2019 super rugby
Mighty Crusaders wary of 'really dangerous' Jaguares
The mighty Crusaders have brushed off claims by the Jaguares of being underdogs in Saturday's historic Super Rugby final despite the Christchurch-based side...
The Crusaders said veteran centre Crotty suffered a broken thumb in an intense semi-final against Wellington Hurricanes, while fellow All Black Barrett broke his index finger.
NZR said there would be no disciplinary action against George Bridge or Richie Mo'unga, both of whom are expected to play in the Super Rugby final against Argentina's Jaguares on Saturday.
The Crusaders led 13-0 after 39 minutes before a dramatic turn in the game when the Hurricanes dropped their kicking plan and took to running the ball.
Entering the semifinal after six straight victories, the Jaguares reacted to a 30,000 singing, clapping crowd by winning far more comfortably than expected.
While the Argentines are eyeing a first final appearance only three years after debuting, the Brumbies hope to reach the title decider a fourth time having won the competition twice.
The Australian franchise have won eight of their past nine games, including seven in a row at Canberra Stadium.
The Sharks secured a last gasp 12-9 victory to reach the playoffs and face the Brumbies, but the absence of powerful scrummager Tendai Mtawariwa is a setback to their chances.
The KZN side scored in extra time and secured a place in the Super Rugby play-offs next week.
This is the second draw in as many weeks for the Pretorias side who drew 22-22 with the Blues last time out.
The Sharks head into the game off the back of a 30-17 loss to the Hurricanes last time out
The pivot missed the last two matches on tour due to injury, but returns in a much-changed back line from the one that drew against the Blues last week.
The 31-year-old, who has been beset with injuries since he was named South Africa captain two years ago, suffered the injury during a match against the Chiefs in April and he said it is taking longer than expected to heal.
Quesada told Friday's Sydney Morning Herald it was wrong to suggest the Jaguares' introduction to Super Rugby was part of a deliberate plan to strengthen the national side.
Wallabies great Phil Kearns has called for the Jaguares to be kicked out of Super Rugby, claiming they have an unfair advantage as their line-up is so similar to Argentina's national team.
Kolisi, who is also the Springbok captain, left the field before half-time after being injured during the Stormers’ 34-22 win over the Highlanders on Saturday.
The match ended 27-17 in favour of the home side as the Lions remian winless against South African opposition.
The table-topping Crusaders put a torrid week behind them to hold off the Blues 19-11 on Saturday while the Rebels stepped up the pressure in the Australian conference.
The New Zealanders scored three tries to one despite being outplayed for most of the match and failing to notch a point in the second half.