Friday 12 August 2022
A huge defensive shift, and a dismantling of the Blues’ lineout, saw Crusaders flip the script in Auckland.
The Canterbury Crusaders await in the final after defeating the ACT Brumbies.
The 12-times champions extended their remarkable record of never losing a home knockout match.
The Kiwi defence coach joined Eoin Toolan and Gavan Casey on Wednesday’s Rugby Weekly Extra, three days out from the Blues’ clash with the Brumbies.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders continued their ominous form with a ruthless rout of Pacific newcomers Fijian Drua, who have now lost 11 from 13.
There were hopes they would take to the field against Waikato Chiefs on Sunday.
Covid-19 travel regulations and policies will prevent Timani from playing this season.
The Fijian Drua are also joining the competition next year.
Sonny Bill Williams has led tributes to the Super Rugby star.
Former AFL champion Mick Byrne has previously worked as skills coach for the All Blacks, Australia, Japan and Scotland.
The competition will expand to 12 teams next year to include two Pacific Island sides.
The all-New Zealand final to the Australasian championship was an intensely physical battle.
New Zealand clubs continue to dominate the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.
Bulls coach Jake White revealed that the Ireland international has ruled out a return.
Richie Mo’unga starred again as the Crusaders hammered the Reds.
Auckland have now posted 98 points from two matches in an impressive start to the competition.
It went right down to the wire in Christchurch earlier.
After two uncharacteristic losses in their past three matches, the Crusaders fired on all cylinders.
The result puts the Chiefs ahead of the Auckland Blues in the race for a final berth.
The Crusaders scored three tries to two but were punished for infringements within kicking range as McKenzie landed four penalties.
The Blues ripped up the Super 12 in 2003 with a thrilling group of players.
Two Pacific teams set to make up a 12-team competition from the 2022 season onwards.
Joe Wheeler was referring to Japanese international Kazuki Himeno after a Super Rugby Aotearoa match on Friday.
Damian McKenzie ensured the Waikato Chiefs revival continued on Saturday.
Aaron Smith faced a special haka as he became the most capped Highlander ever.
Leicester Fainga’anuku’s brilliant try arrived in the first half.
Western Force and Rob Kearney’s meeting with the Rebels on Friday will be available to watch on World Rugby’s website.
The Crusaders came out on top in the Super Rugby Aotearoa opener in Dunedin.
Tom Lynagh, 17, has signed a two-and-a-half year deal until 2023.
The event will be run off over six weeks from 14 May, kicking off after each country completes a domestic tournament.
The 34-year-old completes the move following his recent departure from Leinster and Ireland.
The ACT Brumbies will provide the opposition in next week’s decider.
Reports that Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers could trade Super Rugby for Pro14.
It finished 38-32 to send the season to the wire.
Governing body SANZAAR insists it still has a part to play, even though Australia and New Zealand have left it out in the cold on discussions about Super Rugby’s future.
The Otago side stormed home to beat the Hurricanes.
Jordan Petaia bagged the opening try on his return to action after his father died suddenly this month.
Three tries in the final quarter secured their fourth successive Super title.
NSW Waratahs smashed the shellshocked Queensland Reds reignite their season.
Warren Gatland’s Chiefs have lost all eight games since the lockdown.
