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PREVIEW: Crusaders v 'Canes (S/F)
Thursday, May 22
http://www.sarugby.com/news/News/article/sid=9063.html
It's first meets fourth when the Crusaders and the 'Canes clash in Christchurch on Saturday.
Both teams come into the game on the back of a loss, but the Hurricanes hold a clear advantage in terms of recent form heading into the Super 14 semi-final.
Robbie Deans' men have shown a vulnerable side towards the back end of the competition as they struggled past the Sharks and the Reds before succumbing to the Highlanders in the final round of the regular season.
The 'Canes - on the other hand - stormed their way into the semi-finals with a strong finish to the season and even their hard-fought loss to the Blues last weekend had a real Test match quality to it.
That said, the Crusaders still head into this game as favourites. They topped the log to finish in first place. They have home ground advantage and a knack of winning the big games. The Crusaders have only lost twice, and drawn once, to the Hurricanes in Super rugby history in 16 meetings. More importantly they have beaten them in three knockout matches; the final in 2006 and semi-finals in 2005 and 2003.
Every way you look at it this game is shaping up to be a classic. Provided that the mist and fog stays away.
The Crusaders have made five changes to the side which lost to the Highlanders with the most notable being the demotion of Stephen Brett to the substitutes bench.
The 'Canes have a major injury worry in captain Rodney So'oialo who is trying to overcome a rib complaint. He's been named in the side, but could be ruled out before kick-off. Neemia Tialata is included on the bench after returning from a one-match suspension.
Out of all the possible semi-final opponents the Crusaders will be least pleased about drawing the Hurricanes. The men from Wellington are physical, fast and can strike from anywhere on the park.
Expect a high paced game where the grinding, relentless Crusaders machine looks to soak up the pressure by stifling the 'Canes before sealing the game in that vital last quarter.
Prediction: On form you might be tempted to go for the Hurricanes, but the class and pedigree of the Crusaders will see them home in the big matches. Crusaders by 8.
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Originally Posted by chook
