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Westpac Stadium, Wellington (18-06-2011, 08:35 GMT)
While this match is in Wellington it is technically a Crusaders home game due to the cancellation of the Round Two match between these sides and the teams have therefore not actually played each other yet this season.
The Crusaders moved the match to Wellington giving their opposition home advantage.
Surprisingly the last two matches between the teams have been called a draw after the most recent one in February was cancelled.
The most recent victory was a Hurricanes 24-30 victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch back in 2009 but the seven matches before that were all won by the Crusaders.
Overall the Crusaders have a strong record against the Hurricanes as they have played them 20 times and won 13 times.
In Crusaders away matches (Wellington, Napier and New Plymouth) the teams have met each other nine times and the Crusaders have won 5.
When these teams meet the Crusaders score 28 points on average and the Hurricanes score 19 points against the Crusaders on average.
When the Crusaders are away from home they score 26 points against the Hurricanes on average and the Hurricanes score 18 points.
If the Crusaders win with a bonus point they can overtake the Stormers if the Cheetahs upset the Stormers. That result would give the Crusaders a bye next week and home advantage in their play off.
If both the Crusaders and the Stormers win their matches but the Stormers win without a bonus point and the Crusaders do win with a bonus point they still cannot overtake the Stormers as they would have one less win.
If the Stormers take two points through a draw or a loss within seven points and score four tries the Crusaders will need a win to overtake the Stormers.
As is always the case with the final weekend in the regular season the Stormers will know well before what they have to do to secure the top or second place as they play last.
For the last five years the Bulls have used this to great effect and is a huge advantage for the South Africans. This year the Stormers have the last match.
The Crusaders will have no option but to go for the victory and hope that the Cheetahs upset the Stormers.
In team selections the Crusaders were unable to name Sonny Bill Williams in the match robbing everyone of the clash between him and Ma'a Nonu.
source: superxv.com
Last five results:
26 Feb 2011 Crusaders v Hurricanes 0-0 Wellington (*Match was cancelled due to the earthquake earlier that week in Christchurch*)
02 Apr 2010 Crusaders v Hurricanes 26-26 Wellington
27 Feb 2009 Crusaders v Hurricanes 24-30 Christchurch
24 May 2008 (Semi) Crusaders v Hurricanes 33-22 Christchurch
28 Mar 2008 Crusaders v Hurricanes 20-13 Wellington
Crusaders overall record against the Hurricanes.
Played 20 , Wins 13, Losses 4 , Draws 3
Match Officials:
Referee: Steve Walsh
Assistant referees: Vinny Munro, Shane McDermott
Television match official: Richard Kelly
Teams
Crusaders: 1. Ben Franks, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brad Thorn, 5. Sam Whitelock, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Dan Carter, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Brent Ward, 15. Tom Marshall
16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Wyatt Crockett, 18. Luke Romano, 19. Jonathan Poff, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Matt Berquist, 22. Tu Umaga-Marshall
Hurricanes:1. John Schwalger, 2. Andrew Hore (c), 3. Neemia Tialata, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. James Broadhurst, 6. Faifili Levave, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Victor Vito, 9. Piri Weepu, 10. Aaron Cruden, 11. Hosea Gear, 12. Ma'a Nonu, 13. Alapati Leiua, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Cory Jane
Reserves:16. Laurence Corlett, 17. Anthony Perenise, 18. Jason Eaton, 19. Mark Reddish , 20. Chris Eaton, 21. Jayden Hayward, 22. Richard Buckman
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*Vbookie odds supplied by BWIN*