The battle between the two No 10s will be decisive in Saturday's big game at Ellis Park, writes JON CARDINELLI.

Marnitz Boshoff is the reason the Lions have maintained a position in the top six. While the Johannesburg side is short of world-class players, they have fired as a collective in the early stages of the competition. Most significantly, their flyhalf has converted the majority of their scoring chances into points. Boshoff has accumulated 107 points in six games, the most of any player in this year's tournament.

Boshoff will be the big threat again this weekend, whether he is lining up a goal attempt from within his own half, or slipping back in the pocket for the drop goal. The Crusaders will need to ensure that they win the territorial battle and produce a clinical breakdown performance. They can't afford to give away penalties within Boshoff's kicking range.

The Crusaders used Colin Slade in the No 10 position last week. Slade boasts international experience and the Crusaders will certainly look to him to make the big plays at Ellis Park. He should ask a few questions of the Lions defence and bring the Crusaders' dangerous outside backs into the contest. If the Lions succeed in limiting Slade's space and thus disrupting the Crusaders attack, they will stand a great chance of another big victory.

Photos: Matt King/Getty Images/Gavin Barker/ BackpagePix