Tag Archives: Crusaders

ABs Set for Drastic Overhaul under Scott Robertson

ABs Set for Drastic Overhaul under Scott Robertson

“Sea change in the form of Scott Robertson’s eccentric new era will soon envelope the All Blacks. Just as the pre-World Cup timing of his national head coaching anointment shatters long-standing New Zealand rugby…

Stunning NZ Super Rugby Stats Send Ominous Warning to Opponents

Stunning NZ Super Rugby Stats Send Ominous Warning to Opponents

Many believe that New Zealand “are as vulnerable as ever this summer,” after having lost their faction of hall of famers to international careers, writes Matthew Southcombe for Wales Online. Looking at New…

Trailblazer Brad Thorn Happy to Be a Leicester Tiger

Trailblazer Brad Thorn Happy to Be a Leicester Tiger

Former All Black forward Brad Thorne, 39, has pitched up at Leicester at the tail-end of a colourful career that’s taken him from Dunedin to Leinster via Japan. But, he tells the Independent’s Chris…

On the Wing for Scotland

On the Wing for Scotland

Tokoroa-born Sean Maitland, 24, made his Scotland debut against England in the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against England on 2 February at Twickenham, scoring the first try of the match.  Maitland qualifies for…

Super Swap for Winger

Super Swap for Winger

Canterbury Crusaders winger Sean Maitland, 24, has signed a contract with Super Rugby side Glasgow Warriors and could be eligible for the national team immediately due to his Scottish grandparents. “We’re delighted to be…

Home Match For Crusaders

Home Match For Crusaders

One major symbol of regeneration in Christchurch is the construction of a temporary stadium in Addington that will be used by the Crusaders Super Rugby team Emma Stoney explains in The New York Times. “The…

Man of many matches

Man of many matches

The International Rugby Board’s player of the year Richie McCaw, 3, “is a hero to many… establish himself as one of rugby’s great players,” The New York Times’ Emma Stoney writes. “As a fresh-faced…

To Osaka and Kintetsu

To Osaka and Kintetsu

Crusaders fullback Blenheim-born Leon MacDonald has signed a two-year deal with the Kintetsu Liners Club in Japan. The 31-year-old said he had signed a deal with Kintetsu and will join the Osaka-based club in…

Dean’s Ultimate Crusade

Dean’s Ultimate Crusade

The Crusaders, who have won more titles than any other team in the franchise, have claimed another winning this year’s Super 14 against the Waratahs and coach Robbie Deans, who leaves to coach the…

Second Chance for Henry

Second Chance for Henry

Graham Henry has been reappointed as the All Blacks’ head coach, despite widespread criticism of his 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign. Henry, who has vowed to learn from his World Cup mistakes, has signed a two-year…

Not Just a Pretty Face

Not Just a Pretty Face

The Guardian urges travellers to make time for NZ’s urban centres, as well as its world-famous mountains, fjords and forests: “There are some excellent attractions, delicious restaurants, cool harbourside bars and an interesting architectural history if you…

NZ Rugby the Winner on the Day

NZ Rugby the Winner on the Day

The Auckland Blues emerged victorious in a NZ dominated Super 12 competition. The ACT Brumbies were the only non-NZ team to scrape into the semi-finals. The final saw Auckland beat defending champions the Canterbury Crusaders 21-17. Southern Hemisphere domination…

Canterbury Crusaders Find Rugby Holy-land

Canterbury Crusaders Find Rugby Holy-land

“New Zealand’s Crusaders put up a persuasive case as world rugby’s champion provincial team with their unbeaten sweep through the Super 12 series” … sealing the tournament with a dominant 31-13 win over the ACT Brumbies. Earlier the…

They Shoot Horses Don’t They?  Crusaders Put Down the Brumbies

They Shoot Horses Don’t They?  Crusaders Put Down the Brumbies

The Canterbury Crusaders beat the ACT Brumbies 20-19 to win the Super 12 rugby union series for the third year running. New Zealand teams have now won all five editions of the Super 12…