It was just one week out from the semifinal itself that we knew for sure that the Crusaders would be playing at home. They'd already qualified in the top four, but until the Chiefs lost their last round-robin match with the Brumbies, it wasn't known whether the Crusaders would finish in second or third place on the table. Once the Jade Stadium venue had been confirmed, we decided to book tickets to Christchurch. We hadn't been as a family to a Crusaders home match and this was, after all, 'our team' which had qualified for the semifinals for the sixth time in nine years. So here was our big chance for our girls to experience the Crusaders horsemen 'in person' along with the awesome Crusaders music (with which they were somewhat familiar, having heard their father play it more than a few times at home).

The Crusaders were definite favourites to win this match but there was always the possibility that the Stormers could spoil their party. And that would have put a dampener on ours! As it turned out, the visitors had the better of the first half and after 30 minutes were leading by 13-6. Fortunately the Crusaders had cut that back to 12-13 by halftime.

Within minutes of resumption of play Justin Marshall took the home team into the lead for the first time with a converted try, 19-13. For one who often "harangues his team-mates if they ham it up when they score", he got a little carried away as evidenced in the newspaper photo below. The Crusaders never relinquished their new-found lead, although with 17 minutes remaining and the score 22-16, it was still a little close for comfort. They eventually won the match 27-16.

The Crusaders now go to Canberra for the final against the Brumbies, a team they've previously met and beaten in two finals. As round-robin leaders and showing impressive form, the Brumbies will start this one as favourites. But if any team can rise to the occasion and beat them on their home patch, it is the Crusaders. Whatever the case, the red and blacks have done exceptionally well to have won six semifinals and four finals to date. This could well be their fifth.

Footnote: It wasn't. The Brumbies won 47-38.

- Malcolm Sparrow