It’s crunch time in Christchurch this weekend as our boys take on the Blues in the penultimate fixture of the regular 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Crusaders need points to keep their playoff hopes alive, theirs and the fans’ pride in the jersey fuelling what is expected to be a big turnout at Apollo Projects Stadium on Saturday 24 May.
Adding to the already significant occasion of a north versus south derby, the Crusaders will have just held their Hall of Fame Charity Lunch the day before, with many alumni filled seats in the stands for this one.
The Crusaders enter the bout 10th on the ladder, the Blues in pole position.
Key team news:
Levi Aumua has been ruled out of the playing 23 this weekend after a calf niggle during training on Thursday. Dallas McLeod will come off the bench, Jone Rova taking his spot on the pine.
Ethan Blackadder is back in the starting pack, fresh from some weeks of rehab. He’s looking stronger than ever and ready to run it straight against the boys in blue.
Tamaiti Williams has also returned to the 23, taking his spot in the front row when called upon from the bench.
Last time we met:
The Blues got the W in March, coming away on top 26-6. They broke our four game winning streak against the Blues.
We last played the Blues in the semi final last year, beating them 52-15. It was one of the most emphatic performances of the year for the boys in red and black.
Of 44 games total we’ve played against the Blues, the Crusaders have come out on top 70 per cent of the time.
Match ups:
Sevu Reece is having one of his best individual seasons, topping the tries leaderboard at 12 ahead of this weekend’s clash. He tops the charts for offloads so keep an eye out for support runners when Sevu gets his tail up. The explosive Fijian has been nothing short of remarkable in the red and black this year.
Mark Tele’a is ever the attacking threat, whose running game is the best in the world on its day. Tele’a has beaten 52 defenders so far this season and will have set his sights on increasing that number on Saturday night. At times, Tele’a’s elusiveness can leave him isolated, so look for turnover opportunities once the boys bring him to ground.
Ethan Blackadder is welcomed back into the starting line-up and as always will put his body on the line. His work ethic and skill set will be a welcome and timely addition for the fans and his teammates.
Ethan faces off against Akira Ioane in what is sure to be a great clash. Ioane's explosive attacking prowess will be tested against Blackadder's defensive solidity and work rate. Ioane will aim to break through Blackadder's defensive line, while Blackadder will look to nullify Ioane's impact with strong tackling and positional play. It will be a clash of contrasting styles and strengths.
The aerial attack from the blues will be strong with Harry Plummer at 10 and Stephen Perofeta returning at the back. Johnny McNicholl and the rest of our outsides will be looking to defuse bombs and kick-counter well all night.
Tickets are moving well for Saturday, with limited numbers remaining and the weather is looking crisp and dry for a great night at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Get your tickets now for one of our final remaining games at home in 2024!
Key info:
Kick off: 7.05pm, Christchurch, New Zealand
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon