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Crusaders vs Blues: Super Rugby live scores, blog

Roar Guru
5th July, 2014
Teams

Crusaders
Israel Dagg, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Nemani Nadolo, Colin Slade, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett.

Reserves: Corey Flynn, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Jimmy Tupou, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl

Blues
Lolagi Visinia, Frank Halai, Pita Ahki, Ma'a Nonu, Charles Piutau, Ihaia West, Bryn Hall; Jerome Kaino, Luke Braid (c), Steven Luatua, Tom Donnelly, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: James Parsons, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Sam Prattley, Hayden Triggs, Peter Saili, Jamison Gibson-Park, Francis Saili, George Moala.

Kickoff: 5.30pm AEST
Venue: AMI Stadium
Last meeting: Blues 35-24 Crusaders, 2014 season
TV: Live FoxSports
Betting: Crusaders $1.36, Blues $3.20
The Crusaders should have no problem overcoming the Blues in Round 14. (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
Roar Guru
5th July, 2014
163
3922 Reads

The Crusaders need a win today against the Blues to keep their hopes of playing a home final well and truly alive with just two matches remaining in the regular season. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5.30pm AEST.

Sitting in third spot on the overall ladder, the Crusaders are still in with a chance of securing a home semi-final but can ill-afford a slip up against the Blues at home.

The Blues should be expected to turn up with plenty of desperation given that they too are fighting for a spot in the finals.

With rain predicted, conditions will be tough for both teams and this may lead to a tight struggle between two sides desperate for the win.

In good news for the Crusaders, experienced All Black stars Kieran Read and Dan Carter are both back in the team after missing last week’s defeat to the Hurricanes.

In tough conditions, Carter’s kicking game could prove decisive in allowing the Crusaders to win the battle for territory tonight.

The Crusaders will also be relying on Israel Dagg and Nemani Nadolo to fire in attack. Nadolo in particular has been in fine form this season, scoring 7 tries thus far to go along with plenty of linebreaks. Only Israel Folau has made more clean breaks this season.

The Blues meanwhile are coming off a thumping victory over the Force away from home. Fly-half Ihaia West caused plenty of havoc against the Force, scoring a try before setting up two others in a commanding performance.

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Rest assured that West will be a targeted player today and it will be interesting to see how he performs against a Crusaders side that will be on full alert whenever he touches the football. Ma’a Nonu will also need to be kept in check by the Crusaders after he severely dented what has otherwise been a solid Force defence last week.

With plenty on the line for both teams, this should be a tight contest. The Crusaders though still possess plenty of experience and with another potential home semi-final on the cards, they should do enough to grind their way to a win.

Crusaders by 7.

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