The Crusaders have history and form on their side when they host the Hurricanes in Christchurch tonight in the Super Rugby semifinals.
If they can get past the only other New Zealand team still in contention, just one more win will separate the defending champions from a staggering ninth championship.
The omens are good ‑ the Crusaders have won 11 of their 16 semifinals appearances, never lost a finals encounter in Christchurch, and beaten the Hurricanes all four times the two teams have met in the play‑offs.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd says that's an impressive record, and admits the home advantage will provide a real boost for the Crusaders.
He says that at the end of the day, they are not going to go down there to make up the numbers, they are going there to try and win.
Crusaders skipper Kieran Read, leading an all‑All Blacks forward pack, says the defending champions know the Hurricanes present a daunting challenge.
The Crusaders will host the Hurricanes at 7.35 tonight while the Lions will host the Waratahs at 1.05am tomorrow.
[Source: radionz]
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