The sixth round of Super Rugby saw the Australian teams continue their improved results and the Crusaders thrash the Blues while also capturing some age-group silverware.
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has made five changes to his team to play the Western Force at home in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon.
The Crusaders will have the services of All Black Codie Taylor when they host the Reds in Christchurch this weekend.
The Crusaders have made minor changes to the team that beat the Hurricanes in round one ahead of their trip to Hamilton to face the Chiefs in round two.
The Crusaders are out for redemption after dropping out of the Super Rugby Pacific title fold entirely in 2024. And a new, shortened finals format hasn't made that job any easier for the former champions.
Former Queensland Reds and Wallabies playmaker James O’Connor joins multiple All Blacks in the Crusaders’ side to take on the Blues.
Some experienced heads have called time on illustrious Crusaders careers ahead of the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
The stage is set for both NPC semi-finals with Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Wellington and Waikato naming their teams.
The top 50 prospects under 23 years of age currently plying their trade in New Zealand features three capped All Blacks already.
The Maori All Blacks squad has been announced ahead of their two-Test series against Japan XV.