Super Rugby qualifying final preview: Crusaders v Reds, AMI Staidum, Christchurch

WE bring you everything you need to know about the first Super Rugby qualifying final between the Crusaders and Reds.

WE bring you everything you need to know about the first Super Rugby qualifying final between the Crusaders and Reds.

What, where and when: First qualifier, AMI Stadium, Christchurch, 5.35pm (AEST) Saturday.

Form guide: Crusaders WWWWL, Reds WWLLW.

Match odds: (sportsbet.com.au) Crusaders $1.22, Reds $4.35 (as at 2.30pm, 19/7).

What happens next: The winner advances to the Super Rugby semi-finals; the loser exits Super Rugby for 2013.

Tale of the tape

This is the first time these two teams have met this year. The Reds are aiming for a clean sweep of New Zealand's Super Rugby teams in 2013, having already knocked over the Hurricanes (18-12 in Brisbane), Highlanders (34-33 in Dunedin), Chiefs (31-23 in Hamilton) and Blues (12-11 in Brisbane).

The Reds returned from a month's hiatus - thanks to the British and Irish Lions Test series - to notch a scrappy 14-12 win over the Waratahs. They will be boosted by the return of captain James Horwill and halfback Will Genia, who were both rested from the Tahs clash after picking up injuries while on Wallabies duty against the Lions. But centre Anthony Faingaa has failed to overcome a hamstring strain, while fellow backs Rod Davies and Mike Harris have also joined strike weapon Digby Ioane on the sidelines.

The Crusaders are hitting their straps heading into the finals, a 25-17 triumph over the Hurricanes last Friday their third victory in three weeks and fourth-straight win overall. Throw in the return of superstar flanker Richie McCaw, who has been named on the bench after ending his six-month sabbatical with a club rugby appearance last weekend, and the Crusaders machine looks to once again be firing at the right time of the year.

Catch the Super Rugby semi-finals Live and in HD on Fox Sports! Tune into Fox Sports 2HD and Fox Sports 2 from 5:30pm (EST) Saturday to see the Crusaders v Reds and then Fox Sports 1HD and Fox Sports 1 at 4pm (EST) Sunday for the Brumbies v Cheetahs clash!

Stats amazing

The Reds haven't won in Christchurch since David Wilson's Queensland partied like it was 1999 - because it was. In addition, the Crusaders boast an impeccable 14 wins from 14 finals played in their home city, and have won 15 of their past 16 games at AMI Stadium.

The Reds have won three of four matches against the Crusaders under Ewen McKenzie, including the 2011 Super Rugby final, but lost last year's regular season clash in Christchurch 16-11. The last non-New Zealand side to defeat the Crusaders at home was the Waratahs in 2004, when McKenzie was coach.

Key match-up: Dan Carter v Quade Cooper

It's the best flyhalf in the game up against the best headline-generator - and it could be the first of several clashes between Crusaders superstar Dan Carter and Reds  playmaker Quade Cooper. Reds boss Ewen McKenzie's appointment as Wallabies coach has opened the door for Cooper to return to the national set-up, with Fox Sports commentator Nathan Sharpe declaring he had ``no doubt'' the Queenslander would be No.10 when Australia hosts on the All Blacks in next month's The Rugby Championship opener.

Forget about his record against the New Zealanders at international level though, Cooper doesn't mind tackling the Cantabrians. He set the Reds record for most points scored in a match when he crossed for two tries and kicked three conversions and five penalties for a 31-point haul in Queensland's 41-20 win over the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium in 2010, kicked a late penalty to sink them 17-16 in a regular season clash in 2011 before helping his side triumph in the Super Rugby final later that year.

Carter, meanwhile, needs little introduction. Super Rugby's leading pointscorer remains the best No.10 in the game and is showing no signs of slowing down. He will relish the chance to lead the seven-time champions to yet more glory.

What they said

``You can look at their 15 from 16 record or you can look at each game this year. A lot of teams pushed them down there. We have to think of that side of it.'' - Reds coach Ewen McKenzie

``They're very smart. They have a really good kicking game and, on attack, they're really flat so if you let their playmakers get over the gain line, you're in for a helluva day.'' - Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder