Rugby: Southern crusade off to top start

New Zealand referee Bryce Lawrence will control the Super 14 semifinal between the Crusaders and the Bulls. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders feel they have hit the jackpot with a New Zealand referee in their daunting Super 14 rugby semifinal against the Bulls, even if they haven't with the venue.

Leading New Zealand whistler Bryce Lawrence was confirmed for Sunday morning's (1am NZT) Pretoria playoff by the Sanzar appointments panel, even before the teams and venue were known.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder wasn't suggesting any bias from his compatriot, but welcomed the news as his side got down to business at their Johannesburg base after a trouble-free trip from Christchurch.

"We're really comfortable with Bryce, we had him last week [a 15-13 win over the Blues] so we're twice as wise," Blackadder said.

"We know what to expect, we know what we need to do better. We've already, hopefully, adjusted mentally so we're not getting into this game to find out we need to tweak the way we're playing. If anything, I think it's beneficial."

Australian Stuart Dickinson will control the Chiefs-Hurricanes semifinal in Hamilton tomorrow night, while leading South African Jonathan Kaplan will control the final, regardless. Sanzar switched from neutral whistlers to a merit-based referee system this season.

Its flaws were highlighted earlier this month when Force coach John Mitchell essentially blamed South African ref Marius Jonker for his team's elimination from the playoff race when he allowed a controversial Stormers try late in their 25-24 win.

"Something has to be done about a decision like that [when it] is so costly," Mitchell said at the time.

"That person [Jonker] shouldn't referee another Super 14 game or he should be disciplined or suffer some consequence."

The Crusaders have won four of their eight visits to the imposing Loftus Versfeld, where the Bulls have won all six games in 2009 and are unbeaten in their past nine there.

The last time the teams met in a Pretoria playoff was two years ago when the Bulls won a try-less match 27-12 en route to a final win over the Sharks. Blackadder - then the team's lineout coach under Robbie Deans - has just four survivors (Richie McCaw, Leon MacDonald, Ben Franks and Wyatt Crockett) back from that starting 15.

He recalled the Bulls being "almost unstoppable" in 2007, and said the Crusaders had learned from that defeat.

They took two flights out of the equation by not basing themselves in Durban this time, instead preparing at altitude just down the road in Johannesburg.

Recent history is firmly against them. The last time a team won an away Super rugby semifinal was 2002 (the Brumbies against the Waratahs), while the away team have won just four of 26 previous semis.

Blackadder delayed naming his side, with most interest surrounding All Blacks lock Brad Thorn, as he battles a tight hamstring which ruled him out of the Blues match.

He rated Thorn "fairly positive" about playing, but would leave a decision as late as possible and potentially bracket him with Michael Paterson.

Blackadder said there was excitement and confidence they could produce an upset, and was certain about the home side's approach.

"I think they'll really try and put us under pressure and try to force mistakes. It's something they're good at, probably the best in the competition at it.

"They've got a real toughness there. They've been on the ropes a couple of times and come out punching.

"They seem to get themselves into good positions, so discipline is going to be crucial."

- NZPA