They mightn’t admit it, but revenge will be firmly on the minds of the Crusaders when they host the Reds in the first rematch of the 2011 Super Rugby final in Christchurch this afternoon. We’ll have live scores from 2.00pm AEST.
It has been the Crusaders of old in the past few weeks, with Todd Blackadder’s side racking up three consecutive victories after a sluggish start to 2012.
While they still sit several wins behind the Chiefs, who lead the New Zealand Conference, they look to be building as the season goes on and even with a wildcard look a dangerous post-season prospect.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for today’s opponents, defending Super Rugby champions the Reds, who have looked a shadow of their 2011 selves.
In a plus for Ewen McKenzie’s men, for one of the first occasions this season they come into this one without having been racked by further injury.
They were definite signs of improvement when the Reds won 23-11 in Auckland last Friday night, and they will come into this one with increasing confidence.
But against one of the form sides in the competition they’ll need to step it up another notch, and some of the stars of last season will need to find the form of last season’s final if they are to spring an upset of epic proportions.
Can they do it? Find out from 2.00pm AEST as we cover all the action with live scores as they happen and if you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.