The Sydney Morning Herald logo
The Sydney Morning Herald logo

Crusaders

Advertisement
Fans arrive for the clash between the Crusaders and NSW Waratahs at Christchurch on Friday night.

Tears and cheers as Christchurch embraces return of a rugby cathedral

In 2011, Christchurch was devastated by a massive earthquake. After fifteen years of rebuilding, a central part of the city’s identity has finally returned.

  • Iain Payten

Latest

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will undergo concussion protocols.

Suaalii return doubtful as Wallabies injury list expands

The presence of their highest-profile player would help Waratahs’ attempt to complete an Australian clean sweep over the Crusaders.

  • Iain Payten
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 07: Brumbies players celebrate after winning the Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match between Brumbies and Hurricanes at GIO Stadium, on June 07, 2025, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Why the Brumbies have been dudded by new Super Rugby playoffs system

The Brumbies won a hard-fought qualifying final on Saturday. Their reward? Travelling to New Zealand for a semi-final at the home ground of a team who lost.

  • Iain Payten
(From left) James O’Connor, Tom Lynagh and Noah Lolesio.

Master v apprentice: The Wallabies’ great debate nears a verdict

This is a clash like Australia has not seen in years, one at the heart of the Wallabies’ hopes against the British and Irish Lions.

  • Nick Wright
Andrew Kellaway.

Waratahs reach breaking point as McKellar blasts ‘comfortable’ culture

The Waratahs’ finals hopes are almost certainly over, but the team are dealing with far bigger issues after Friday night’s 33-48 defeat to the Crusaders in Sydney.

  • Jonathan Drennan
Jake Gordon (centre) in the thick of things.

Waratahs’ finals hopes in tatters as Crusaders seal 48-33 win

The Waratahs struggled without Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii as the men in sky blue slumped to another defeat that kills off their faint finals hopes.

  • Jonathan Drennan and Tom Decent
Advertisement
James O’Connor in Crusaders colours, and playing for the Wallabies (right) against the Lions in 2013.

From campervan to cusp of Wallaby history: The third coming of James O’Connor

The 34-year-old was considering coaching when he was offered one last job at the mighty Crusaders. It has on him on the verge of a Test recall.

  • Iain Payten
James O’Connor is swamped by Crusaders teammates after his winning kick.

The selection loophole that could help James O’Connor stage an incredible Wallabies comeback

The 64-Test veteran continued his impressive season by nailing a match-winning kick for the Crusaders, and adding to calls for him to meet the Lions.

  • Iain Payten
Will Jordan of the Crusaders charges forward.

Reds rolled as Crusaders restore Super order

The Crusaders have restored Super Rugby order in Christchurch, running in six tries to beat an erratic Queensland Reds side.

  • Murray Wenzel
Rob Penney has not had a successful season with the Crusdaers.

Super Rugby powerhouse apologises for coach’s foul-mouthed journo spray

With cranky coaches swearing at media, letters and civil war threats, it begs the question: is New Zealand rugby the new Australia?

  • Iain Payten