Latest news with #Crusaders
Extra.ie
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Aussie star Suaalii lies in wait as Lions campaign commences in Dublin
The British and Irish Lions get their campaign up and running against Argentina at Aviva Stadium on Friday night – but the three-Test series has got more daunting with cross-code superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in line to face Andy Farrell's side this summer. The 21-year-old was recruited from rugby league side Sydney Roosters on a three-year-deal worth a reported Au$5.35million (€3m) and Suaalii made an immediate impact on rugby union during the autumn internationals with a star turn against England in Twickenham. There were fears that the centre would have to sit out the series after he broke his jaw in a collision with New South Wales Waratahs teammate Andrew Kellaway in May. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in action for Australia. Pic:But Suaalii is on course to feature against the Lions, with head coach Joe Schmidt naming him in a 36-player squad on Thursday. The former Leinster and Ireland coach has also included giant La Rochelle lock Will Skelton. But veteran out-half James O'Connor has missed the cut. The 34-year-old has endured no shortage of disciplinary issues in the past, but the talented Australian back had found his best form since a galvanising move to the Crusaders this season. O'Connor played a prominent role for the Wallabies against the Lions 12 years ago, starting all three Tests in the No10 shirt. But Schmidt has opted for Ben Donaldson, Noah Lolesio and Tom Lynagh as his options at out-half for the warm-up Test against Fiji on July 6. James O'Connor playing with the Crusaders. Pic:'We've invested in three guys in that (No) 10 spot, and we felt trying to balance things up, we're going to keep investing in those guys,' said Schmidt. 'We didn't want to interrupt that. I'm not saying we got it right, I'm just saying that's what we chose to do.' Western Force back-row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole are the only two uncapped players in the large squad while Ulster-bound loosehead Angus Bell, backrowers Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and scrumhalf Tate McDermott are familiar faces. Japan-based stalwarts Samu Kerevi and Marika Koroibete as well as Bordeaux No8 Pete Samu were all omitted. Australia head coach Joe Schmidt. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo 'Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed,' Schmidt reasoned. 'As coaches, there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad. 'There's some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific. 'This squad's immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.' The Wallabies play Fiji on July 6 in Newcastle.
RNZ News
7 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Chiefs star Quinn Tupaea aims for Super Rugby Pacific title, All Blacks recall
HOLD FOR FRIDAY Quinn Tupaea was just a youngster, when the Chiefs won back-to-back titles in 2012-13. Photo: Jeremy Ward/Photosport Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final Crusaders v Chiefs Kickoff: 7,05pm Saturday, 18 June Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog updates on RNZ Quinn Tupaea was a Chiefs fan before he was a player and he'd like nothing more than to help the franchise win another Super Rugby title. Twelve years have passed since they last lifted the trophy and they've suffered the heartbreak of defeat in the past two finals. They take on the Crusaders in Saturday night's title decider in Christchurch, where the hosts have never lost a playoff game . The Chiefs finished as top qualifiers for the post-season and midfielder Tupaea played a big role in their success, scoring several tries and making big defensive plays for his side. He said winning a Super Rugby title would be a career highlight. "That's the dream, that's the goal," Tupaea said. "Born in bred in Hamilton, I grew up a Chiefs fan, so to bring a championship to the city and to this region would mean the world to myself and this team." He was just a youngster, when the Chiefs won back-to-back titles in 2012-13, but Tupaea, 26, remembers them well. "I was 12 and 13," he said. "I was at those finals, sat in the family zone on the left side of the stadium and have some great memories with my family. "Looking back on it now, that's the feeling I want to bring to our fans and win a championship for our region. "There's been a lot of heartbreak for our fans the last 4-5 years, not getting over the line. We have very passionate fans and we get great crowds every week, so to bring the title to Hamilton for our fans, that would mean a lot." Tupaea's form in the Chiefs midfield has been impressive this season, but he's quick to credit his team for helping him produce consistent performances. "I've been showing up to work every day, wanting to get better, and my success this year has been on the back of of a successful team as well," he said. "It's a lot easier to play behind a good pack, and good nine and 10 [halfback and first-five] combo." "I'm enjoying my rugby and pretty happy." Quinn Tupaea's Super Rugby Pacific form may earn him an All Blacks recall. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Tupaea's played so well, he could earn an All Blacks recall on Monday, when the squad to play France in three tests in July is named. He hasn't featured for the All Blacks since 2022, when he suffered a serious knee injury against the Wallabies. While firmly focused on the task at hand with the Chiefs, he doesn't conceal his desire to return to the national side. "I would obviously like to get recalled into the [All Blacks] squad," Tupaea said. "It's a goal I set myself every year. "It's a place I want to be playing and it's the team I want to be in - it's a no-brainer. I'd like to hear my name called on Monday." Before then, the Chiefs must overcome history and end the Crusaders 31-match unbeaten run in home playoffs to win Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final. Tupaea said that would make victory all the sweeter. "That's it - 31 and one, thank you very much!" Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Cowbell-Gate And Toxic Crusaders Push Super Rugby Pacific In The Right Direction
Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final Crusaders v Chiefs Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 21 June Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog updates on RNZ Analysis: Are we finally getting there as a rugby fanbase? This week's big rugby story wasn't about injuries, selections or even the impending All Black squad announcement. No, it was about the banning of an either beloved or despised noisemaker - depending on where you're from - for Saturday night's Super Rugby Pacific grand final. The news that the Crusaders have forbidden cowbells for the game came out of nowhere on Wednesday. Well, almost nowhere, as that's the best way to describe LinkedIn. The last time the headquarters of humble bragging made rugby news was during the fallout of Ian Foster infamously ducking a press conference, but this time it was the platform Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge used to pass his heavy-handed edict on the use of cowbells at Apollo Projects Stadium. Was it a total work from the start? Given the Chiefs response was to encourage travelling fans to use a recently launched cowbell app, it certainly seems so, but it doesn't matter if Mansbridge and Chiefs counterpart Simon Graafhuis cooked this all up over a beer, because it's this sort of outside-the-box thinking rugby needs. The Blues have made a concerted effort to use their social media platforms to show a bit of attitude, while Rieko Ioane is happy enough to simply do it himself. The current environment is one that's catching up with the way things are done overseas, but also shows that things can head into that sweet spot of suspended disbelief and still generate legitimate interest. To put things in perspective, an RNZ Facebook post about the cowbell ban on Wednesday pulled in more than 10 times the number of comments than any other story that day. Why? Because it was an easy outlet to vent frustration. You didn't need to know anything about the Crusaders and Chiefs final, or even rugby, but the door was opened to have a view on a much more black-and-white issue. Because really, this was the Crusaders finally embracing the very powerful 'you might hate us, but we hate you even more' attitude, one they've unfortunately earned full right to make use of, thanks to their now extensive trophy collection. Teams don't owe each other anything on the field, so why would they off it? Admittedly, due to the wider issue of hooliganism, football's restriction makes away trips all the more intimidating nonetheless. In many countries, you have to sit in one specific part of the stadium, alcohol is prohibited, and fans aren't even allowed in certain parts of the city before and after the match. There's nothing wrong with making another team's fans feel uncomfortable. If anything, it'll force them to adapt and support their team even louder, which is what happens when you pen everyone in an away section. For far too long, rugby has used the British crutch of being a sport for the landed gentry to preclude itself from any forward-thinking marketing strategies. The irony is the cloyingly class-based restrictions being presented with a straight face, like the laughable 'respect the kicker' tradition in UK stadiums. The best part of Cowbell-gate is how it should hopefully start some serious feudalism going forward. Win or lose, the Chiefs now have the entire off season to think of a way of getting back at the Crusaders and their fans, perhaps making each one entering FMG Stadium Waikato pass an eye test or proving their family's genealogy doesn't overlap too much. If the Chiefs can pull off a win, there will be absolutely no surprises at all, if the first thing they do is pull a cowbell out and give the home fans something to listen to when they're trudging home.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Chiefs vs Crusaders: How to watch Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final - Live streaming, TV, time, date and other details
The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in Christchurch as the Crusaders and Chiefs clash in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final on Saturday. In what promises to be a classic encounter, the Crusaders return to their backyard - where they boast a perfect record in playoff rugby. Since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996, they have remained unbeaten in 31 finals and knockout matches played on home soil, a staggering run spanning three decades. ALSO READ: Red-hot Chiefs challenge Crusaders' reign in Super Rugby Pacific final Looking to rewrite the script are the Chiefs, making their third consecutive Grand Final appearance. After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. HOW TO WATCH CRUSADERS VS CHIEFS FINAL IN US Live Events Match: Crusaders vs Chiefs Date: Saturday, June 21 Kickoff Time: 3:05am ET Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium , Christchurch Where to Watch: ESPN+ Live and FloRugby & FloSports app HOW TO WATCH SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL IN NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final can be watched at 7:05pm NZST on NZR+ and Sky TV New Zealand in NZ, while in Australia you can grab the action on Channel 9 & Stan at 5:05pm AEST. CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (C), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo CRUSADERS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Tamaiti Williams , Codie Taylor , Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (C), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
Economic Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
Chiefs vs Crusaders: How to watch Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final - Live streaming, TV, time, date and other details
After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. (Super Rugby Pacific Photo) The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in Christchurch as the Crusaders and Chiefs clash in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final on what promises to be a classic encounter, the Crusaders return to their backyard - where they boast a perfect record in playoff rugby. Since the inception of Super Rugby in 1996, they have remained unbeaten in 31 finals and knockout matches played on home soil, a staggering run spanning three decades. ALSO READ: Red-hot Chiefs challenge Crusaders' reign in Super Rugby Pacific finalLooking to rewrite the script are the Chiefs, making their third consecutive Grand Final appearance. After falling short to the Crusaders in 2023 and the Blues in 2024, the Chiefs arrive with experience, resilience, and a burning desire to finally lift the trophy. Match: Crusaders vs Chiefs Date: Saturday, June 21 Kickoff Time: 3:05am ET Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Where to Watch: ESPN+ Live and FloRugby & FloSports app HOW TO WATCH SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL IN NEW ZEALAND and AUSTRALIA The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final can be watched at 7:05pm NZST on NZR+ and Sky TV New Zealand in NZ, while in Australia you can grab the action on Channel 9 & Stan at 5:05pm AEST. CHIEFS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (C), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo CRUSADERS SUPER RUGBY FINAL LINEUP Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (C), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
