Latest news with #SuperRugbyPacificGrandFinal
Scoop
14 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
14 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
14 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
1News
3 days ago
- Sport
- 1News
'Melt them at the gate': Cowbells banned for Chiefs-Crusaders final
Officials have rung the bell on cowbells at Christchurch, banning them ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs this Saturday. The cowbell is synonymous with Waikato rugby, but Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said the club had decided to ban the noisemakers at the venue to ensure the safety of spectators. 'We have made the decision to ban cowbells at Apollo Projects Stadium for the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs to ensure all fans are able to come to the Stadium on Saturday night and enjoy a great game of rugby where everyone is safe," Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge said in a statement. In a Linkedin post, Mansbridge said the 17,100-person-capacity Apollo Projects Stadium was "tight" and "compact", with "just enough room to wave a really thin flag". "There ain't no room to swing a bloody big cowbell and take out the person sitting in the seat beside you." ADVERTISEMENT He said security would conduct thorough bag checks on entry and that cowbells would either be requested to be returned to vehicles or held in a safe location until after the match. "I'll be asking Venues Ōtautahi to melt them down at the gate, so, seriously, leave them at home," he joked. Saturday's final will be the last rugby final hosted at Apollo Projects Stadium after 14 years as the Crusaders' home ground. Mansfield said it would be a "game for the ages". "All Chiefs Rugby Club fans are hugely welcome to come and enjoy the venue. No cowbells." The team will move to the new One New Zealand Stadium next year. The Garden City's largest construction project broke ground in April 2022 and is expected to be completed in April 2026. ADVERTISEMENT The multi-use arena will have capacity for a crowd of 30,000 (25,000 permanent seats and room for 5000 more) for sports matches and up to 37,300 when in concert mode.
