The keys for Reds to beat Crusaders

THE Crusaders have changed their game significantly this season and it makes the Reds' shot at history in Christchurch a bit more challenging.

THE Crusaders have changed their game significantly this season and it makes the Reds' shot at history in Christchurch a bit more challenging.

The Crusaders are kicking slightly less and playing more ball-in-hand.

The attack emphasis is based on splitting the field by setting up midfield rucks then picking the side to attack with the fewest defenders.

When they are on, they are the hottest attacking team in town with No. 8 Kieran Read, halfback Andy Ellis and flyhalf Dan Carter controlling the attack superbly.

For the Reds to upset the Crusaders in this high-quality playoff, five key areas must be spot on.

1. The key player for the Crusaders is Read. He is their best lineout forward in defence and a damaging ball-carrier. The Crusaders' lineout defence is one of the best in the business.

The Reds need to use seven-man lineouts, throw away from Read and attack wherever the big but cumbersome lock Luke Romano is defending. Reds lineout caller Rob Simmons must get it right.

2. Pressure Andy Ellis. He is clever but not quick, so at every opportunity the Reds must sack him like an American football quarterback and take him out of the game.

3. The Reds must kick early in phase play so that the kick-chase line has five in the front line so Crusaders fullback Israel Dagg has to kick. The next kick return is the opportunity for the Reds to attack.

4. Be physical from the first minute. To beat the Crusaders, you have to muscle up. Reds skipper James Horwill must lead the way.

5. Will Genia must run. The halfback must take on the Crusaders' tight forwards to create space for Quade Cooper to play. Cooper must express himself as the Reds will need to attack well to beat the Kiwis.

Like a boxer, the Reds need to be physical but at the same time composed with a fight-to-the-death mentality which is what you learn playing finals.

The Crusaders used to be the kings in this area but, given their recent lack of trophies, anxiety may be a factor early for them.

The Reds can expose this with a quick, positive start.

The ACT Brumbies, with a young team, need old heads George Smith, Stephen Moore and Ben Alexander to step up to the plate.

Smith will play the game of his life but Moore and Alexander were poor last week and seemed to be carrying mental scars from the British and Irish Lions series.

Coach Jake White would have worked hard to freshen their mentality to play the first Brumbies final since 2004. Like the Reds, the Brumbies need a good start against the Cheetahs.