The Crusaders host the Hurricanes in what should be a titanic Super Rugby semi‑final tomorrow night.
This is a final before a final in that it arguably features the two best sides in the competition – both having accumulated the most points – but they are to meet in the last four due to the in-equitable Conference system.
The Hurricanes may have won six of the last nine games against the Crusaders, but they haven’t won a finals fixture against the men from Christchurch in four attempts.
The Crusaders, meanwhile, remain undefeated in 20 successive finals fixtures on home soil and the fact that each of the previous 11 all‑New Zealand semi‑finals in Super Rugby have been won by the hosts on the day bodes well.
The Crusaders welcome the return of All Blacks prop Joe Moody, who has recovered from injury to start at loosehead prop. Fellow All Blacks front‑rower Tim Perry will provide cover on the bench.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have named an unchanged starting XV. After defeating the Chiefs 32‑31 in last week’s quarter‑final, head coach Chris Boyd has resisted the temptation to change a winning combination as they prepare to take on the defending champions.
The Crusaders will host the Hurricanes at 7.35pm tomorrow while the Lions will host the Waratahs at 1.05am Sunday.
Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Tim Perry, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Braydon Ennor
Hurricanes: 15 Nehe Milner‑Skudder, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Jordie Barrett, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Gareth Evans, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Michael Fatialofa, 3 Jeff To’omaga‑Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Toby Smith
Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Vaea Fifita, 20 Ardie Savea/Reed Prinsep, 21 Jamie Booth, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Wes Goosen
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