Staff Templar: Viability for Hardcore

Hello!

I am currently planning on creating a staff templar for hardcore. However, I am unsure of the advantages that it will have over the traditional ground slam marauder.

As far as I know, staves and staff nodes provide increased block rates. Staves also grant increased spell damage if I am not mistaken.

Passive tree and skill gem suggestions will be greatly appreciated. :)

I did a hc staff templar to lev 40.
staff has higher crit(and tmeplars have better access to crit). templar has greater access to increased area of effect. templars do better elemental damage/effects like glacial hammer. templars do mana rather than blood magic.