While things start to hot up in the race for the ASRL Premiership, the long awaited climax to the annual Bob Fulton Cup competition approaches quickly. The two sides that contest the Cup are from opposite ends of the top 8. The Gold Coast Crusade have enjoyed a successful season, amassing 37 competition points, where as the Destructors sit in seventh, without the promise of a finals berth. Both clubs boast impressive line ups, although the Gold Coast look likely to carry the title of favourites into the match with an extravagant halves pairing and a pair of old sharks up front.
Battle of the Backlines:
The match is sure to be hotly contested, and I anticipate that with the quality of the halves participating in the match, the backline should get a fair amount of use. The Gold Coast backline houses a throng of powerful players, with Luke Rooney, Matt King and Gordon D’arcy all present in a backline that would cause nearly any opposition fan to skip a heart beat in fear of there strike power. However, lineing up against the powerful Gold Coast backline is a group of players who I believe better the crusade backline. The presence of Brian Bower, Shaun Berrigan and Brett Hodgson will show up the crusade, and I believe they hold additional strike that will be vital if the destructors win this match.
The Halves:
There is no doubt in my mind that these halves are quality, and I believe that this battle across the pitch will be won by the crusade. In the 6 and 7 for the crusade we have the worlds best player, Andrew Johns, and an exceptional young five eight in Kevin Sinfield lining up outside him. Wollongong also houses some exceptions players, with New Zealand’s best ever number 7 Stacey Jones, and young English star Danny McGuire forming what would have to be one of the leagues best mix of experience and youth.
It is common knowledge to all ASRL coaches that Chris Walker-Bush is very impressed by young Danny McGuire, and has even tried to secure his signature on a number of occasions. It will be seen in this match, whether his interest is warranted.
The Forwards:
For me, this is a very close battle. The Crusade has the advantage in the power room, with players such as Danny Buderus and Ben Kennedy lining up for them. Two solid front rowers will also ply there trade, and workhorse second rower Steve Simpson will be at his consistent best. The Destructors match up evenly in the front row, and have a superior second row pairing, although the Destructors will be let down by the lack of a top flight hooker. The power that the Crusade possesses in the front row will be vital in getting the Crusade over the line; that is if they can contain the Destructors powerful backs.
The Bench:
The Wollongong destructors have recently taken in a very light bench into there recent encounters. 1 five eight, 2 three quarters and a half back all playing in there last encounter. All very good players, but Coach Brent Douglas will have to use them correctly if he wants success from this match. The Gold Coast bench isn’t any better, however they have the presence of 1 utility and a very strong second rower on there bench. Whilst the Destructors bench consists of better players, the crusades will be of more use. I am predicting that the Crusades bench will be of greater value in the context of this clash.
It is of my opinion that the Crusade will win this match, however not comfortably. The halves, forwards and bench are stronger for the crusade, and the Destructors backline will not be enough to win this match for them. A close match, with the Crusade coming out victors.
Nice work, Benny. You've earned yourself a bonus extension.
Hope you're spot on with your prediction, coz I could definitely use an extra extension myself :lol:
bit short aye Chris? ahhaha.
