Crusaders v Waratahs: Todd Blackadder names unchanged side for Super Rugby final

CRUSADERS coach Todd Blackadder has named an unchanged side to play the NSW Waratahs in Saturday night’s Super Rugby final at ANZ Stadium.

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - JULY 26: Dan Carter of the Crusaders makes a break during the Super Ruby Semi Final match between the Crusaders and the Sharks at AMI Stadium on July 26, 2014 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)

CRUSADERS coach Todd Blackadder has named an unchanged side to play the NSW Waratahs in Saturday’s Super Rugby final at ANZ Stadium.

The teams meet for the first time this season and Blackadder says the fact they haven’t played each other in 2014 adds to the excitement of the occasion.

“We are just focused on being as prepared as we can be to put in the best performance we’re capable of,” Blackadder said.

“We know we have the game of our lives ahead of us but are not daunted by the challenge, we are looking forward to it.

“We’ve got a group of men who want this badly and who have the talent to do it.”

The Crusaders, who dismantled the Sharks 38-6 last week, are seven-times Super Rugby champions, but have gone five years without winning a title.

Minor premiers NSW have yet to secure one, having lost in their two previous finals — in 2005 and 2008 — to the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (captain), Matt Todd, Richie McCaw, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulal, Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufua, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl.

Waratahs: Israel Folau, Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne, Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps, Wycliff Palu, Michael Hooper (captain), Stephen Hoiles, Kane Douglas, Jacques Potgieter, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson.

Reserves: Tolu Latu, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Will Skelton, Mitchell Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Peter Betham.