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

'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

'This Win Means So Much': Lomax Try Helps Force Stun Crusaders

Zac Lomax ended an eight-month try drought in a storybook Super Rugby Pacific start as the Western Force clawed back from 19-0 down to shock the Crusaders 31-26 at HBF Park.

Rugby · 4/19/2026

Braydon Ennor’s Crusaders Value Endures: Power, Versatility and a Proven Backline Edge

Braydon Ennor is profiled as a key Crusaders back whose value comes from his size, versatility and all-round reliability. At 186cm and 99kg, he offers power in contact, defensive strength and tactical flexibility across the backline, making him an important fit in the Crusaders’ demanding system.

Rugby · 4/10/2026

Moana Pasifika Prevail at North Harbour as Crusaders Finish Second

Moana Pasifika defeated the Crusaders at North Harbour Stadium on 21 March 2026, with the home side classified first and the visitors second. In a fixture with limited available detail, the key takeaway was Moana Pasifika’s ability to turn home advantage into a significant result against high-profile opposition.

Rugby · 3/21/2026

Moana Pasifika Prevail at North Harbour to Seal Statement Win over Crusaders

Moana Pasifika claimed a significant home win over the Crusaders at North Harbour Stadium in Super Rugby Pacific 2026, finishing first with the Crusaders classified second. With limited event data available, the defining story was the result itself: Moana Pasifika converted home status into a statement victory over one of the competition’s biggest names.

Rugby · 3/21/2026