Richard Loe: Deans right to play it safe with his star names

The Crusaders were clinical again but very slow starters.

They gave the Cats a hell of a sniff but eventually put them to the sword.

I had the Crusaders down for a four-try start and was a bit jittery when the Cats started so well. They were dominant up front and their locks played very well.

But then the Crusaders rolled out the big guns, bringing on Richie McCaw and Chris Jack, and ran away to a convincing 43-15 win at Jade Stadium.

The Cats could have had more of an edge had they not missed so many kicks, including two which hit the posts.

Resting his best players is smart coaching from Crusaders boss Robbie Deans, especially with their trip to South Africa to come.

It helps the Crusaders learn to win without relying too heavily on key players, who are only an injury away from being unavailable.

It also gives the likes of Ross Filipo and Johnny Leo'o some game time, which could prove invaluable if they're needed later in the campaign.

Leo'o did well and would be good enough to make the starting 15 of most other franchises.

Traditionally South African teams aren't good travellers but their state of mind has more to do with their poor results here.

The Bulls are considered the best of the South Africans but they squandered a big lead before losing against the Hurricanes.

That's unusual, especially on the high veldt. The big strength of South African sides is that once they're in control, they don't often let games slip away.

Their next four games are all away and they will struggle to make the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes and Highlanders have done well to pick up two victories and bonus points in the republic.

Part of the reason Kiwi teams are picking up good results on the road is that the strength of the South Africans and Australians has been diluted with the creation of the two new franchises.

Look at Australia - a lot of Queenslanders joined John Mitchell's Reds and now both are struggling badly.

The South Africans' playing strength is spread pretty evenly but they just haven't been performing.

The Bulls, Stormers and Cheetahs have all got four games on the road in Australia and New Zealand, while the Cats and Sharks have one game left here.

It's hard to see any of them making the top four, with the Bulls the only realistic contenders.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY