If anyone can deny the Crusaders a ninth Super Rugby title, then it's the Hurricanes.
They have won eight of their last 12 clashes with the Crusaders, which includes being the last team to defeat them in Christchurch back in July 2016.
Only they thumped the hosts 35‑10, and had enough results go their way, that they ended up playing all their playoff games at Westpac Stadium. Three weeks later they were Super Rugby champions.
The Hurricanes have to be smart and they'll have to be tough and, encouragingly, did both in beating the Chiefs 32‑31 in last Friday's quarterfinal in Wellington.
The Crusaders will host the Hurricanes in their semifinal at 7.35pm this Saturday while the Lions will host the Waratahs at 1.05am Sunday.
[Stuff.co.nz]
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations