All Blacks and Crusaders number eight Kieran Read is expected to deliver the sledgehammer blow that fractures the Blues’ resolve tonight.

Missing from the Crusaders last week because he was still being “integrated” back into the squad, captain and No8 Read, the IRB Player of the Year, is undoubtedly snorting for action ahead of this Super Rugby cracker at Eden Park.

The 28-year-old’s ability to unleash bone-creaking defensive collisions or splinter the line as a ball runner was sorely missed last weekend; clean breaks were too rare and dreadful execution too common as a mountain of possession was recklessly squandered.

Last year the Crusaders were walloped 34-15 as the Blues exposed their contracting defense and lack of numbers around the ball in the wide rucks.

The previous year the Crusaders scraped home 19-18 when a Israel Dagg finger tip connected with a late Piri Weepu drop goal.

In 2011 the Blues won 24-22.

The Crusaders will take on the Blues at 6.35pm tonight.

Story by: Fijivillage