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The Crusaders take on the table-topping Sharks at AMI Stadium in Christchurch, following an impressive drumming of the Reds in Round 13. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEST).
Last week was just one of those games for the Crusaders. Sometimes a team or a player hits the right patch of form at a specific time and there’s nothing the opposition can do about it.
Certainly the Reds found that out the hard way, with 57 points stacked against them.
However, there was still some cause for concern for the Crusaders, allowing 27 points to be scored against them – while the Reds did get decent ball with possession and territory, at times they played a lot better than their lowly position.
If the Crusaders show the same poor playing in patches this week they’ll be on the receiving end of endless points.
The Sharks are for now sitting pretty at the top of the Super Rugby ladder although they only hold the lead by a single point. Hot on their heels for top spot are the Chiefs but they have the week off so the Sharks can kick clear again with a win.
This is a tough test for them coming up against a championship-caliber team and one on a five-game winning streak.
To accommodate for the talent of the Crusaders, the Sharks will look to slow the tempo and play at their own pace dictating how the match will unfold. It will need to be a much-improved performance following their tryless defeat at the hands of the Brumbies.
Tip: Crusaders
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.