With twenty-five minutes on the clock in the highest-profile game of rugby in months, the Crusaders went down six points. Rieko Ioane had just demonstrated his trademark finishing ability, by carrying two Crusaders with him as he muscled his way over the tryline for the Blues. Ioane’s try had handed his team the ascendancy, (with […] READ MORE
When he was needed most, Richie Mo’unga answered the call of his Crusaders team, to direct them towards a win in a local derby victory over the Blues. The All Blacks and Crusaders first-five was again at his prominent best, in driving his side for the entire 80 minutes. And that fact will be where […] READ MORE
Here is Robert Rees‘ Rugby World Cup team of the tournament (so far). 20 games into the 42 match event, and plenty of World Rugby’s superstars have shone. After gauging the results and performances, this is in Rob’s opinion, the outstanding XV players in the Rugby World Cup, so far. 1. Jefferson Poirot (France) The French […] READ MORE
Some considered Beauden Barrett at fullback a waste. Yet as the Barrett/Mo’unga combination flourishes after the Bledisloe Cup win on Saturday night it may be now seen as a masterstroke, particularly after the 36-0 victory over Australia. The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year had been assigned the fullback jersey (for the opening tests […] READ MORE
The first game of the second week saw the two premier teams in Rugby Championship 2019, New Zealand and South Africa, clash in what has historically been tight, combative game. In last years tournament, only 2 points separated the two teams both times they faced each other. Rugby Championship 2019 It was an equally cagey […] READ MORE
In the first match of the 2019 Super Rugby playoffs, it was a more confident Crusaders team that dismantled a strong challenge from the Highlanders, 38-14. In a masterclass performance, led by Richie Mo’unga and Kieran Read, the Crusaders began their Finals Series with a positive outcome. It came via a difficult and thorough challenge […] READ MORE
By comparison, Richie Mo’unga is the new ‘Big Stepper’ on the Rugby Scene, with displays in Super Rugby shading competitions like the Premiership (for one). That is not to say that none of the current crop of first five-eighths in the game are not as adept at stepping. It is just so obvious when you watch […] READ MORE
It was supposed to be the other way around. The All Blacks were supposed to play an exceptional match in their Rugby Championship game against Argentina. The fresh talent was supposed to shine on the big stage. Instead, it was the host city and venue who shone brightest, as the All Blacks stuttered to a 46-24 […] READ MORE
Few players call out so loudly for a starting Test spot, than Richie Mo’unga. The Crusaders and Canterbury first-five is very much proven in domestic competition – it seems [to the majority] that the time is now for Richie to be given his first test start – in the upcoming weekend’s test; NZLvARG He has […] READ MORE
After yet another title - their ninth - the Crusaders are held in high esteem as your 2018 Super Rugby Champions, after withstanding the Lions challenge READ MORE