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All Black winger Caleb Clarke has returned after an ankle injury to get a call up for the Blues against an unchanged Crusaders outfit in the opening semifinal in Christchurch. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 5pm AEST.
“He brings a point of difference around the aerial game, if we contest in the air and from kickoffs,” Blues coach Leon MacDonald said of the destructive Clarke.
“But it’s also his ability to beat the first defender and he’s pretty lethal close to the line as well, where he’s so powerful. It’s great to have him back.”
Caleb Clarke. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)
Rieko Ioane plays his 100th game for the club.
The Crusaders are without Sam Whitelock but are hopeful he can return for his final game with the club if they get through the semis.
The Crusaders smashed the Drua in the quarters and while their XV is unchanged there are two changes on the bench with forwards Ethan Blackadder and Zach Gallagher ruled out and replaced by Dominic Gardiner and Corey Kellow.
Limited to five appearances (four starts), Blackadder is out for the rest of the season. He’s one of 12 Crusaders unavailable through injury while three others are tied up with the NZ under 20s.
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History is clearly on the Crusaders’ side, however.
The 13-time champion Crusaders have a 28-0 playoff record in Christchurch, have won 17 of the last 18 matchups against the Blues, and 15 of the previous 16 in Christchurch.
Game information
Venue: Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off time: 5.05pm AEST
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Crusaders $1.60 Blues $2.35
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Teams
Crusaders (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Oliver Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Sione Havili Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan
