The Crusaders and Hurricanes have named their team for the blockbuster semi-final clash on Saturday.

The defending champions, Crusaders will have players like  Sevu Reece, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, George Bridge, Richie Mo'unga, Bryn Hall, Kieran Read, Matt Todd and captain Sam Whitelock.

The Hurricanes have named players like Beauden and Jordie  Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, TJ Perenara, Ben Lam, Ngani Laumape, Dane Coles, Isaia Walker‑Leawere and Ardie Savea.

Meanwhile, the all‑New Zealand Super Rugby semi final between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes is an unofficial trial match for All Black selection, with the Rugby Championship and the 2019 World Cup in Japan on the horizon.

South African Brendan Venter who is a 1995 Rugby World Cup winner and a former assistant coach of the Springboks, says everybody will silently be competing for places in the national team during the all‑Kiwi clash on Saturday. He says with the Crusaders in imperious form this season, and having brushed the Highlanders aside in the quarterfinal, the bulk of the All Black squad is set to comprise Crusaders players.

Venter says everybody is writing off the Hurricanes' chances of reaching the final but if John Plumtree's men come up with a magical performance, there could be a few jokers who find themselves in the All Blacks' proverbial World Cup pack.

The semifinal will be a typical New Zealand derby, with excellent skills on offer coupled with a high tempo of play.

Venter says New Zealand sides know each other well and employ a similar style of play.

Beauden Barrett will need to play well for the Hurricanes to upset the Crusaders at home.

Venter says having beaten the Hurricanes 38‑22 in February and 32‑8 only a month later, it will be tough for the visiting team to turn it around against Scott Robertson's charges because history often repeats itself. He says if there is a weakness in the Hurricanes' game, it's their set‑piece. In turn, the Crusaders' pack is their strength.

The only chance the Hurricanes have of beating the Crusaders is if they rush them on attack and put them under immense pressure. The key is to rattle the Crusaders but, if there is one thing that beats a rush defence, it's skill. The Crusaders will make use of their kicking game and they'll endeavour to put the ball in behind the Hurricanes in order to nullify them.

The Crusaders play the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby semi final at 7.35pm Saturday while the Jaguares take on the Brumbies at 11.05am Saturday in the other semi final.

stuff.co.nz

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Total - Hong Kong 7s