Roar Guru
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.
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.