Super Rugby final New Zealand view: Kiwis expect physical battle in Super Rugby final

NZ-EYE VIEW: The Kiwi press has come to terms with the fact the Chiefs will face the Brumbies and is piecing together a possible outcome.

George Smith

NOW that the Kiwi press has come to terms with the fact that the Chiefs will be facing the Brumbies not the Bulls, it's starting to piece together a possible outcome.

There's still some tired talk of the travel factor, but for the most part they are expecting an intensely physical encounter.

The Brumbies out-bullied the Bulls in Pretoria and there's every chance they'll do the same to the Chiefs.

Writing for the Otago Daily Times, Jeff Cheshire says a tight game could play more into the hands of the Brumbies, "who prefer to employ a kick and chase game plan anyway."

"They will have to make sure they get this right against the Chiefs though, as the Chiefs have the players to punish them on the counter attack should they kick inaccurately," he wrote.

"Both teams have their fair share of game breakers, with Brumbies pair Henry Speight and Jesse Mogg among the most dangerous attacking players in the competition. Aaron Cruden is key for the Chiefs and is adept at putting his runners into gaps, making anyone running off him a threat."

Not surprisingly, the Kiwi press is more than a little worried about the damage George Smith can do at the breakdown.

"If the Brumbies excel they will need a big performance from George Smith, whose ability and understanding at the breakdown remains outstanding, allowing him to snaffle turnovers and mess up opposition ball," Cheshire continued.

"He is a hard player to negate, but the challenge for the Chiefs forward pack will be to beat him to the ruck and clear him away. Failure to do this could make it a long night for the home side."

Wynne Gray of The New Zealand Herald wasted no time in singling Smith out as a "global warrior" blessed with "remarkable skills".

The fact that he's done it all before with the Brumbies, in 2001 and 2004, will make the Chiefs even more cautious of him.

"His breakdown combat with All Blacks Tanerau Latimer or Sam Cane will be one of the pressure points when the Super 15 title is decided on Saturday in Hamilton," Gray wrote.

"Smith may be 33 but his work is as physically sharp as it was in his 110 tests for the Wallabies before he became disillusioned about the selection treatment he got from (Robbie) Deans.

"The openside flanker was enticed to help out the Brumbies on a short-term deal this season and forced Deans to include him in his Test group."

Lynn McConnell from sportal.co.nz is predicting planned "aggressive defence" from both sides.

"That makes the final an intriguing chess match of play versus play. A game where the role of the backroom boffins in setting the game plan is just as important as its execution on the field.

"Jake White has achieved wonders with the Brumbies, not because it was so unexpected but because he has utilised every scrap of ability available to him."