike quickly as opposed to mounting up phase after phase on attack.

Yet the Waratahs operated with a strict 'keep the ball' philosophy, falling back on their preference for keeping possession throughout the season. They claimed 111 rucks to the Crusaders 42, and one wouldn’t be shocked if the Wallabies played with a similar principle.

Don’t ignore the set piece

Credit must be given to the Waratahs that their skills around the loose were strong enough to counter what was an impressive display from the Crusaders at the scrum and lineout.

All the offensive prowess in the world however can become horribly undone if a team is dominating at the set piece, and there were times when the Crusaders efficiency up front threatened to spoil the Waratahs party.

The red and blacks had a flawless 13 from 13 received in the air, while pinching three of the Waratahs throws, while the Crusaders scrum won three of the six scrums, while New South Wales were unable to successfully claim a single feed.

The All Blacks forwards will take delight from such numbers.

Hansen will back his national depth and even NZL v AUS Super Rugby record

Investec Super Rugby has been a close trans-Tasman battle this year despite suggestions of a quantum shift, the Australian Conference might have produced a new champion and engineered their best ever collective result in a season with 40 combined wins, but New Zealand supplied three teams to the Super Rugby Finals Series.

It is difficult to recall a time when Australia had two genuine contenders, and the Waratahs and Brumbies will as a consequence supply 22 players to the Wallabies 32-man squad.

The Crusaders, Chiefs and Highlanders – the three Kiwi final’s representatives – will contribute just 16 players to the All Blacks.

Fifteen players from the Blues and Hurricanes dramatically boost Hansen’s stocks, in contrast to the minimal reinforcements Ewen McKenzie receives with just ten individuals coming from the Force, Rebels and Reds.

Finally, for all of the musing of the rise of Australia and the success of the Waratahs, Investec Super Rugby’s trans-Tasman ledger was 11 wins apiece.

History from here speaks of two tales…

Consider the below and make up your own mind, the pre-cursors, be it Super Rugby or the now defunct Tri-Nations, are a mixed barometer for potential success at that year’s major tournament, whether it be The Rugby Championship, World Cup or end of year tour.

For:
1996: Blues win Super Rugby, NZ take Tri-Nations and SA tour
2001: Brumbies win, Wallabies take Lions Series and Tri-Nations
2005: Crusaders win, All Blacks take Lions, TN and Grand Slam
2007: Bulls win, Springboks win second World Cup
2008: Crusaders win, All Blacks take Tri-Nations and Grand Slam
2009: Bulls win, Springboks win Tri-Nations
2013: Chiefs win, All Blacks take TRC and perfect season

Against:
1999: Crusaders win, All Blacks take Tri-Nations but lose World Cup
2003: Blues win, All Blacks win Tri-Nations but lose World Cup
2010: Bulls win, All Blacks take Tri-Nations and Grand Slam
2011: Reds win, Wallabies take Tri-Nations but lose World Cup

This article and the stats in presents make the Tahs sound like a kiwi team playing the Boks, i.e. tahs lost set piece play but won enough lose, rucks, etc. to get sufficient ball to win the game. Sound familiar?  lol

I am looking forward to seeing the ABS pack get slapped around by the Boks. 
We just need to be wary of your backs scoring in the last 15 minutes when space opens up.

Sharkbok: same old story Bok supporters talking about their forwards slapping opposition packs around. Let's see how you do against the Argies, lol