Good, quick start key for Crusaders

Andrew Ellis made the most of his starting call-up for the Crusaders last week, scoring a try. Jeff Brass / Getty Images

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans is looking for another quick getaway in their Super 14 rugby clash against the Waratahs at Jade Stadium tonight.

Deans has opted for the same starting lineup who overcame the Hurricanes 20-11 in Wellington last Saturday and acknowledged yesterday that he was pleased with their starting performance.

Rookie halfback Andy Ellis made the most of his starting call-up last week, scoring a try, and has again left Kevin Senio warming the bench.

Deans noted the starting combinations worked well last week with good continuity and he is looking for more in tonight's top-of-the table clash.

The Waratahs lead the points table with 32 points from eight matches, and the unbeaten Crusaders are just one point behind with a game in hand.

A good start against the Hurricanes last week was crucial and Deans got what he's been consistently demanding from his squad.

"It's the first instance where we've had a [good] start and it was important," Deans said.

"I've got no doubt it will be really important to start well [tonight]."

Deans acknowledged the keen rivalry that has developed between the Crusaders and Waratahs.

"It's been one each way for some time," he said, noting that the Waratahs will be hungry for revenge after losing to the Crusaders in the final last year.

"They're really the team I think that's been setting the standards through this campaign, so it's going to be a very good test," he said.

Crusaders captain Richie McCaw has shrugged off controversy this week over his world-class ball-snaffling skills in the rucks and mauls, saying he tries not to think about what people are saying about him.

"I sort of see it that I must be doing something right if people are going to talk about it," he said yesterday.

McCaw echoed Deans' sentiments about the need to hit the ground running against the Waratahs.

"Early in the season we gave a couple of teams head starts and it's a pretty tough game when you do that."

Deans said the Waratahs were "pretty smart at what they do" and would make opposing teams pay dearly for mistakes.

"They've taken all the opportunities they've been given so we just can't afford to give them any."

Blindside flanker Reuben Thorne will become the most capped Crusader when he takes the field, playing his 106th game for the franchise and nudging ahead of Justin Marshall's record 105 appearances.

Waratahs' coach Euan McKenzie said that for his team to win, his openside flanker Phil Waugh would have to dominate McCaw at the breakdown.

He said Waugh was also a highly regarded flanker.

"He [Waugh] is one of the world's best players and he'll play a critical role."

- NZPA