The Crusaders host the Blues at AMI Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand on Saturday morning at 08:35 SA Time. The match will be broadcast on SuperSport 1 on DSTV in SA.

Was the Crusaders game against the Sharks a flash in the pan for the Crusaders, or are they really back with a bang?

The Crusaders have their inspirational captain, Richie McCaw, back and last week they looked like the champions of old in their thorough demolition of the Sharks. There is enough stars and fire power in the team to take it right to the Super 14 final… and they are playing at home.

The Blues, on the other hand boast a star-studded lineup as well but have not impressed this season.

We should see hard and uncompromising rugby, a local derby of note but I sense that there will be tries a plenty.

I predict that the Crusaders will take the Blues scalp… Saders by 13.

Previous Super 14 results:
2009: Crusaders won 15-13 (Auckland)
2008: Crusaders won 26-22 (Christchurch)
2007: Blues won 34-25 (Auckland)
2006: Crusaders won 39-10 (Christchurch)    

Teams:

Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (captain), 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Peter Borlase, 18 Isaac Ross, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Kahn Fotuali’i, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.

Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Rene Ranger, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rudi Wulf, 10 Stephen Brett, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Viliami Ma’afu, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Filo Paulo, 19 Tom Chamberlain, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 22 George Pisi.

Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Josh Noonan (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)