Canterbury Crusaders coach Robbie Deans knows that his side is in a potential "no-win" situation when they face up to bottom of the table Queensland Reds on Saturday.

If they win in Brisbane, everyone would have expected it. If they lose, however, it will be dubbed as their worst performance of the season.

He knows the injury-ridden Reds will be doubly desperate to win when they host the defending Super 12 champions. "For one, they have under-achieved to date, and the other is they have got new players who are very keen to perform at this level," he said. "In many ways the more hungry the players are, the more dangerous they are."

He said it means nothing that the home side will be without World Cup stars such as John Eales and Matt Cockbain, while there are also doubts over the availability of Tim Horan, Ben Tune and Daniel Herbert. "They have 22 top players in the squad, and they've shown previously that they've got the depth."

"Queensland are a side who have been in the play-offs almost every year and only a fool would claim that they won't be there again. They are perfectly able to achieve that again this year."

Crusaders captain Todd Blackadder pointed out that he expects a tough battle from the Reds. "We know what it's like to lose a few games in a row and have our backs against the wall so I suspect Queensland will be the same. They've got a team full of Wallabies, they're well coached and well drilled and are a world-class team."

As for his own side's form, Blackadder is delighted with the way the Crusaders have started their Super 12 title defence. "We aren't used to starting well - it's a bit of a grey area for us. We're pleased with it though, but we're looking to keep improving as it goes on. I'm quite pleased the bye is out of the way and we are in a week-in, week-out mode, which makes it far easier to focus."

They have also had some good fortune regarding injuries this season. Norm Berryman's sprained ankle - suffered in the second match against the Blues - is responding well to treatment, although he is unlikely to play against the Reds. However, All Black prop Greg Feek has recovered sufficiently from his elbow injury and should regain his place in the starting line-up