The Chiefs won an epic encounter considered a virtual Super Rugby 2013 final by many punters 20-19 in front of 22,000 fans in Hamilton.  This game was a reminder of the intense nature of Super Rugby semi finals with both teams having so much to play for.  The Chiefs will now host the winner of the other semi final between the Blues and Brumbies.  Here are some of my findings from this cliffhanger match.

1)  While the Crusaders were the better team on paper, the Chiefs coaching staff including Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith managed to mastermind a victory for their team which featured plenty of off casts from other teams.  The Chiefs tried to eliminate the Crusaders offloading passing game by taking the support players out of play when possible, by either tackling or blocking them.

2)  Why is it that the best first five eighth in the world, Dan Carter can't drop kick a goal to save himself?  Should we be worried heading into the Rugby World Cup 2015?

3)  I thought Steve Walsh had a good game as referee, but it seems that referees have their pet areas and those that they just don't really care about.  Some of the Chiefs lineouts were more bent than Elton John.

4)  Who was the better first five eighth, Aaron Cruden or Dan Carter?  I still feel safest going into test match rugby with Dan Carter starting, but Aaron Cruden is a great bench choice.  Carter in my book is a more consistent and proven performer, but the gap between them has closed.  If you add players like Beauden Barrett then it is obvious which country has the best first five eighths in the world.

5) Doesn't it show how important great coaches are?  I think Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith are brilliant coaches, while the Brumbies coach Jake White is also amazing.  It seems that you can have all the best players in the world, but that extra cream and cherry on top come from the coach.

6)  That thrashing that the Crusaders handed the Chiefs last time they played in Christchurch ended up providing a large incentive for the Chiefs.

7)  Why do coaches always make substitutions, even when the player being subbed off is playing well and there is only 13 minutes left?  I thought Matt Todd played well, but was subbed for Richie McCaw towards the end of the match.

8)  Dominate the set pieces and you will win!  This is an old cliche but it isn't always true when teams don't seem to kick to touch or scrum as much in modern times.  You would have to say the Crusaders did well in the set pieces.

9)  The Chiefs will now go into the Super Rugby 2013 final as favourites.

10)  I am glad that the result wasn't determined by a scrum penalty, because I believe scrum penalties should only be free kicks.

11)  Do you think we should expect more than $22,000 people for a local derby Super Rugby semi final?

Who did you pick to win Super Rugby 2013 semi finals, Crusaders or Chiefs?

Chiefs 20 (Lelia Masaga, Aaron Cruden tries; Aaron Cruden 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals) Crusaders 19 (Israel Dagg try; Dan Carter conversion, 4 penalty goals). Halftime 9-3.

http://www.superrugbytips.com/2013/07/super-rugby-2013-semi-final-chiefs-20.html