Rugby: Iron-willed Crusaders carry NZ's semis hope

Crusaders first five-eighths Dan Carter reacts after missing a kick at goal against the Waratahs. Photo / Getty Images

All the smart money was on the Crusaders to qualify for the playoffs and their ace marksman, Daniel Carter, to become the heaviest points scorer in Super 14.

Both forecasts remain on track, with the Crusaders slipping into second place ahead of their latest victim, the doughty Waratahs, while Carter nudged ahead of Stirling Mortlock when he kicked his 1022nd point in the same game.

The Crusaders outlasted their latest foes 20-13 as they displayed the sort of iron-minded determination that does not always accompany other New Zealand teams.

Those in action in round nine displayed the frailties that have accompanied their appearances this season, as the Chiefs, Highlanders and Blues fell to visiting sides.

Those results were always likely for the Chiefs and Blues, who were up against the best two South African units - but the undisciplined Highlanders were just sloppy as they conceded three late converted tries to lose handsomely to the Force.

While that losing thread left the three losers and the Hurricanes anchored in the bottom half of the points table, it was perhaps just as disturbing to note goalkicking wobbles afflict every side.

New Zealand kickers accumulated just 17 successes from 30 attempts, with several glaring misses.

Stephen Donald pushed a close range kick, Stephen Brett dragged one and even the mighty Carter lost his radar.

While Stormers kicker Peter Grant goaled all his shots against the Blues to have a 12 from 12 run on tour, Donald kicked five from eight, Matt Berquist four from eight, Brett three from five and Carter five from nine attempts at the weekend.

As the competition enters its final third, the multi-decorated Crusaders appear to carry the sole New Zealand hopes of making the semifinals.

They should beat the Cheetahs at home, then have an away section against the Force, Stormers and Bulls before hosting the Brumbies in the final round.

Even with a stumble or two, the Crusaders should qualify for the playoffs.

That would deliver a number of looming problems. If they win their semifinal and the Bulls do as well, the Crusaders would have to turn round after a short time at home for another long-haul flight to South Africa.

The Bulls are firming as favourites to defend their crown, but if that occurs, they will not defend their title at Loftus because of World Cup soccer commitments, but will be extremely tough to overcome on their home dirt.

The trailing Chiefs, Blues and Hurricanes meet in the latter stages of the series, while the Blues have yet to make their voyage to South Africa.

If one of those teams is to make the final four, they probably need to win each of their remaining matches, collect a couple of bonus points and hope some other results go their way.

It is a tall order but possible, unlike the prospects for the Highlanders, who are fading once more and fell to their latest fate against the Force.