All of the major domestic rugby titles have been decided over the month of June, with the Crusaders seventh title in Super Rugby supporting their status as the Premier rugby franchise across the globe. The Currie Cup grand final was also played on Saturday, with the Free State Cheetahs claiming the reward in South Africa’s […] READ MORE
Tag: Crusaders (Canterbury)
Fan favourites Fijian Drua secure first-ever Super Rugby playoff berth in 2023
Fan favourites Fijian Drua securing their first-ever Super Rugby Pacific playoff berth is an important step for the game. In so much that reality has matched the expectation – and not without a prolonged wait. Only in their second foundation season as a franchise, the long wait by Fijian rugby fans and supporters of Pacifica […] READ MORE
Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific unbeaten streak includes Crusaders ‘twice’
Nine wins from nine fixtures have the Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific season on target for a home playoff match, including two victories against the Crusaders. This 34-24 win continues the Hamilton side’s dominance of the Southern Hemisphere competition. This home match was another stern challenge, however, the hosts held the Crusaders back, scoring a marvelous […] READ MORE
2023 Super Rugby overview: Pacific competition commences second season
With days only until the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition commences its second season, the anticipation is building. Squads have been assembled, with the starting teams named for the opening clash between the Crusaders v Chiefs in Christchurch. Quickly followed by the New South Wales (NSW) Waratahs v ACT Brumbies. A good opening trial for […] READ MORE
Richie Mo’unga Japanese contract post-RWC a lifestyle change over Rugby
An announcement that the Richie Mo’unga Japanese contract post-RWC is a lifestyle change, as much as an opportunity to maximize earning potential now, is a valuable revelation. It means that the conclusion of the Crusaders Super Rugby Pacific season is likely his last for the red and blacks. Completing 2023, Richie Mo’unga will have accrued […] READ MORE
How far are recent All Blacks coaching staff changes going to go?
After announcements on Sunday, July 24, the question has arisen of how far are recent All Blacks coaching staff changes going to go? That comes after a series loss to Ireland this year, on top of losses across 2021. In news that came days after a press conference securing the role of the head coach […] READ MORE
Determined tackling sees Crusaders reach Super Rugby Pacific final v Blues
With the results marked down, two semi-finals were played in New Zealand, where determined tackling sees the Crusaders reach the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific final. There, they will travel to Auckland to meet the competition premiers, the Blues. The Blues defeated the ACT Brumbies 20-19 on a wet evening, surviving a torrid final quarter after […] READ MORE
2022 ACT Brumbies display Championship credentials against Chiefs
For several weeks now, the 2022 ACT Brumbies team has played to their peak. No stumbling, no missteps, and few errors that would give others a sense that they are anything less than Championship contenders. A single blemish on their record against the Queensland Reds in Round 7 has been repaired. The Dan McKellar coached […] READ MORE
Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 continues; Moana Pasifika v Chiefs postponed
Not even into Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 of the new calendar, two games have been affected directly by the Omicron variant – both games involving unfortunate newcomers, Moana Pasifika. Unfairly, and in the franchise’s breakout year too, Pasifika players and management have been the side worst affected by the virus’ surge within the New […] READ MORE
Loud critics motivating Zac Guildford during return to New Zealand
Back in his first season of top-level provincial rugby for some time, Waikato winger Zac Guildford is a man determined to maintain momentum as his bid to ‘prove the critics wrong’ continues. Talking to Last Word On Rugby, the former All Black and Crusader says he has found new hope since making home in Hamilton […] READ MORE