Crusaders v Blues
Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 13 June
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
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Super Rugby Pacific's most heated rivalry writes another chapter tonight in Christchurch, with the Crusaders and Blues set to do battle once again in the post season. This is a straight shoot out between the two old enemies, with the Blues coming in off a very impressive run of form that culminated in an extremely hard fought upset of the Chiefs last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders had a pretty regulation win over the Reds last weekend. The question is whether it will be enough preparation for what promises to be another physical encounter on the road to next weekend's final.
Team lists
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Cullen Grace, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod
Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Laghlan McWhannell, 6. Adrian Choat, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Tele'a, 15. Zarn Sullivan
Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Jordan Lay, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Anton Segner, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Harry Plummer, 23. Cole Forbes
Crusaders selections
Manumaua Letiu, George Bower and Tahlor Cahill of the Crusaders celebrate. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Tamaiti Williams is out after suffering a knee injury last weekend. His place is taken by George Bower, who had a very handy shift after coming on against the Reds. Kershawl Sykes-Martin comes onto the bench, otherwise it's an unchanged side.
Blues selections
Zarn Sullivan of the Blues. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Just the one change to the Blues too, with Zarn Sullivan starting at fullback in a straight swap with Corey Evans. Sullivan's monster left boot will likely play a big role moving the Blues downfield, alongside Beauden Barrett and Finlay Christie.
Key stats
Rivez Reihana. Photo: photosport
The Crusaders have won 21 of their last 23 Super Rugby Pacific games against the Blues including their last three in a row.
Three of the Blues' last five Super Rugby Pacific games against New Zealand opponents have been decided by a margin of exactly one point, with the Blues picking up two wins and three losses.
Rivez Reihana has scored one try in each of his last two Super Rugby Pacific games, as well as scoring 27 total points across those fixtures. However, he's played just 54 minutes across two substitute appearances against the Blues and has not scored a point against them.
What they're saying
"Going down to Canterbury - we're aware of their record, 30 without losing. One day they're going to lose and they've got the pressure of that on top of them." - Blues coach Vern Cotter.
"I love these finals games, everything's on the line, what more could you want. It's certainly when you thrive and really challenge yourself. I'm buzzing for Friday night, can't wait." - Crusaders lock Scott Barrett.
The last time they met
Crusaders 25- 22 Blues
James O'Connor nailed a last play penalty to steal this one for the Crusaders, after the teams had traded blows evenly for the whole game. Hoskins Sotutu made the highlight reel for an audacious try assist to counter Will Jordan's first half efforts.
What's going to happen
It's tempting to think the Crusaders will simply click back into the team that has been so successful in the past, but then you remember that the Blues have only conceded one try in their last two games. So it's more likely that the Blues will restrict the Crusaders with their defence, and the score will move up in threes until either side can make an important breakthrough. Whoever can do that first will probably take this one out and move on to the final.
