For those unimpressed by semifinals there's an obvious World Cup subtext to Sunday morning's clash.

Gordon Tietjens was pleasantly surprised at the fitness levels shown by some All Blacks contenders in Wellington today.

Colin Slade will take his first steps towards a place in the World Cup squad this weekend.

The Crusaders welcome back captain Richie McCaw for their Super 15 semifinal against the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town this weekend.

The Crusaders will ask superstar first five-eighth Daniel Carter to run more in a bid to snap him out of a "quiet" patch.

The Blues will wait until tomorrow before confirming whether Rene Ranger or Lachie Munro will be on the left wing on Saturday night.

The All Blacks are booked to play a test in Christchurch next year, but that match and the Crusaders' home fixture list remains in limbo.

Blues lock Anthony Boric is stationary in his race to be fit for the World Cup.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson crunches the numbers from the elimination round where Stephen Brett tackling continues to be a liability for the Blues.

Wayne Smith, longtime member of the All Black setup, has signed on as an assistant coach for the Chiefs.

Destructive Blues wing Rene Ranger is in line for a timely return to the Super 15 playoffs.

A message to those nasty aliens - take us to your leader immediately so we can demand the return of the real Dan Carter.

If there was a surprise to come out of last night, it was the length of time it took the Crusaders to rid themselves of a troublesome case of mediocrity.