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'We know they have chinks in their armour'

SUPER RUGBY SPOTLIGHT: Going to Christchurch to face the Crusaders is a daunting task for any team, but the Hurricanes believe they can expose their opponents’ weaknesses this weekend.

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The two teams meet at Christchurch Stadium for a mouth-watering semifinal with the Crusaders installed as overwhelming favourites to advance to the Final.

The Crusaders finished on top of the overall standings, but they didn’t have it all their own way this season with defeats to the Waratahs and Chiefs and draws with the Sharks and Stormers.

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The Hurricanes finished the season with more wins (12) than the Crusaders (11) this season and they are confident that they can upset the champions in their own backyard.

“We know they have chinks in their armour, I don’t think it is a matter of going backwards to realise what that is,” said Hurricanes assistant coach Carlos Spencer.

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“We have just got to stay in the present and in the moment and purely focus on ourselves.”

The Hurricanes will need some big improvements in their game after the Bulls 35-28 in their quarterfinal last weekend.

John Plumtree’s side struggled with their exit strategies and they were bullied on occasions in the physical exchanges.

“We have got no concerns, we have just got to be a bit more clinical and ruthless in those areas and make smarter decisions,” Spencer added.

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“Especially against a side that is going to bring heat, you know line speed. We have just got to be smarter around that and execution, is got to be top notch.”

Source: tvnz.co.nz

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