If the Hurricanes and Chiefs win this weekend, the Blues will go through to the Super Rugby semifinals even if they lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Rugby
Thursday 3:04pm
The Crusaders have sold out their new stadium five times in a row and welcome a Blues team counting the cost after their defeat to the Chiefs.
Thursday 6:00am
The Chiefs and All Blacks No.10 says he has recovered from a head injury which sidelined him for two weeks.
Tue, Jun 2
The qualifier game will likely be the final Crusaders match at their new home this season.
The Blues, needing a win over the Chiefs to secure a home qualifier, were thrashed, but they may yet make the top four, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, May 31
In the final round of the regular season, the Crusaders celebrated Sevu Reece's century with a commanding win under the roof at Te Kaha.
Sat, May 30
Dave Rennie can currently select four Test locks in his squad next month but, beyond that quartet, the cupboard is rather bare, writes Patrick McKendry.
Fri, May 29
The All Blacks captain is set to miss the July Tests and South African tour at least.
Wed, May 27
The former All Blacks assistant, who was let go by NZ Rugby at the start of the year, will return to a franchise he has a long history with.
A recurrence of a calf injury during the Crusaders' win at the weekend will sideline Jordan for another four to six weeks.
Tue, May 26
Mo'unga's run of nine straight club championships has ended after the Toshiba Brave Lupus were beaten in a Japan One quarter-final.
Mon, May 25
Ruben Love is currently the best performing No.10 in the country and should look to July Test series with confidence, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, May 24
Analysis: The new All Blacks head coach is a master at making his thoughts clear without stating the obvious, writes Scotty Stevenson.
Tue, May 12
The new head coach is juggling two jobs but has assistance from a variety of people – including NBA star Steven Adams and new selector Sir Graham Henry.
Fainga'anuku's switch from the midfield to flanker (and back again) has made the Crusaders' attack far more threatening, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, May 10
Marking his 100th Super Rugby match with his first-ever try, prop George Bower was finally on the board, as the southerners achieved a dominant win against their northern rivals.
Sat, May 9
Addington site may be rezoned and the Crusaders’ former stronghold dismantled as the city moves on to One NZ Stadium.
New Zealand
Fri, May 8
The All Blacks captain and veteran Crusaders lock was due to return from his sabbatical in a fortnight.
Wed, May 6
Richie Mo'unga has won nine domestic titles in nine years but Toshiba's struggles could end that remarkable run, writes Patrick McKendry.
Tue, May 5
Crusaders back-turned-flanker Leicester Fainga'anuku may stay in the No.7 jersey for his team's crunch game against the Blues on Friday.
Mon, May 4
Fainga'anuku will start at No.7 again for the Crusaders against a Hurricanes team on the up this season.
Thu, Apr 30
Scott Robertson, who lost his job as All Blacks head coach recently, was conspicuous by his absence over a significant weekend.
Wed, Apr 29
Christchurch turned it on this weekend and provided a public relations win for the game at just the right time, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, Apr 26
Determined to open their reign at their new stadium in the right way, the inconsistent Crusaders found a little magic at Te Kaha.
Fri, Apr 24
The Crusaders' new home has the potential to be the noisiest sporting arena in New Zealand, as 1News sports writer Patrick McKendry discovers.
