TOMORROW'S Super 15 final in Brisbane, Australia, pits the two finest flyhalves in the competition - Quade Cooper of the Reds and Dan Carter of the Crusaders - against each other in a potentially mouthwatering contest.
Cooper has amassed 220 points this season, while Carter has scored 181.
Cooper, thanks to a pack that has surprised everyone with its ferocity and brilliant scrumhalf Will Genia, has become the most lethal attacking weapon in rugby. His ability to turn defence into attack in an instant has been a key factor in the Reds' success this season.
Because of his style, the Reds are seen as a flashy team, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are a team that does the basics well to create a platform for Cooper to shine.
Though the Stormers had the best defensive record in terms of tries conceded, the Reds are the team with the best tackle completion percentage. Their accurate and savage defence leads to turnovers and it's from there that Cooper takes centre stage.
He is a master at exploiting the slightest weakness, the smallest hole and the slowest defender to put his side on the front foot. In their semifinal victory over the Blues, the Reds scored two long-range tries after the Blues had pounded their line for several minutes. When the eventual turnover occurred, Cooper sparked attacks that resulted in tries. Game over.
But against the Crusaders, the Reds blueprint will be tested in ways no other side has examined it this season.
When it comes to brutal defence the Crusaders are on par with the Reds.
All Black flyhalf Carter has flown under the radar most of the season, as the world has revelled in the special talents of centre Sonny Bill Williams. As a consequence Carter has gone about his business almost unnoticed.
He's still the master of the perfect tactical kick and the ghosting half-break.
With a fantastic pack of forwards in front of him, Carter has dictated play at will this season, which, combined with Williams on his outside shoulder, has made the Crusaders the hardest team to defend against.
It promises to be a great final between the two best teams in the competition.
It's Cooper vs Carter in final
TOMORROW'S Super 15 final in Brisbane, Australia, pits the two finest flyhalves in the competition - Quade Cooper of the Reds and Dan Carter of the Crusaders - against each other in a potentially mouthwatering contest.
Cooper has amassed 220 points this season, while Carter has scored 181.
Cooper, thanks to a pack that has surprised everyone with its ferocity and brilliant scrumhalf Will Genia, has become the most lethal attacking weapon in rugby. His ability to turn defence into attack in an instant has been a key factor in the Reds' success this season.
Because of his style, the Reds are seen as a flashy team, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are a team that does the basics well to create a platform for Cooper to shine.
Though the Stormers had the best defensive record in terms of tries conceded, the Reds are the team with the best tackle completion percentage. Their accurate and savage defence leads to turnovers and it's from there that Cooper takes centre stage.
He is a master at exploiting the slightest weakness, the smallest hole and the slowest defender to put his side on the front foot. In their semifinal victory over the Blues, the Reds scored two long-range tries after the Blues had pounded their line for several minutes. When the eventual turnover occurred, Cooper sparked attacks that resulted in tries. Game over.
But against the Crusaders, the Reds blueprint will be tested in ways no other side has examined it this season.
When it comes to brutal defence the Crusaders are on par with the Reds.
All Black flyhalf Carter has flown under the radar most of the season, as the world has revelled in the special talents of centre Sonny Bill Williams. As a consequence Carter has gone about his business almost unnoticed.
He's still the master of the perfect tactical kick and the ghosting half-break.
With a fantastic pack of forwards in front of him, Carter has dictated play at will this season, which, combined with Williams on his outside shoulder, has made the Crusaders the hardest team to defend against.
It promises to be a great final between the two best teams in the competition.
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