How Sharks can beat Crusaders

Beating the Crusaders in a Super rugby semifinal will take more than a supreme forward effort and good defence from the Sharks, says Bulls coach Frans Ludeke.

The Bulls beat the Crusaders twice in Super rugby semifinals under Ludeke - in 2009 and 2010 - so he understands the magnitude of the task facing Jake White's team in Christchurch tomorrow.

Until this year, the Sharks had never beaten the Crusaders in Christchurch, but that statistic changed when the tourists upset the seven-time champions 30-25.

"The challenge in New Zealand is different because things that seem to be more comfortable at home - getting scrum ball and lineout dominance - are harder," Ludeke said.

"Tactical kicking has to be accurate so you can get good field position, apply pressure and create opportunities. The next challenge is to take those chances because there won't be many.

"The Sharks, though, are the only side to beat the Crusaders at home in many years. They did something right and Jake will look to replicate what worked for them.

"Physicality alone won't be enough because they will meet you on the gain line and match your physicality.

"How will you get quality possession in the right areas, or if you get it in your half, is your decision-making sound enough to make sure you play yourself into their territory and suffocate them? Because that's what they will do to you, so these are questions you have to answer on the day."

The Sharks scrum pulverised the Highlanders pack in last week's play-off, but the New Zealand team still made it difficult, only losing 31-27 despite having no front-foot ball.

"Against the Highlanders the Sharks' scrum was the thing that did it for them," Ludeke said. "The Crusaders will have the same strike power from broken play that the Highlanders did, but their scrum will hold its own.

"Excellent defence is one of the Sharks' strengths this season and they will need to make tackles count on Saturday."