Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific defending champions, the Crusaders will be looking to keep their playoffs winning record at home intact when they take on the Blues on Friday night in Christchurch.
For the past 27 years of Super Rugby, no visiting team has won a playoff game in Christchurch and that record will again be on the line this weekend against an ever-improving Blues side.
With both sides having injury concerns heading into this weekend, both teams will be reaching deep into their well of players to cover up for the holes left by the injured players.
The Crusaders finished their quarter-final clash against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua with just 13 men on the pitch because of injury while the Blues were hit with their setback as lock Patrick Tuipolotu has been ruled out with a broken arm and Caleb Clarke was absent in their quarter-final with a quad issue.
Former gold medalist with the All Black Sevens, Karl Te Nana has highlighted that this Blues team possesses the ability to punish teams in ways last season’s side couldn’t.
He says the Blues at the moment are finding ways to score and they’re quite explosive and very different from last season.
He adds the Blues have got that X-factor that they can strike from anywhere.
The Blues will take on the Crusaders at 7.05pm Friday in Christchurch.
The second semi final will be between the Brumbies and the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday in Hamilton.
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