Crusaders

Hurricanes and Blues Set the Pace as Super Rugby Pacific 2026 Title Race Tightens

The Hurricanes and Blues share the Super Rugby Pacific lead on 20 points, with the Brumbies one point behind and the Queensland Reds two back in a tightly packed top four. The Crusaders and Chiefs remain within range but need stronger runs of form, while the lower half of the table is already under pressure to avoid losing touch with the championship race.

Rugby · 6/15/2026

'Brilliant for the Crusaders': Wildkard Charts Fainga'anuku's No. 7 Reinvention as Perofeta Red Card Sours Blues' Night

Wildkard Rugby argues Leicester Fainga'anuku is now adding a new layer to his game every week as the Crusaders' converted No. 7, while the Blues lost Stephen Perofeta to a red card upgrade in their 36-20 Round 13 defeat.

Rugby Union · 5/9/2026

Bower's Hundred: Crusaders Power Past Blues 36-20 as Veteran Prop Crowns 100th Cap

George Bower scored his first Super Rugby try in his 100th Crusaders appearance as Christchurch's seven-time champions powered to a bonus-point 36-20 win over the Blues, with Sevu Reece marking his return and head coach Rob Penney calling the milestone moment a celebration of one of the team's heart-and-soul men.

Rugby Union · 5/8/2026

'I Felt We'd Lost the Innovation': Daryl Gibson Backs Rennie to Restore the All Blacks' Identity

Former All Black and Crusaders coach Daryl Gibson tells DSPN that Dave Rennie inherits a New Zealand side that has spent two years copying other nations - and that getting back to All Blacks DNA, not chasing South African size, is the path back to the top of the game.

Rugby Union · 5/6/2026

Canes Go Clear at the Top: Two Cents Rugby's Round 12 Verdict on Super Rugby Pacific 2026

Two Cents Rugby breaks down a defining Round 12 in Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes hold off the Crusaders to lead by two, the Force shock the Waratahs in Sydney, the Drua bury the Highlanders under turnovers, and the Reds outlast the Brumbies in a Brisbane arm-wrestle.

Rugby Union · 5/4/2026

'Test Match Intensity': Crusaders Christen One NZ Stadium with 35-20 Waratahs Win

The Crusaders have opened Christchurch's new One NZ Stadium – Te Kaha – with a 35-20 Super Rugby Pacific win over the NSW Waratahs, ending a 15-year wait for a permanent indoor home. Dallas McLeod scored twice in front of a sold-out 25,237 crowd, while Tahs coach Dan McKellar conceded discipline and set-piece had cost his side a tilt at the upset.

Rugby Union · 4/24/2026

'A Real Beautiful Thing': Two Cents Rugby Salutes Crusaders' New-Stadium Statement

Two Cents Rugby's live-stream reaction to the first Super Rugby Pacific match at the Crusaders' new Christchurch stadium delivered as much emotion as analysis. A team they 'can't stand' had just opened a long-awaited ground with a 35-20 win over the Waratahs, and the hosts barely hid a sense of closure after 14 years of scaffolding.

Rugby Union · 4/24/2026

Fainga'anuku at Flanker: Penny's Gamble for Crusaders' New Stadium

Rob Penny pulled the selection surprise of the Super Rugby Pacific weekend, naming Leicester Fainga'anuku at openside flanker for the Crusaders' maiden match at the new 1NZ Stadium — a hybrid gamble panel pundits quickly branded 'a four-ex' after Rod McQueen's old versatility creed.

Rugby Union · 4/24/2026

'It's a Bit Like Lightning': Harrison and Shepherd Welcome Super Round Back

The Stan Sport Rugby Heaven crew welcomed back Super Round with real affection, previewed a new-stadium opener in Christchurch, and revisited the weekend's biggest upset — the Fijian Drua stunning the Brumbies in Canberra. Justin Harrison also reached into the archive to remind Waratahs fans what a Crusaders scalp actually feels like.

Rugby Union · 4/23/2026

'The Team to Beat': Between Two Posts Panel Dumps Chiefs as Hurricanes Take Favourites Mantle

Matt Dunning and Morgan Turinui have both backed the Hurricanes over the Chiefs as Super Rugby Pacific title favourites after last weekend's overtime thriller in Hamilton, with the Stan Sport panel also unpacking the Force's 19-0 comeback over the Crusaders.

Rugby Union · 4/21/2026