The time for experimentation, rotation and second chances is a thing of the past as the Crusaders take on the Hurricanes in an all-New Zealand Super 14 semifinal in Christchurch on Saturday.

Both teams have proved their worth in the competition over the season, and only a two-point loss to the Blues in the final round-robin match cost the 'Canes second place on the log.

It will be a massive battle, and pride in the occasion will compel both teams to go big.

The Crusaders of course have been the clear favourites for the entire season, although they were matched for form in the early parts of the competition by the Blues.

But their recent lapses to the Chiefs, and more recently to the Highlanders last weekend, has tarnished the invincible aura that surrounded the team.

They go into the semifinal on the back of a loss, and that will give the Hurricanes some belief.

Not looking back

That non-performance against the Highlanders has also prompted coach Robbie Deans to make five 'performance-related' changes to the side in an attempt to wake the 'Saders from their complacency.

Deans has had to call on all his experience to get his charges to refocus after only their second home defeat in 33 matches at the AMI Stadium.

"We're not looking back," said Deans.

"We'll take on board the lessons that are to be learned from the experience.

"Last week was the end of that phase of the competition — the quest to make the playoffs.

"We start a new and exciting phase at 7.35pm on Saturday and it is 0-0. Nothing that has gone before really matters now," said the mercurial coach.

Of course the Crusaders are completing the final acts of an era.

Deans will step down after the completion of Super 14 to focus his energies on his mission to lead Australia into the Tri-Nations and beyond.

His players must surely respond to that, and it is inconceivable to think they would not be desperate to give their champion mentor the send-off that he deserves.

Simply put, they cannot afford a repeat of what happened last week. But the Hurricanes will not make it easy for them, not by a long way.

The 'Canes are a quality outfit. Only a fool would underestimate a team that bristles with All Black talent all over the park.

Their quality is reflected in the fact that they can match the Crusaders for quality in just about every department, except perhaps flyhalf, where the experience of Dan Carter puts him in pole position over the youthful talent of Willie Ripia.

Waiting on Rodney

Of course the Wellington boys are all pulling for Rodney So'oialo to overcome the rib injury he suffered last week against the Blues.

Flank Chris Masoe already envisages the match without So'oialo: "We just have to get out there and buy him another week. That's our main goal, to get him to the final."

But the skipper has not given up hope of lining up against their great enemies in Christchurch.

"I'll be pushing to try to get on the field. I'm one of those players who doesn't want to miss any game," said So'oialo.

The Hurricanes pack will have to reveal all the raw power they possess, in order to get the forward momentum needed for their explosive backs to do the damage with the ball in hand.

The record books suggest that the 'Canes are in for a tough time at the AMI Stadium, having beaten the Cantabrians only once in their last ten encounters.

But that will be the furthest thing from the minds of a fired up 'Canes squad when that first ball is kicked in anger.

Players to watch:

For the Crusaders: Their superstar Dan Carter needs to come to the party urgently. Carter is yet to set the world alight since returning from injury, and there is no better time to do that than in a win-at-all-cost match in front of your home fans. Captain Richie McCaw will be just as important — he needs to make sure his forwards win the physical battle up front against an equally powerful Hurricanes pack. Another man that is often a catalyst for the 'Saders is fullback Leon McDonald. When he is on song, he adds an irresistible attacking dimension to the Crusaders backline.

For the Hurricanes: Captain Rodney So'oialo is the 'go-to guy' for the 'Canes. It will indeed be a big blow for the Wellington outfit if their captain succumbs to injury, as it will deprive them of his leadership and drive that he provides. Centre Ma'a Nonu has been a star this season for the 'Canes on attack, and he will no doubt be tasked with breaking the 'Saders defensive line. Also look out for Jerry Collins to awake from his relative slumber this season, and expect some destruction in the loose by hooker Andrew Hore.

Head to head: The battle of the flyhalves usually goes a long way in deciding most rugby matches, and this one will be especially interesting. Dan Carter versus Willie Ripia represents a classic case of Master and Apprentice. Dan Carter has long been considered as the foremost flyhalf in world rugby. Willie Ripia could very well represent the next era in a long line of All Black number 10s — the young Ripia already has a fine record for New Zealand in Under-19 and Under-21 competition. Other major battles will take place in midfield between Casey Laulala and Conrad Smith, and at the breakdown, between Kieran Read and Chris Masoe.

Prediction: The Crusaders will get it right when it matters most - they simply have too much class and too much big-match experience to get it wrong again. On top of that they have the most decorated coach in Super Rugby, as well as massive home ground advantage. Crusaders to win by 11 points.

Previous results:

2008: Crusaders won 20-13, Wellington
2007: Crusaders won 23-13, Christchurch
2006 Final: Crusaders won 19-12, Christchurch
2006: Crusaders won 20-11, Wellington
2005 Semi: Crusaders won 47-7, Christchurch
2005: Crusaders won 40-20, Christchurch
2004: Hurricanes won 37-20, Wellington
2003 Semi: Crusaders won 39-16, Christchurch
2003: Crusaders won 37-21, Christchurch
2002: Crusaders won 48-20, Wellington

The teams:

Crusaders: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Tim Bateman, 11 Scott Hamilton, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Andrew Ellis, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Richard McCaw (captain), 6 Kieran Read, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Greg Somerville, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Reuben Thorne, 19 Nasi Manu, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 Stephen Brett, 22 Sean Maitland.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Craig Clarke, 19 Scott Waldrom, 20 Alby Mathewson, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Tamati Ellison.

Date: Saturday, May 24
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 7.35pm (7.35am GMT)
Conditions: Overcast with 50 percent chance of rain. High 12°C, Low 2°C
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: Matt Goddard (Australia), Paul Marks (Australia)
Television match official: Geoff Acton (Australia)

365

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