Crusaders vs. Highlanders

Out of the last five Super Rugby matches between the Crusaders and the Highlanders the Crusaders have won three and lost two.
Overall the Crusaders have played the Highlanders 22 times since 1996 and in those matches the Crusaders have won 14 and lost 8 times. There have been no draws.
The Crusaders have therefore won 64% of their matches against their Southern rivals the Highlanders.
Across all venues the average score when the teams meet is Crusaders 29 Highlanders 21.
This weekend the match will be played at home for the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The Crusaders and Highlanders have played each other 11 times in Christchurch and the Crusaders have 9 times and lost twice.
That translates to the Crusaders winning 82% of their home matches against the Highlanders.
The average score when the teams play in Christchurch is Crusaders 36 Highlanders 24.
The last two matches in Christchurch have both been won by the Crusaders and the last time the Highlanders won in the city was way back in May 2008.
The Crusaders have returned home from a difficult three week tour which gave them one won and two losses. Last week's loss to the Force in Perth will have hurt so they will be stinging.
The Highlanders have big problems as their game is just not delivering. They have yet to win this season and have lost all seven matches so far and have been outscored by an average of 10 points in each match.
The Crusaders have played seven and lost four. All of their losses have been away from home where they have not lost since June last year. Throughout Super Rugby the Crusaders have won 83% of their matches at home.
Having lost four matches already the Crusaders will know how important winning their home matches will be this season.
At the time of writing the Highlanders had not named their team but no major surprises are expected.

Last five results
01 Jun 2012 Crusaders v Highlanders 51-18 Christchurch
03 Mar 2012 Crusaders v Highlanders 24-27 Dunedin
23 Apr 2011 Crusaders v Highlanders 18-26 Nelson
19 Mar 2011 Crusaders v Highlanders 44-13 Dunedin
13 Feb 2010 Crusaders v Highlanders 32-17 Christchurch