Packs key in Mainland Super 12 derby

The Crusaders know they have to wrench the Highlanders' bull by the horns before mesmerising it with their speedsters in tonight's match at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

Although they have been able to score tries from almost anywhere this year, the Crusaders are unlikely be able to employ the carefree attitude which has seen them spread the ball early to wings Caleb Ralph and Rico Gear.

With plenty riding on the match, especially for the Highlanders who may farewell their play-off hopes if they suffer a loss, a more conservative game-plan is expected from the visitors, who will be wary of the dew and the Highlanders' potent pack.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans has an unchanged 22-man squad from the team who thrashed the Sharks 77-34 last weekend, and warned that his men must match the highly respected Highlanders pack before thinking about giving the talented backs room.

"If we don't enter the competition up front, through the physical challenge - we won't be there," Deans said.

"The Highlanders also have one of the sharpest defensive records in the competition and there won't be any easy channels. We have to do the hard work first and know there are no shortcuts."

The Highlanders scrum is regarded as one of the best in New Zealand but the Crusaders will dispute that when they meet.

Both front rows boast All Blacks and the battle between Carl Hayman and Dave Hewett is eagerly awaited.

Deans acknowledged the challenge that the Highlanders scrum posed, but added that it had not dominated his focus this week.

Last week the Highlanders wings were exposed in their 40-21 loss to the Waratahs and coach Greg Cooper has reacted by dropping right wing Glen Horton and replacing him with Anthony Tuitavake. Neil Brew has been brought in to replace Tuitavake at centre.

Cooper has employed some clever tactics this season - especially in their win over the Hurricanes - and although the Highlanders unravelled against the Waratahs, there should be plenty of ginger in the local derby.

It is unlikely the Highlanders would play as badly as they did against the Waratahs, and Cooper acknowledged it was a lemon.

"We were well below our best against a very good Waratahs side. It was probably more a mental thing on our side and we got exposed.

"We came down to earth pretty quickly."

- NZPA

* Carisbrook, Dunedin, tonight 7.35

HIGHLANDERS

Ben Blair
Anthony Tuitavake
Neil Brew
Seilala Mapusua
Matt Saunders
Nick Evans
Danny Lee
Paul Miller
Josh Blackie
Craig Newby
James Ryan
Tom Donnelly
Carl Hayman
Anton Oliver (c)
Carl Hoeft

CRUSADERS

Leon Macdonald
Rico Gear
Casey Laulala
Aaron Mauger
Caleb Ralph
Dan Carter
Justin Marshall
Mose Tuiali'i
Johnny Leo'o
Reuben Thorne (c)
Chris Jack
Ross Filipo
Greg Somerville
Corey Flynn
Dave Hewett

Reserves:

Highlanders: Mahonri Schwalger, Clarke Dermody, Filipo Levi, Grant Webb, Jimmy Cowan, Cameron McIntyre, Hayden Pedersen

Crusaders: Tone Kopelani, Campbell Johnstone, Sam Broomhall, Sam Harding, Jamie Nutbrown, Andrew Mehrtens, Scott Hamilton.