Read looking for spotless display

 

The Sharks game plan is no secret, but it remains difficult to counter. Squeezing the life out of the opposition while chipping away with penalties is a speciality of the Durban-based team.

 

The return of Pat Lambie and the ever present booming boot of Frans Steyn is something that the Crusaders captain has been focusing on in the lead up to the semifinal in CHristchurch.

 

"We have spoken about that all week," Read told stuff NZ

 

"They kick a lot of penalties and on the back of penalties they get field position with their line-out drives as well. 

 

"I know it is going to be a big test for us not to give them any free 'outs' there."

 

If the Crusaders are to break the shackles of the Sharks gameplan, Read knows that silly mistakes and ill discipline will need to be cut from their play.

 

"We don't want to be giving away cheap penalties, really," he added.

 

"We want to give nothing away to them because if we do he [Steyn] will just knock them over and keep the scoreboard ticking.

 

"I'm certainly expecting them to keep to their strengths which is their scrum, their line-out maul and knocking over penalties. I don't think too much will change.

 

"Hopefully if we have the conditions to suit us we will be able to play a bit of footy."

 

Should the Crusaders beat the Sharks and the Waratahs go on to overcome the Brumbies those two teams will go on to contest the Final in Sydney.

 

However, the Sharks still have a chance at a home Final. If the Waratahs falter at home and the Sharks succeed in Christchurch, then it would be the Brumbies heading to Durban for the final match.