Simon Parker, named alongside 99-Test veteran Codie Taylor, could provide a cutting edge with fellow No.8 Wallace Sititi, writes Patrick McKendry.
Rugby
Fri, Aug 22
Scott Robertson says the jersey must be earned - and that applies to Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie as well as the returning Richie Mo'unga.
Tue, Aug 12
The Crusaders will have the honour of playing in the first competitive match at Te Kaha, with four other matches scheduled there for Anzac weekend.
Mon, Aug 11
Mo'unga will return in July 2026 on an 18-month contract for Canterbury and the Crusaders but won't be eligible for the All Blacks until October that year.
Thu, Aug 7
The non-selection of Leicester Fainga'anuku highlights the barriers star No.10 Richie Mo'unga faces, should he return next year, writes Patrick McKendry.
Wed, Aug 6
Analysis: Test rugby is being increasingly ruled by giants which makes Tamaiti Williams' comeback all the more welcome, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, Aug 3
Head coach Rob Penney extends his contract at the Crusaders and says he is preparing for the All Blacks' skipper's absence in 2026.
Wed, Jul 30
The selection of three locks, including debutant Fabian Holland, to start against France may be a sign of things to come, writes Patrick McKendry.
Thu, Jul 3
The big prop requires surgery on a knee injury possibly made worse by starting for the Crusaders in their recent Super Rugby final victory.
Mon, Jun 30
Coach Scott Robertson has named Crusaders No.8 Christian Lio-Willie as Sititi's replacement.
Sport
Thu, Jun 26
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan now leaves for Munster but will likely be recognised as a leader who left the franchise in a better place.
Sun, Jun 22
Rob Penney looked relieved after he helped deliver a championship to the Crusaders but he won't say whether he wants to come back to help defend it.
The Crusaders had to do it the hard way in Christchurch, the Chiefs losing their third final in a row.
Sat, Jun 21
Williams, the big Crusaders' and All Blacks' prop, says he is good to go for Super Rugby final against Chiefs despite injured knee.
Wed, Jun 18
"The Chiefs cowbell is in their DNA, and we’ve been shaking this thing forever," said Paula Southgate.
New Zealand
Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the ban was due to spectator safety, noting the "tight" confines at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Tue, Jun 17
Before this season the former Wallaby had never made a Super Rugby semifinal. Now he's in a grand final against the Chiefs in Christchurch.
The former All Blacks No.10 wanted to represent a combined Australia/New Zealand team against the famous tourists in Adelaide next month.
Analysis: The red and blacks have home advantage against the Chiefs but also a belief in a vastly improved defensive system, writes Patrick McKendry.
Mon, Jun 16
The Chiefs have lost the last two Super Rugby finals but believe they have the game to beat a Crusaders side who have never lost a home playoff match.
Sun, Jun 15
The red and blacks have extended their Super Rugby home playoffs streak to 31-0 but the Blues were a hair's breadth away from forcing extra-time in Christchurch.
Fri, Jun 13
A win over the Brumbies on Saturday would put the Chiefs into another final but the Mooloo men can't bring themselves to cheer for the Blues.
Thu, Jun 12
Vern Cotter turns up the heat by saying the Crusaders' 30-game unbeaten streak in home playoffs could be more of a burden than boost.
Wed, Jun 11
Shaun Stevenson wants a title before he leaves for Japan and has stressed the need for his side to play for 80 minutes in their semifinal on Saturday.
Tue, Jun 10
Analysis: The Blues' win against the odds in Hamilton revealed there is still plenty of fight in the defending champions, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, Jun 8
