Sevu Reece crossed for two tries and set up another for Braydon Ennor as the Crusaders sent a chilling message to the rest of the Super Rugby teams with a convincing victory over South Africa's Lions.
Star Crusaders five-eighth Richie Mo'unga has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby on a three-year deal in a major coup for the All Blacks.
We've reached the halfway point of the 2019 Super Rugby season. The Crusaders are clear at the top, but the chasing pack is not small in size. We review your team's progress here!
Super Rugby champions the Crusaders recovered from a halftime deficit for the second week in a row to thrash the Highlanders and extend their unbeaten run at home to 24 matches.
The Crusaders last weekend played their first home game since the Christchurch terror attack. ESPN was there on the ground as the nine-time Super Rugby champions navigated the situation with aplomb.
Super Rugby round 9 is highlighted by the Blues playing for their fifth consecutive win as they look firmly placed in the playoff race, while the Reds go on tour and the Sharks aim to solidify their place at the top of their conference.
The Brumbies have blown a chance to end their Super Rugby drought against the Crusaders, falling away in the second half to lose 36-14 in Christchurch.
In an emotionally-charged match, the Crusaders return to Christchurch for the first time since a terror attack that killed 50 people. This week the side are determined to bring hope to the community, while, the Rebels are wary of a once quiet beast.
The future of the Crusaders name is in doubt with the Super Rugby franchise and New Zealand Rugby announcing they have engaged an independent research company to seek feedback and provide recommendations on the side's team name and imagery.
Super Rugby round 8 is highlighted by the Crusaders returning home for the first time since the Christchurch terror attacks to take on the Brumbies, in what is sure to be an emotional night.
It may not quite be a dirty word like "rotation" was during Mickey Arthur's stint as Australia cricket coach, but Rugby World Cup-aiding "rest weeks" are fast becoming a key factor in this year's Super Rugby competition.
David Havili capitalised on Hurricanes' errors to score two tries as the Crusaders recorded a comfortable victory in a stop-start Super Rugby match on Friday.
The night has finally arrived. Quade Cooper returns to Suncorp Stadium with a point to prove to Brad Thorn while, in Wellington, the biggest All Blacks debate from 2018 again rears its head.
The Crusaders could ditch the sword-wielding knights from their match-day entertainment for their home game against the Brumbies Saturday week, Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said.
Super Rugby round 7 is highlighted by the Crusaders looking to bounce back from their shock loss in a New Zealand derby, while the Reds play host to the Rebels who return from their South Africa trip.
Flyhalf Robert du Preez scored 18 points as the Sharks returned to winning ways following back-to-back defeats with victory over the Melbourne Rebels in Durban.
The Crusaders were emotionally wounded but the Waratahs' defence shined bright on a big night at the SCG, writes Sam Bruce.
The Waratahs have snapped the Crusaders' 19-game winning streak with a stirring 20-12 victory at the SCG.
Irritated Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has called for patience in the debate over changing his team's name, saying any decision should wait until a degree of calm returns to Christchurch.
They're two of Australia's in-form players and Samu Kerevi and Tevita Kuridrani will face off at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, but can they be Wallabies midfield teammates? Meanwhile, an emotional night at the SCG awaits.
Super Rugby Round 6 is highlighted by a rare Sunday afternoon fixture while the SCG surface will again take centre stage in Sydney. Follow the team lists as they're announced here.
The NSW Waratahs are pressing ahead with plans to play defending Super Rugby champions the Crusaders on the patch-up Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday night.
The Crusaders are open to discussing a potential name change following mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch that killed 50 people.
The scheduled Super Rugby clash between the Highlanders and Crusaders in Dunedin has been cancelled after Friday's Christchurch terror attacks.
Still without a win, the universe has seemingly conspired to make the Reds' trip to Tokyo even tougher than it looked just a few days ago. Meanwhile in Dunedin, we can sniff a Southern Derby upset.
| Australian | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | TEAM | GP | PD | P |
| 1 | Melbourne Rebels | 9 | +24 | 24 |
| 2 | New South Wales Waratahs | 8 | +11 | 20 |
| 3 | Brumbies | 9 | -28 | 19 |
| 4 | Queensland Reds | 9 | -16 | 18 |
| 5 | Sunwolves | 10 | -128 | 11 |
| New Zealand | ||||
| R | TEAM | GP | PD | P |
| 1 | Crusaders | 10 | +147 | 39 |
| 2 | Hurricanes | 9 | +9 | 27 |
| 4 | Blues | 9 | -8 | 20 |
| 3 | Highlanders | 10 | +28 | 23 |
| 5 | Chiefs | 9 | -47 | 17 |
| South African | ||||
| R | TEAM | GP | PD | P |
| 1 | Bulls | 8 | +43 | 23 |
| 2 | Lions | 10 | -55 | 22 |
| 3 | Sharks | 9 | +33 | 22 |
| 4 | Jaguares | 8 | +8 | 19 |
| 5 | Stormers | 9 | -21 | 19 |
