Good afternoon and welcome to our coverage of the Crusaders hosting the Highlanders from AMI stadium in Christchurch with kick off at 5:35pm (AEST).
An incredibly important game for both teams with playoff positions and home advantage for the finals up for grabs.
For the Crusaders, who currently lead the New Zealand conference on 46 points, a bonus point win today would likely secure not only the New Zealand conference but second place overall and a week off with home advantage for the semi-final, pending of course the result from the Sharks match who currently have the same number of wins but an inferior points differential.
The Highlanders are currently on 42 points and a bonus point win themselves while denying the Crusaders any bonus points can see them finish first in the New Zealand conference and secure home advantage for the first rounds of the playoffs.
A loss today may also see the Highlanders fail to qualify for the playoffs depending on other results so a good performance today is essential.
Both sides have everything to play for today and should produce a cracking encounter.
The rugby gods seem to be against the Highlanders tonight with their highly influential co-captain Ben Smith being made unavailable and playing away in Christchurch after suffering a heavy defeat in Sydney last Sunday to the table topping Waratahs may seem like a bridge too far for the men from the deep south but anyone who saw the last classic encounter between these two great southern rivals know that nothing can be taken for granted and given what is at stake for the victor this match will go down to the wire.
Join us as we cover the live action and don’t forget to have your say during the match below.
Tip: Crusaders by 6
Sylvester
Guest
Essentially, yes. The most successful team in Super history, about a dozen current ABs (including three of the best ever) and no title in five seasons. Pressure is building.
44bottles
Roar Guru
Ah I see, so any less than winning a title is dismal, and should result in a prompt firing?
44bottles
Roar Guru
Really? I think Crusaders have very good pack and defense. Problem is the backline is a bit of a shambles. Looking better than the start of the season, but still limited.
Sylvester
Guest
I'll admit, so did I. Number of Crusaders losses at AMI this season was unprecedented. Although they're good on the road, couldn't see them winning enough to make up for the poor home form. A season ticket-holder happy to be proved wrong...
Sylvester
Guest
I'm saying the critics are out for Blackadder because he has an all-star team and zero titles to show for it during his tenure so far. Winning this game doesn't change that. Should he win the title this year, crickets will be chirping and rightly so. Until then, I think a question mark remains.
Buzzard
Guest
Tane Mahuta is a goose! He wrote the Saders off after 4 rounds.
Nek Minnut
Guest
Well today they won the game, won a home semi and won the NZ conference Sylvester. So saying that they didnt win anything today is just a bit weird. Are you suggesting that Blackadders position is still in jeopardy or are you reminding us that they didnt win the title just yet because I thought they had.
WEST
Roar Guru
Crusaders looking pretty good, Highlanders looking uninterested and lacking their urgency compared to their earlier games. The Highlanders are either saving themselves for major battles to come or they've lost the plot. Read is getting back to his dirty old tricks with his unconventional offloads and appearing in random locations across the park like some kind of friggan illusionist. Slade and Dagg are also starting to find some better form especially Dagg, Crotty too is looking dangerous around the midfield with his bushy beard finding gaps around the place.... Highlanders had plenty of them on offer. Highlanders will need to sort their discipline out across the board, from dumb stuff at the breakdowns to illegal activity in front of their own posts, or the ragged tired looking defense they apply. Cannon fodder is the only thing they'll become if they cant sort it!! Crusaders looking like a chance to make the final.... Maybe Chiefs if they man handle their way out of Canberra.
JB
Guest
I think he'd prefer to play a travelling sharks team, but I'll be filthy if I don't get to see tahs vs crusaders this year.
Squirrel
Guest
Crusaders vs tahs guaranteed. Can't wait . Both sides played average and got 30 pt wins. Won a motza on 24.5 starts for each on a multi
RobC
Roar Guru
Thanks DC!
Sylvester
Guest
I'd say this is an ominous warning from the Crusaders. Tidy up the unforced errors and they'll be an even tougher proposition.
Sylvester
Guest
Toddy hasn't won anything yet. Just sayin'...
Harry Jones
Guest
Sharks in deep water now, man.
Paul
Guest
Congrats to the Saders. They have been the most consistent team in the hostory of SR making it 13 straight years that they have made the semis/playoffs. It also good to see Carter. Imagine having Carter benched because of the way Cruden has been playing. We havent been in this position with no. 10s in a long time I get the feeling the Highlanders were saving themselves and knew they were safe into the finals but they arent the same team without Ben Smith. Congrats to them. The most improved team considering where they were last year and the year before. This is the first time they have been in finals footy in 12 years!.
44bottles
Roar Guru
A nice one here from Spiro at the beginning of the season. NZ conference weakest, Blackaddar and Hammet going to struggle, etc. Nek minnut http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/03/11/spiro-is-the-tide-turning-against-nz-teams-in-super-rugby/
Cantab
Guest
+100 Had a good lol at their poor chat this season.
RobC
Roar Guru
Crusaders: - Won the game by doing the basics better. Firstly defence in the first half without getting tired. You know they're doing a good job, when Fiketoa kicks the ball - Set-piece massacre. Steals, scrum penalties - Once it opened up on early in the 2nd half, the backs put the game away Highlanders: - Reverse of the Crusaders comments above - Had a few attempts at the tryline, but denied by Crusaders
Firstxv
Guest
perhaps, but it aint the Abs but mainly because I think the Stormers have been fantastic lately and are current the best side in SA- they should be in the finals head of the highlanders. my fave side to watch in recent weeks, I think theyll knock the sharks over, if not comfortably.
Nek Minnut
Guest
Why would an ABs supporter know that? Is this because they lost to France or something? If the Sharks score 4 tries and win by 36 Im calling fix.