Waratahs and Crusaders unchanged for Super Rugby final

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has named an unchanged starting XV for Saturday’s Super Rugby final against the Crusaders in Sydney.
Naming once again a 10-man bench, from which two will be omitted, Peter Betham is the only change to the matchday squad replacing fellow winger Cam Crawford.
“We’ve got to keep pushing, holding on is not enough. We will go out there, play as we have all season and play good attacking footy and give them some trouble,” said Cheika.
“The Crusaders are a powerful unit who really focus on their set piece and will be confident after taking apart a strong Sharks outfit.”
The Crusaders will also be unchanged from last week’s semi-final drumming of the Sharks with Richie McCaw at blindside and Dan Carter at inside centre.
The Crusaders are chasing a record eighth title, but their first since 2008, while the Waratahs are yet to win the competition having lost twice in the final against the Men in Red in 2005 and 2008.
Head coach Todd Blackadder said: “There is an unknown element given that we haven’t played the Waratahs so far this year, but that goes for both teams.  We are just focussed on being as prepared as we can be to put in the best performance we’re capable of.”
Waratahs: Israel Folau; Alofa Alofa, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Kurtley Beale, Rob Horne; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu; Kane Douglas, Jacques Potgieter; Stephen Hoiles, Michael Hooper (Capt.), Wycliff Palu.
Replacements: Tola Latu, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Will Skelton, Mitch Chapman, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbon, Matt Carraro, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Peter Betham (two to be omitted).
Crusaders: Israel Dagg; Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo; Colin Slade, Andy Ellis; Wyatt Crockett, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks; Dominic Bird, Sam Whitelock; Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Kieran Read (Capt.).
Replacements: Ben Funnell, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Jordan Taufau, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl.