Jake: Crusaders 'setting bar high'

The Crusaders are beginning to show the kind of form that has already won them seven Super Rugby titles and could land another.

This is the view of Sharks Director of Rugby in the wake of his team's demoralising 6-38 loss to the Christchurch-based New Zealand franchise in the semifinal at the weekend.

While the Crusaders at times failed to convince this season, they have shown their ability to take apart any opposition when at their best.

And that is the devastating form they unleashed on the Sharks, a result that will see tem meet the Waratahs in the Final in Sydney this coming Saturday.

"I think they were outstanding," White told reporters in Christchurch at the weekend.

"They definitely raised the bar for how you play knock-out rugby."

Todd Blackadder's side negated a strong Sharks pack that demolished the Highlanders in the quarterfinal and while there were occasions when the Crusaders' defensive line was tested, the South Africans never looked like scoring a try.

The 38-6 victory could not have come at a better time as they prepare to beat the high-flying Waratahs in Sydney.

"It was certainly encouraging," said captain Kieran Read, who was at his rampaging best in the channels out wide.

"The way we did it was awesome and we are hitting some pretty good form heading into next week."

Long the competition's benchmark, the Crusaders have endured a relatively lean period in recent years, not winning the title since former coach Robbie Deans left in 2008.

They lost the 2011 Final to a piece of individual brilliance from Reds' scrumhalf Will Genia and in the past two seasons were beaten by the two-time champion Chiefs in semifinals of Test-match intensity.