Super 15 Rugby 2013 Qualifiers: Top Players Ready to Star in Playoff Showdowns

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at Internationaled.org

Published: July 18, 2013

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After 20 punishing weeks of Super 15 action, six teams remain in the hunt for victory. Best placed to do so are New Zealand’s Chiefs and South Africa’s Bulls, after they finished first and second in the league to ensure automatic semi-final spots and, perhaps more importantly, an extra week off to recuperate.

Before those two join the action, there’s the small matter the of the playoffs to determine who they play. We’ve picked out the players likely to be pivotal to their side’s chances of success.

 

The Playoffs

July 20—Canterbury Crusaders vs. Queensland Reds, AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. K/O Time: 3.35 ET

July 21—ACT Brumbies vs. Central Cheetahs, Canberra Stadium, Canberra, Australia. K/O Time: 2.10 a.m ET

 

Matt Todd (Canterbury Crusaders)

Filling New Zealand captain Richie McCaw’s boots is no small order, but Todd has done expertly well to not just nail down a starting space but become one of his team’s key players.

The openside flanker has already thrown in close to 200 tackles this season and, according to ABC.net, has been given the nod over McCaw for the crucial playoff showdown in Christchurch. The showdown presents the perfect opportunity for him to stake his claim for a place in the New Zealand side.



The Crusaders enter the Reds playoff game seeking retribution after falling to a 18-13 defeat to Queensland in the 2011 final, and if Todd can continue to batter the opposition defence, they have a real shot.

 

Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)

The 2011 Super 15’s leading point scorer returned in his side’s 14-12 defeat to the Waratahs, and the fly-half’s form is pivotal to the Reds’ fortunes.



Cooper famously took to the boxing ring earlier this year, where he kn...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union

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