After a heart-wrenching Golden Point defeat to the Waratahs last week, the Crusaders find themselves in a desperate position, needing a victory to propel them into the quarterfinal race.
At the start of the season a run of three games against the Waratahs, Force and then the Melbourne Rebels would have looked like an easy assignment to most on-lookers. The picture looks a lot different now with the next week’s opponent the Melbourne Rebels standing strong at fourth place on the ladder.
However, before they return home to face the impressive Rebels, standing in their path are the determined Western Force who are equally hungry for a win to ascend from the bottom rung of the ladder. Boosted by the return of Wallabies lock Izack Rodda and seasoned veteran Kurtley Beale, the Force are poised to pose a formidable challenge, especially on their home turf in Perth.
Led by the indomitable Tom Christie, the Crusaders will look to rally their forces, banking on their captain's defensive prowess as they brace for a fierce showdown.
With Kurtley Beale's anticipated return at fullback against rising star Chay Fihaki, all eyes are set on this electrifying match-up come Saturday at HBF Park.