The Hurricanes won the last clash between them and the Crusaders but across all the Super Rugby results between the teams the Crusaders are well ahead.

The Hurricanes have played the Crusaders 23 times since 1996 and they have only won 5 times. There have also two draws and one match that wasn't played in 2011 but was called a draw due to the Christchurch earthquakes.

As the Hurricanes have only won 5 times and lost 15 matches they have effectively won just 22% of their matches against the Crusaders.

Overall when the Hurricanes play the Crusaders the average score is Hurricanes 19 Crusaders 28.

This weekend's Super Rugby match will be played at home for the Hurricanes in Wellington where these two teams have played 7 times.

The Hurricanes have had home advantage over the Crusaders 10 times but one match was cancelled and the other were in New Plymouth (1996) and Napier (1998) and the Hurricanes lost both of those.

From the seven matches in Wellington the Hurricanes have won just twice. There was one draw (and the one cancellation) but overall the Hurricanes have won just 25% of their matches at home against the Crusaders.

The average score in Wellington when these teams play is Hurricanes 19 Crusaders 25.

Last week the Hurricanes played the Reds in Brisbane and they were unlucky not to come away with a win. There were a couple of calls that didn't go their way and coach Mark Hammett has been in touch with officials over some of the referee calls.

Hammett has made just one change to the team for this week with Victor Vito moving to the back of the scrum. They should be fairly settled.

The Crusaders last week were very disappointing by Crusaders standards. Coach Todd Blackadder has vowed that they will be better this week and the selections make more sense.

Last week was the Crusaders first Super Rugby match so they can be expected to be rusty. This week there is no excuse.

The Bookies have given the Hurricanes a 5 point start for this Match - with an offer of a FREE $150 BET. The Crusaders historical success in Wellington is too hard to ignore and there is no glaring reason we can see for this to change. The Crusaders should win by 4.

This Match will be shown on TV in NZ, Aus, SA and in the UK on Sky Sports 3 HD.

Average score: Hurricanes 19 Crusaders 28

Last five results
30 Jun 2012 Hurricanes v Crusaders 23-22 Christchurch
21 Apr 2012 Hurricanes v Crusaders 14-42 Wellington
18 Jun 2011 Hurricanes v Crusaders 9-16 Wellington
26 Feb 2011 Hurricanes v Crusaders 0-0 Wellington (Called Off)
02 Apr 2010 Hurricanes v Crusaders 26-26 Wellington
27 Feb 2009 Hurricanes v Crusaders 30-24 Christchurch

Hurricanes overall record against the Crusaders
Played 23, Wins 5, Losses 15, Draws 3

Match No.16.: Hurricanes v Crusaders
Date : Friday 8 March
Venue : Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Kick Off local: 19:35
Referee: Andrew Lees
Assistant Ref 1:Garratt Williamson
Assistant Ref 2:Shane McDermott
TMO : Glenn Newman

Teams

Hurricanes

1. Ben Franks,2. Dane Coles,3. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen,4. Jeremy Thrush,5. Jason Eaton,6. Brad Shields,7. Karl Lowe,8. Victor Vito,9. TJ Perenara,10. Beauden Barrett,11. Julian Savea,12. Tim Bateman,13. Conrad Smith (c),14. Alapati Leiua,15. Andre Taylor

Replacements : 16. Motu Matu'u / Ash Dixon,17. Ben May,18. James Broadhurst,19. Faifili Levave,20. Chris Smylie,21. James Marshall,22. Reynold Lee-Lo

Crusaders

1. Wyatt Crockett ,2. Corey Flynn, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Samuel Whitelock, 5. Dominic Bird, 6. George Whitelock,7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read (c), 9. Andy Ellis, 10. Dan Carter, 11. Johnny McNicholl, 12. Ryan Crotty, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Tom Marshall,15. Israel Dagg

Replacements : 16. Ben Funnell ,17. Joe Moody,18. Tom Donnelly,19. Luke Whitelock,20. Willi Heinz,21. Tom Taylor,22. Adam Whitelock