Chris Rattue: Aussie sides too soft
Another season, the same old problem for Australian rugby. They're soft, writes Chris Rattue.
Another season, the same old problem for Australian rugby. They're soft, writes Chris Rattue.
When Matt Todd went down with a calf problem, Richie McCaw would have said goodbye to any thoughts of an early substitution in his comeback match.
As sure as the sound of Green Sleeves on a badly distorted PA system means children start whining for ice cream, the halfway point of the Super Rugby season means the Crusaders shift into gear.
It's an impossible business trying to understand this year's competition. The Brumbies destroy the Chiefs one week, are then destroyed by the Crusaders the next.
In a topsy-turvy weekend that delivered an unexpected win for the Highlanders and a royal thumping for the Chiefs, it was arguably the resting Crusaders who were the biggest winners.
The Crusaders secure their second win of the season beating the Rebels 39-0. Video / Sky Sport
Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul & Patrick McKendry are joined by Radio Sport's Nigel Yalden to give their expert opinion & analysis after the Crusaders beat the Chiefs 18-17.
After their clenching the win over the chiefs, Todd Blackadder is very pleased to be on the winning side for a change in what they hope will be a momentum shift for the team.
Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the upcoming clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders.
The Crusaders clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton this weekend comes at the perfect time.
After a lacklustre start to the season, including two defeats at home, the Crusaders have at last set a record for the right reasons.
Ellis Park, that bastion of South African rugby, is where the Crusaders will undergo a severe test of their spirit tomorrow morning.
Gregor Paul and Wynne Gray discuss the importance of the upcoming away games for the Blues and Chiefs.
A thriller of a match between two struggling teams was settled by a stunning try from Hurricanes wing Alapati Leiua.
Watch a replay of tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby clash between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
The limelight has never seduced Kieran Read but he understands it is a consequence of his play.