Read unlikely to play in semi

| Rugby News | Monday July 23 2012 10:57

There's little chance of number eight Kieran Read bolstering the Crusaders stocks for their Super Rugby semifinal against the Chiefs on Friday night.

Read took the knock in their penultimate round robin game against the eventual New Zealand conference winners and has missed their last two games.

Assistant coach Daryl Gibson says while Read's rating himself 50/50 to play, he believes it's more like 60/40 in favour of not stripping.

"Reado's desperate to play but I think common sense will prevail there. He's got a long year ahead of him, while we'd love to have him out on the park for us, we've got to make sure that first and foremost his health is first priority."

Gibson says they were essentially in a playoff situation two weeks ago when they played them.

"We were a very desperate team. We went out there with a lot of desire and commitment so I think something that matches that with the kind of intensity we touched at times (on Saturday) against the Bulls, will certainly make us difficult to beat."

Meanwhile the Crusaders are lapping up the comforts of home heading into the semi final.

The seven time champions could make their tenth final with a win in Hamilton.

Gisbon says staying in New Zealand for the week makes it so much easier to prepare.

"Today's a pretty routine Monday. Reviews, look at what we've can improve on and probably look forward to getting our game plan against the Chiefs underway and seeing how we can break down this side."

The Crusaders had packed their bags before the Bulls game on the weekend, as they were planning for a 5am flight the next morning to face the Stormers.

Tickets for the match have just gone on sale.

Photo: Photosport

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