Canterbury crusaders
Crusaders win Super Rugby Aotearoa after customary late surge
The little-fancied Highlanders led for the first 60 minutes but could not hold back the red wave as the Crusaders took control in the final quarter -- a period...
The provincial rivalry, which dates back more than a century, has waned in recent years with the Crusaders dominating New Zealand rugby over the last two decades.
Robertson said it would be about 12-16 weeks before Barrett would be able to play again, which could also affect his chances of playing for the All Blacks if tests are arranged later this year.
The defending champions have now gone 24 consecutive matches, dating back to 2016, without defeat at their Christchurch fortress.
The Crusaders’ latest fullback find Will Jordan scored twice, as did All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor in his first outing of the year.
The Blues could have snatched a late victory but replacement flyhalf Harry Plummer missed a long-range penalty with less than three minutes remaining.
Elton Jantjies has been a Springbok for the last six years, has played in two previous Super Rugby finals but many in SA remain unconvinced about his ability at the very top level.
The Hurricanes’ defeat by the Canterbury Crusaders brought Chris Boyd’s four-season involvement with the team to an end.
The victory means the Crusaders go into the month-long hiatus with a nine-point cushion over the Wellington Hurricanes at the top of the New Zealand conference and looking well-set to defend their title.
The game was played in cold and wet conditions and both sides initially struggled to contend, making numerous handling errors in a scrappy affair.
Canterbury Crusaders assistant coach Leon MacDonald is to take a step back from the Super Rugby champions to spend more time with his family, the team said.
The Lions were second best in a Super Rugby final for a second consecutive year, as they lost 17 -25 to the Crusaders at a sold out Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday.
A rebuilt 21,600-seat venue at Rugby League Park in Addington was rushed into action following the 2011 earthquake that condemned Lancaster Park.
The flyhalf slotted four penalties as Lions produced a performance of test-match intensity to beat the Crusaders in the third game of their tour of New Zealand.
Scott Barrett scored a try and impressed with his work rate on attack and defence as the Crusaders won their fifth successive game.
Jake White’s Sharks take on the Canterbury Crusaders this weekend.
All Black enforcer Kieran Read will play his 100th game for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes on Friday.
The Waikato Chiefs beat the Canterbury Crusaders 20-19 in Hamilton on Saturday.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw will make his return to top-class rugby on Saturday.