Crusaders without Marshall

Super 12: All Black scrumhalf Justin Marshall had to withdraw from the Canterbury Crusaders' Super 12 final against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra today after failing a fitness test.

Canterbury coach Robbie Deans said Marshall's absence with a calf injury was a big blow to his team's hopes of winning a record third title but said his replacement, 21-year-old Ben Hurst, would acquit himself well.

With Marshall unavailable, the Brumbies were starting as clear favourites, hoping to become the first Australian side to win the southern hemisphere's team championship.

They finished the regular season on top of the table after beating the Crusaders 17-12 in the last round, then secured the home advantage for the final by beating South Africa's Cats 25-8 in last weekend's semi-final in Cape Town.

The Crusaders, however, were today counting much on All Black outhalf Andrew Mehrtens, who landed eight kicks out of eight as his side brushed past the Otago Highlanders 37-15 in their semi-final.

ACT: A Walker; M Bartholomeusz, S Mortlock, R Kafer, J Roff; S Larkham, G Gregan; B Young. J Paul, P Noriega, D Giffin, J Harrison, I Fenukitau, J Williams, B Robinson.

CANTERBURY: L MacDonald; M Vunibaka, M Robinson, C Ralph, D Gibson; A Mehrtens, B Hurst; G Feek, M Hammett, G Somerville, R Thorne, T Blackadder, S Robertson, R Cribb, N Maxwell.

Referee: A Watson (South Africa).

IRFU Fines: Young Munster and Buccaneers have each been fined £5,000 as a result of incidents during their All-Ireland League match at Tom Clifford Park on April 22nd.

In a statement, the IRFU has made it clear that, having investigated the facts and given consideration to all the circumstances, "the conduct of both teams was detrimental to the best interests of the game. In addition, the clubs must take responsibility for the actions of its players and teams on the field of play."

Referee Tony Redmond was forced to show three yellow cards and two reds as the tempers flared in three prolonged bouts of fighting during the game.