Savea will take up a new contract with the Moana Pasifika team in the competition.

Ardie Savea back in Super Rugby

The former skipper of the Hurricanes, Savea has only turned out for one franchise in the competition in the past.

Savea has spent a season at the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One competition but will reunite with brother Julian at Pasifika.

“I’ve got massive respect for my Hurricanes family and I loved serving them for 11 years,” Savea said.

“But I think it’s the right time for a change and I spent a lot of quiet time with my family thinking about things before making this decision.

“To have this team show the love and support they have for me and my family is special. Knowing that, regardless of anything that might happen, they will look after me and my family – I think that means a lot.”

All Blacks star to honour his heritage

Savea was born in Wellington but his family are Samoan and he feels this is a great chance to honour his heritage.

“It will be huge to give back to my heritage and my culture in such a meaningful way. My brother Julian has told me that this team was made for us so I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Despite his status in the game Savea is keen to learn and grow as a player.

“I know that I’m going to an environment where I am going to learn and grow in areas that I may not have even considered. It will be challenging and rewarding which is really exciting, but above all I’m really keen to serve and help grow the legacy of Moana Pasifika,” Savea said.

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga is thrilled to have the dynamic loose forward coming into the fold.

“Ardie has had a remarkable rugby career so far, excelling both in New Zealand and on the international stage. His signing with us speaks to his commitment to his Pacific heritage and a dedication to nurturing the next generation of Pacific players,” he said.

“He brings invaluable skills both on and off the field and as a leader and role model, he is highly respected by his peers and adored by fans.

“As a seasoned and esteemed player, we look forward to the positive impact he will have on the team’s dynamic and success and are very excited to welcome him aboard the Moana Pasifika vaka.”

Can Moana Pasifika win Super Rugby?

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Caleb Clarke starred with a hat-trick that helped the Blues secure their third Super Rugby title and their first since 2003 in front of a capacity crowd of 44,000 in Auckland.

Blues make Eden Park a fortress

Head coach Vern Cotter has guided the Blues to an unbeaten term at Eden Park, with their dominant Grand Final victory extending their winning streak on home turf to 16 games.

Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu was named player of the match after making an impressive return from a knee injury suffered in the first week of the Finals.

“It’s a surreal feeling with the boys on the bench for the final two minutes – I can’t describe the feeling – there’s a lot of joy,” Tuipulotu said.

He also said: “It’s been a long time and really proud of the effort our team has put in to get this win.

“It’s important to this team – a lot of them are young and we wanted to add to the legacy of Blues Rugby. I think we can proud that we’ve done that.”

Fellow senior Blues player Dalton Papali’i reflected on the club’s long journey to the title.

“I remember when I first came into the team and we were down the bottom and fighting for the top eight and it was tough, but to stick in and becoming a champ – no words,” he said.

“I’ve seen some pretty good performances but that was the most complete. We stuck in there the whole game and every moment we lost, we made sure to follow up and win another moment.”

Having suffered defeat to the Crusaders in last year’s Super Rugby Pacific decider the Chiefs have more finals heartache to digest.  

“A very tough one out here tonight… (The Blues) came out and set it right from the get-go tonight and made it tough for us to stay in the game,” Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said.

“Really unfortunate we couldn’t get it done tonight but we’ve got a really tight culture and we’ll be back again.”

Triumphant finish to Super Rugby Pacific

Long-serving Blues backrower Akira Ioane, in his final game before leaving the club for Japan, opened the scoring in the Grand Final with a try from close range.

The two sides traded penalty goals before Akira turned provider with help of brother Rieko – the siblings producing a pair of remarkable offloads to put Clarke over in the corner.

Another penalty goal to Blues flyhalf Harry Plummer gave the home side a 20-3 half-time lead.

Clarke grabbed his second try shortly after the break as the Blues’ dominance of territory and possession took its toll on the Chiefs, before the winger completed his hat-trick of tries with a diving effort in the 61st minute.

The Chiefs gave their fans something to cheer about as replacement forward Simon Parker grabbed their first try with 15 minutes left in the contest.

However, it was the Blues who had the final say as inside centre AJ Lam plunged over, with Plummer’s conversion capping off a faultless night off the tee for a personal haul of 16 points.

The team went into voluntary administration in January owing almost A$23 million – a large portion of it tax debt.

Rugby Australia stepped in to reclaim the club’s playing licence while paying staff wages for the 2024 season, before a consortium led by former Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford put forward a rescue plan.

Melbourne Rebels have several Wallabies

But it was contingent on Rugby Australia handing back the licence, which they have opted not to do, saying the bid “did not demonstrate sufficient financial viability” with “significant doubts” over the funding model.

“Since the Rebels’ inaugural year in 2011, MRRU (Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union Pty Ltd) has not been independently financially sustainable despite significant additional investment by RA over and above committed club grants,” Rugby Australia said in a statement.

“There is nothing in the consortium’s proposal which demonstrates with sufficient certainty that this will change.”

The Rebels, currently seventh in the 12-team table, are preparing for their first playoff campaign since joining Super Rugby in 2011.

They play Fijian Drua away on Saturday ahead of a quarter-final the following weekend, which could be their final game, and said they had been “dreading” the news.

“While this is undoubtedly a sad day for the Melbourne Rebels, the clarity that this decision provides for our players and staff is welcome,” they said.

“The club will continue to work with RA and the Rugby Union Players Association regarding next steps for players and staff.”

Australia will be left with four Super Rugby teams in 2025 – Brumbies, Reds, Western Force and Waratahs.

New Zealand have five, with two Pacific sides also in the competition.

‘Evaluating possibilities’

A handful of Wallabies play for the Rebels, including Carter Gordon, Taniela Tupou, Rob Leota, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Andrew Kellaway.

The club was scheduled to host a match in July 2025 against the touring British and Irish Lions.

That is now off and Rugby Australia said they were “evaluating possibilities”.

Consortium leader Clifford lashed out at the Rebels’ axing as a “slap in the face” to rugby fans in Victoria state and threatened to sue the governing body.

He told media he had a plan to move the club to Melbourne’s western suburbs, with A$18 million in funding.

“The consortium last week presented Rugby Australia with a detailed $18 million plan backed by local equity to not only save the Melbourne Rebels, but have them thrive in a new home in Tarneit in Melbourne’s west,” he said.

“This was a credible, financially viable and sustainable plan.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

And those wheels may start spinning quite soon, or at least faster than Argentina Rugby president Gabriel Travelaglini anticipated when he confirmed there was an offer on the table for the squad to return in 2026.

Jaguares to return to Super Rugby 

With the Melbourne club’s financial woes forcing it into voluntary administration in late January, the powers that be have been busy exploring potential solutions to keep the competition’s 12-team format.

“We have the invitation, but it would be from 2026 because they have already closed the current one,” Travelaglini said last year.

“It is planned to set up a franchise.

“We have the commitment that they will receive us and that we will play games at home and away.”

The welcome party

However, NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson revealed that the plot has moved along in an appearance on Rugby Direct.

It seems that 2026 is the likely return date.

“Most of the work about the future shape of the competition in terms of number of teams and formats is focused on 2026 and the next media rights cycle,” he said on the Rugby Direct podcast.

“Clearly the Rebels’ challenges have meant some of those conversations have been brought forward a little bit. We’re not 100 per cent sure around where the Rebels’ future sits but it’s significantly challenged at the moment.

“It’s too early to say what the number of teams are going to be. We need to find out exactly where the Rebels are at and then work through the rest of the year.

“There’s lots of different conversations as it relates to South America, North America, Japan as potentially interested parties, but we need a bit more detail on that before we can comment too much further.”

Jaguares Super Rugby return will take lessons from the past

Robinson noted that all past experiments, including the Jaguares’ previous participation in the tournament from 2016 to 2019, had taught them significant lessons and shaped how choices will be made in the future.

“When we talk about the fans, that’s not great for the identity and purpose of the competition. As I share some of the conversations about new territories coming into the competition those lessons are certainly front of mind.

“Having in-depth analysis, great data, around what any new entrant or expansion might mean is a foundation from decisions in the past.”

The Jaguares were founded in 2015 and were the first Argentine team to play in SANZAAR’s Super Rugby competition. They participated from the 2016 Super Rugby season onwards.

Their best finish came in the 2019 season when they were the runners up, losing to the Crusaders 19–3 in the Super Rugby Final, played on 6 July 2019.

Their time in Super Rugby came to an end at the outset of the pandemic.

With no competition emerging for them to compete in, players moved to different clubs in Europe and the national group disintegrated.

The Jaguares disbanded permanently in December 2022 due to the expansion of Super Rugby Americas, dividing into two new teams, Dogos XV and Pampas XV.

The Culture Round will showcase the diverse cultures brought together by rugby.

Super Rugby’s Culture Round

From Australia’s First Nations artwork to Pasifika music and dance, from traditional dress to identity embedded in club heritage.

“Culture Round is an important opportunity for us to recognise how Super Rugby Pacific brings together people from so many different backgrounds,” Super Rugby Pacific Chair Kevin Malloy said.

“By sharing our traditions with one another this week, we can celebrate our cultural differences while at the same time nurturing mutual respect and understanding.

“Whether it be through dress, dance, language or song, I encourage all fans to celebrate their own culture and to take the opportunity to learn about other cultures that make up our great game.”

What the teams are doing for the Culture Round

Moana Pasifika kicked off the Culture Round against the Chiefs on Friday night. 

Fans will be entertained by Pasifika performances before the game.

The Queensland Reds and Western Force will champion the multicultural nature of their clubs and communities through traditional dress and dance performances at their respective home games while encouraging fans in the stands to also showcase their cultural pride.

The Blues are rolling out a half-price ‘grassroots’ ticket deal for Auckland rugby clubs for their clash with the Hurricanes, along with a traditional Māori whakatau to welcome the teams and an opportunity for fans to mingle with the players on the field after full-time.

Celebrating rugby as a cultural influence

The Highlanders and Crusaders will revitalise memories of their famous clash in the 1999 Super Rugby Final, with both teams wearing heritage-themed jerseys and highlighting how the legacy of past players has contributed to their club cultures today.

The NSW Waratahs will wear a First Nations jersey designed by Indigenous winger Dylan Pietsch for their showdown with the ACT Brumbies, while the Australian match officials managing the Reds match against Melbourne Rebels will also don a First Nations jersey.

Fans should stay tuned to their favourite club’s social media channels this week for more information about promotions and activities to celebrate Culture Round.

Match schedule

Friday 10 May

Moana Pasifika vs. Chiefs, 5.05pm AEST / 7.05pm NZST, Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Reds vs. Rebels, 7.35pm AEST / 9.35pm NZST, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Saturday 11 May

Blues vs. Hurricanes, 2.35pm AEST / 4.35pm NZST, Eden Park, Auckland

Highlanders vs. Crusaders, 5.05pm AEST / 7.05pm NZST, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Waratahs vs. Brumbies, 7.35pm AEST / 9.35pm NZST, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Force vs. Fijian Drua, 7.55pm AWST / 9.55pm AEST / 11.55pm NZST, HBF Park, Perth

Mesley faces the challenge of addressing falling interest in Super Rugby since the departure of South African teams.

Aussie Mesley to helm Super Rugby Pacific

Sydney-based Mesley, who will commence in the role on 22 July, boasts more than 20 years of professional experience in marketing and operations and currently holds the position of chief commercial officer at Australian Professional A-Leagues.

Mesley said he was excited by the opportunity to engage with the competition and the fans, to help deliver the best possible entertainment product and to drive deeper engagement with the game.

“This is a monumental step for the unions and clubs to come together with a real intent to grow Super Rugby Pacific and put fans at the centre,” Mesley said.

“I am looking forward to working with closely with the Super Rugby Pacific clubs to understand their commonalities and differences, and to come together to ignite the flame for generations to come.”   

A graduate of the University of Canberra, Mesley has extensive experience in driving fan engagement and achieving commercial outcomes. 

Before his role at the A-Leagues, Mesley was the chief commercial officer at NRL club Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and spent nine years in brand and marketing at leading beverages company Lion.

Marketing Super Rugby Pacific

Super Rugby Pacific chair Kevin Malloy said Mesley’s strong marketing background and practical skillset made him ideally suited to the Super Rugby Pacific CEO role.

“What set Jack apart from a strong pool of candidates following a thorough search was his passion for rugby, his enthusiasm and a breadth of experience in both marketing and sports,” Malloy said.

“We were looking for someone who isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, given the joint venture is still relatively new. Jack sees the potential of the competition and wants to build on the success we’ve had to date. And he understands the need to form strong relationships with the broad range of stakeholders.

“We are really looking forward to having him onboard come July.”

Why Mesley?

Mesley is a commercially minded sports administrator with a strong background in brand and marketing. He has over 20 years of experience in building brands and driving business growth through sports and entertainment partnerships.

He is currently the chief commercial officer at Australian Professional Leagues, home to the Isuzu UTE A-League Men, Liberty A-League Women and E-League.

Before A-Leagues, Mesley was the chief commercial officer at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and held various senior marketing and commercial positions at Lion, Diageo and the Asian PGA. Having held executive roles as both a sponsor and rights holder, Super Rugby Pacific feels he is uniquely placed to spearhead brand growth and maximise returns.

“I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer,” Suafoa said, without disclosing details, in a video posted on Sunday by the Blues on social media platform X.

“I’ve been going through radiation treatment for the last month and a bit.”

The 25-year-old lock has continued to take the field in Super Rugby this season after a tumour was removed from his back late last year.

Take a break

Suafoa was a fortnight into radiation treatment when he started in the defeat against Super Rugby leaders Wellington Hurricanes on March 9.

He made his 20th Super Rugby career appearance a week later as a replacement in a win at the Waratahs in Sydney, just a day after one of his weekly radiation treatments.

“In the mornings, I am normally pretty good, because I just woke up, I’m full of energy,” he explained.

“It’s normally after 12 or one when I tend to decline, fatigue-wise. I get real tired easily,” he added, with the tiredness meaning he would have to take a break from playing.

“Right now, it is what it is. I can’t change the fact I am going through this.

“Hopefully I can come back from this fitter and stronger.”

Blues second in Super Rugby log

Suafoa said he had been in a busy period of training, with full contact, when he was first diagnosed.

“Physically, I felt fine. Looking back on it, I probably wasn’t ready to admit, even to myself, that I was going through this. I guess I was in the denial stage,” he said.

“It was a few weeks before I told my family.”

The Blues are second in the Super Rugby table, five points behind the Hurricanes, who have a perfect record of seven wins.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The 11-time champions hadn’t lost three matches in a row at the start of season since 1996 before they lost to the Fijian Drua last weekend.

They had never lost four matches in succession before Friday, and there will be little respite when they face the Auckland-based Blues next weekend.

The Crusaders, who have been champions in the past seven seasons, played in their first home game of the year, but they were outplayed all over the park by the Hurricanes, who won every statistic.

But after trailing 7-0 at halftime, the Crusaders rallied to lead 10-7 with 10 minutes remaining, only to see the match snatched away by the Hurricanes with a 79th-minute try from Sangster.

For the Hurricanes, it a their fourth straight win, their best start for seven years, and stay atop the table.

CRUSADERS VS HURRICANES:

Hurricanes — 15 Ruben Love, 14 Joshua Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Riley Higgins, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 James Tucker, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Subs: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Justin Sangster, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 23 Salesi Rayasi.

Crusaders — 15 Chay Fihaki, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Levi Aumua, 12 David Havili, 11 Macca Springer, 10 Riley Hohepa, 9 Willi Heinz, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Zach Gallagher, 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 George Bell, 1 George Bower.
Subs: 16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Finlay Brewis, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Tahlor Cahill, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Ryan Crotty, 23 Dallas McLeod.

And those wheels may start spinning quite soon, or at least faster than Argentina Rugby president Gabriel Travelaglini anticipated when he confirmed there was an offer on the table for the squad to return in 2026.

Jaguares to return to Super Rugby 

With the Melbourne club’s financial woes forcing it into voluntary administration in late January, the powers that be have been busy exploring potential solutions to keep the competition’s 12-team format.

“We have the invitation, but it would be from 2026 because they have already closed the current one,” Travelaglini said last year.

“It is planned to set up a franchise.

“We have the commitment that they will receive us and that we will play games at home and away.”

The welcome party

However, NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson revealed that the plot has moved along in an appearance on Rugby Direct.

It seems that 2026 is the likely return date.

“Most of the work about the future shape of the competition in terms of number of teams and formats is focused on 2026 and the next media rights cycle,” he said on the Rugby Direct podcast.

“Clearly the Rebels’ challenges have meant some of those conversations have been brought forward a little bit. We’re not 100 per cent sure around where the Rebels’ future sits but it’s significantly challenged at the moment.

“It’s too early to say what the number of teams are going to be. We need to find out exactly where the Rebels are at and then work through the rest of the year.

“There’s lots of different conversations as it relates to South America, North America, Japan as potentially interested parties, but we need a bit more detail on that before we can comment too much further.”

Jaguares Super Rugby return will take lessons from the past

Robinson noted that all past experiments, including the Jaguares’ previous participation in the tournament from 2016 to 2019, had taught them significant lessons and shaped how choices will be made in the future.

“When we talk about the fans, that’s not great for the identity and purpose of the competition. As I share some of the conversations about new territories coming into the competition those lessons are certainly front of mind.

“Having in-depth analysis, great data, around what any new entrant or expansion might mean is a foundation from decisions in the past.”

Crusaders skipper Scott Barrett called the mandated safety effort “a step too far” after his team suffered a 33-29 loss to the Waikato Chiefs on Friday night.

Mouthguard technology draws fire

World Rugby have made the smart mouthgard technology mandatory.

Matchday medical personnel monitor the mouthguards for alarms and can take players out of the game for head injury evaluations.

Crusaders lock Quinten Strange and the Chiefs backs Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea all appeared perplexed when summoned off the pitch during the high-profile championship opener in Hamilton, a replay of last year’s final.

All three returned to the game after medical examinations.

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All Blacks star hits out

Barrett, an experienced All Black, described the endeavour as disruptive and capable of influencing the outcome of a match.

“Honestly, I think it’s probably a step too far for a player,” he said.

“When you’re getting dragged and you’re looking around — ‘what actually happened?’

“Obviously we want player welfare and that’s paramount. But I think if you’re influencing the game when key players are going off and they don’t know what for, I think that can be frustrating for a player.”

Chiefs also bemoan issues with Mouthguard technology 

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said All Black back Lienert-Brown’s departure late in the game could have swung the outcome.

“Anton didn’t feel like he needed to come off,” McMillan said.

“The tough thing for us was really that the game was right in the balance. You’re making decisions, around do you exhaust your bench, could it go to extra-time, do we need to save somebody?

“And really those decisions got taken away from us because of the head assessments to Quinn and Anton.”

Similar worries arose when the mouthguard technology was tested at a women’s international competition in New Zealand late last year.

Players from the world champion Black Ferns said that the mouthguards were bigger than usual, making it difficult to breathe and speak.

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In what was his breakout season, Tupaea featured for the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Melbourne on 15 September when he suffered a double injury setback as a direct result of Wallaby Darcy Swain’s illegal clean-out at a ruck.

The impact of Swain’s cheap shot was so severe that Tupaea’s his knee buckled at an unnatural angle at the point of contact. Scans would later reveal a ruptured medial cruciate ligament (MCL) and partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which not only ruled him out for the remainder of the 2022 season, but also for the entirety of the 2023 campaign.

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SUPER RUGBY RETURN FOR ALL BLACKS MAN

But the 24-year-old’s rehabilitation went according to plan and he will now make his first appearance for the Chiefs in 20 months having last feature for the Hamilton-based side in June 2022.

The Chiefs will host the Crusaders in their opening match of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific tournament at Waikato Stadium on Friday, and coincidentally, the All Blacks centre’s last Super Rugby game was also in this fixture.

Tupaea will feature in an all-All Blacks midfield alongside Anton Lienert-Brown, with Damian McKenzie starting in the playmaker role for the Chiefs.

Chiefs — 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Aidan Ross.
Subs: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Daniel Rona.

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Super Rugby Pacific chairprson Kevin Malloy said the change was a direct response to feedback from fans, coaches and players that they want to see running rugby.

“We want to create a game that’s exciting for our fans and enjoyable for our players. Part of that is seeing our players running the ball rather than trading multiple kicks in a battle for territory. We’re listening to our fans and with the full support of New Zealand Rugby, Rugby Australia, and our coaches we’ve responded with a small change we think could make a big difference.”

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Rugby’s current offside laws include two clauses (under Law 10.7) that state players in front of the kicker can be put onside as soon as the kick receiver has either passed the ball or run five metres with the ball.

Super Rugby Pacific’s Law Innovation will throw out those two clauses, meaning defenders will remain offside until they have been put onside by a team-mate who has come from behind the kicker, or the kicker themself.

The Law Innovation has been sanctioned by World Rugby as a trial during the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

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“Fans have been vocal in recent times about teams exploiting a loophole that’s seen large number of players standing still while kicks go over their heads in what some people have called kick tennis. We don’t believe that’s the spectacle our fans want to see in Super Rugby Pacific. We want to open up the opportunity for teams to counterattack with the ball in hand and we’re confident this tweak to the law will encourage that trend and encourage exciting, attacking rugby.”

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Malloy noted that Super Rugby Pacific had successfully introduced a number of other Law Innovations in recent years with great success, a decrease in dead time, cleaner clearance from scrums, quicker restarts from set-piece and after tries and less TMO interventions.

“We were really happy with the spectacle last year and hence we have only made one tweak to the laws for 2024. We want to keep building an exciting, fast moving brand of rugby that our fans want to watch.”

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When does Super Rugby Pacific kick-off?

Super Rugby kicks off on Friday 23 February with the opening match seeing the Chiefs take on the Crusaders.

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There are three matches on the first day with the Rebels also hosting the Brumbies in Melbourne.

Rounding off the opening day is the Western Force showdown with the Hurricanes in Perth.

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Saturday action

On Saturday 24 February, the Blues host the Fijian Drua to start the action.

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The Highlanders also host Moana Pasifika before the biggest derby in Australian rugby takes centre stage as the Reds take on the Waratahs in Brisbane.

The 12 teams in Super Rugby Pacific will play 14 regular season matches made up of 11 round-robin matches and three derby/rivalry matches across 15 rounds, with each team afforded one bye.

ALSO READ: Springboks severely undervalued as a brand

All Super Rugby games in 2024 are streamed and broadcast in South Africa via SuperSport.

Super Rugby Pacific 2024 Fixtures

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Halfpenny damaged a pectoral muscle during his debut for the Super Rugby champions in a 21-19 defeat to Ireland’s Munster on the New Zealand side’s pre-season tour.

Halfpenny needs surgery and will be sidelined for the next three to four months, the Crusaders said.

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“It is a real bummer for him,” Crusaders’ assistant coach Tamati Ellison told reporters via a video call from England.

“He will still help, even during his rehab period around some of the kicking and the game-driving for a few of our younger boys. He has been great there already.”

Leigh Halfpenny made 101 appearances for Wales

The Crusaders kick-off the defence of their Super Rugby Pacific title at the Waikato Chiefs on February 23. The final is in June.

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The Christchurch-based side hope Halfpenny will be involved in the later rounds of the season.

“We’re expecting him to play, if the rehab goes well,” Ellison said.

Leigh Halfpenny, 35, joined the Crusaders late last year after retiring from international rugby.

He made 101 appearances for Wales and won four caps for the British and Irish Lions.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Cotter announced the Blues squad for the 2024 Super Rugby season on Thursday 9 November.

Cotter can’t wait to mould his squad

Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, PJ Sheck, James Thompson, and Angus Ta’avao are the team’s five new forwards. Ta’avao joins the Blues again after playing for the Chiefs and Waratahs.

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There are four new faces on the backs: Meihana Grindlay, Cole Forbes, Lucas Cashmore, and Kade Banks.

With 11 current or former All Blacks and a staggering amount of Super Rugby experience mixed in, fans will be familiar with the remainder of the Blues team.

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Cotter expressed his excitement to begin pre-season training with the team in November.

“Nothing beats the start of a new season; I’m looking forward to getting the guys in and taking a look under the hood. We’ve done plenty of planning and preparation in the background and now we’re ready to rip into it on the grass,” said Cotter.

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“We’ve got a wealth of Super Rugby experience in this squad, players who have been there and done the business for several seasons. I’m excited for what 2024 holds and if we can get on the same page as a collective, we should be competing at the pointy end of the season.”

Beehre and McWhannell, two new locks who join Sam Darry and old hand Patrick Tuipulotu in the heart of the scrum, are a key part of Cotter’s 2024 team.

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Cotter said: “Having someone like Patrick there will be invaluable for those younger guys. They have shown plenty of promise to-date and if they can learn and develop under the watchful eye of Patty, I’m sure they will continue to grow into quality locks.”

Josh Blackie, the Blues GM of Rugby, said the squad is a solid balance of proven performers and exciting young talent.

“We’ve got a focus on developing talent in our system here at the Blues and we use stats and data to back up the potential we see on the park. For instance, we know that forwards mature later than backs do, therefore we need to put time into our young forwards to reap the rewards down the track for the club.”

Blues star Kurt Eklund, said he is coming into pre-season with focus and determination.

“Last season showed me that nothing can be taken for granted and I’m ready for an intense pre-season with my team mates and push for selection next year. I’m in a competitive position and we have two other guys gunning for that starting spot. But equally we want to help each other, hone our craft as hookers and support whoever is out on the park.”

Blues 2024 Super Rugby squad

Backs: Kade Banks, Lucas Cashmore, Finlay Christie, Caleb Clarke, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes, Taufa Funaki, Meihana Grindlay, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Tangitau, Mark Tele’a.

Forwards: Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Darry, Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Akira Ioane, Jordan Lay, Laghlan McWhannell, Dalton Papali’i, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Rob Rush, Anton Segner, PJ Sheck, Hoskins Sotutu, Cameron Suafoa, Angus Ta’avao, James Thompson, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Soane Vikena.

All told the Chiefs have brought in eight new signings including players called up to Super Rugby for the first time.

Chiefs reveal eight new signings

ALSO READ: Sharks see Springboks added to their long injury list

There are nine current All Blacks featured in the refreshed side, along with eight new signings (seven of them rookies) and two familiar faces that make a return to the Chiefs. Flyhalf Kaleb Trask returns following his sabbatical season in Japan, and prop Reuben O’Neill is also back at the Chiefs.

New recruit Jimmy Tupou will bring much experience, having run out for 54 Super Rugby games with Crusaders and Blues on top of his last five seasons in Japan.

ALSO READ: Springbok linked with move to France as problems arise with current club

In contrast to this experience, props Kauvaka Kaivelata and Sione Ahio, loose forwards Malachi Wrampling-Alec, Tom Florence and Wallace Sititi, midfielder Daniel Rona, and utility back Liam Coombes-Fabling earn their first full-time contracts for the 2024 season.

“These guys have been knocking on our door for a while now and we are excited to offer them a place this year. They have been impressive throughout NPC and during their time in our environment, so rightly earn their spot within our squad,” said Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.

ALSO READ: The latest rugby transfer news

“It’s a new look squad for us but despite the changes, there remains a lot of continuity within this group. They are familiar with our environment, know how we do things, and bring a lot to the table.”

Tested options

ALSO READ: France coach breaks his silence after World Cup heartache

Ahio is the only rookie named in the squad who is yet to be capped by the Chiefs. 

He will be joined by Chiefs Development XV players Kaivelata and Sititi, and New Zealand U20 and University of Waikato Chiefs U20s standout Wrampling-Alec in injecting the verve of youth into the pack.

Florence and Coombes-Fabling are no strangers to playing in Super Rugby as former injury replacement players for the Highlanders and Chiefs. Likewise, Rona made the most of his time as an injury replacement this season to nail down a spot.

“Despite losing some experienced players, we have spent the last couple of years building the depth of our squad in anticipation for these departures. We have a lot of belief in the men we have selected and are looking forward with anticipation to seeing them take their opportunity in the new year.

“We’ll be putting in the work over summer and can’t wait to kick off the season at home in front of our loyal fans,” said McMillan.

The 2024 Gallagher Chiefs Squad

Sione Ahio (Auckland, 0)

Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty, 49)

Kaylum Boshier (Taranaki, 17)

Liam Coombes-Fabling (Waikato, 4)

George Dyer (Waikato, 21)

Samipeni Finau (Waikato, 32)

Tom Florence (Taranaki, 3)

Josh Ioane (Waikato, 17)

Luke Jacobson (Waikato, 63)

Kauvaka Kaivelata (Counties Manukau, 0)

Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato, 106)

Josh Lord (Taranaki, 19)

Peniasi Malimali (Counties Manukau, 3)

Damian McKenzie (Waikato, 111)

Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau, 44)

Emoni Narawa (Bay of Plenty, 29)

Ollie Norris (Waikato, 45)

Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki, 15)

Simon Parker (Waikato, 8)

Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury, 30)

Jared Proffit (Taranaki, 4)

Cortez Ratima (Waikato, 26)

Xavier Roe (Waikato, 17)

Daniel Rona (Taranaki, 9)

Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty, 74)

Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Bay of Plenty, 5)

Wallace Sititi (North Harbour, 0)

Bradley Slater (Taranaki, 49)

Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour, 84)

Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay of Plenty, 50)

Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato, 78)

Tyrone Thompson (Hawkes Bay, 15)

Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty, 23)

Quinn Tupaea (Waikato, 34)

Jimmy Tupou (Counties Manukau, 0)

Tupou Vaa’i (Taranaki, 44)

Gideon Wrampling (Waikato, 2)

Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Waikato, 0)

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny and former All Blacks centre Ryan Crotty are key additions for the Crusaders when the new campaign begins in February.

ALSO READ: Springboks’ fans: ‘All Blacks, young Codie Taylor will avenge his father in a few years’

Taylor

But the 32-year-old Taylor, who started the World Cup final when New Zealand lost 12-11 to South Africa last month, has opted to take a non-playing sabbatical.

After a decade with the Crusaders, the veteran forward is only expected to return from round 10 of the competition in late April.

“Codie has been here a long time. For his longevity, it’s important for him to have a wee break and he’s earned that right,” said Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

“He’s due back about three weeks before the play-offs.”

The Christchurch-based Crusaders are chasing an eighth straight Super Rugby title and will do so under Penney, who replaces All Blacks-bound Scott Robertson as head coach.

Crotty, 35, returns to the Crusaders on a one-year contract after four years in Japan.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Springboks crowned 2023 Rugby World Cup champions

Former British & Irish Lions star Halfpenny joins having retired from international rugby following his final appearance for Wales last weekend in a win over the Barbarians.

“It’s a very exciting addition to our group. Leigh has been world class for a number of years,” Penney said.

Scott Barrett captains the Crusaders, who have lost the experience of his All Blacks team-mates Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo’unga and Leicester Fainga’anuku after they signed for overseas clubs.

Ta’avao rejoins Blues

All 12 Super Rugby Pacific teams announced their squads on Thursday.

ALSO READ: All Blacks’ family members attacked with knife at Rugby World Cup

Among the New Zealand sides, All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao has rejoined the Auckland Blues, where he started his Super Rugby career in 2012, from the Waikato Chiefs.

Former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell will join the Otago Highlanders and Argentina fullback Martin Bogado returns for his second season with the Dunedin-based team.

New Zealand-born England loose forward Brad Shields has returned to the Wellington Hurricanes after a spell in Europe with Wasps, then Perpignan.

Shields made 104 appearances for the Hurricanes from 2012 until 2018, before moving to England, where he played nine Tests for the national side.

At the Hurricanes he will fill in for All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea, who is spending the 2024 Super Rugby season in Japan.

“Brad’s presence in the team will be crucial,” said the Hurricanes’ Scottish head coach Clark Laidlaw.

“We already know his qualities as a player, so we are delighted to have him back.”

Among the Australian clubs, Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has joined the Melbourne Rebels from Queensland Reds.

ALSO READ: All Blacks prop to ‘return home’ to the Blues

Western Force have lured half-backs Nic White from the ACT Brumbies and Ben Donaldson from the New South Wales Waratahs.

Queensland Reds have turned to youth with 10 rookies in their squad.

© Agence France-Presse

Ta’avao has played 23 Tests for the All Blacks and represented New Zealand at the Under 20 level. He can prop on both sides of the scrum and has represented the Blues, Waratahs, and Chiefs in Super Rugby.

ALSO READ: Welsh & Super Rugby club owners make move to buy Cheetahs

All Blacks prop returns to Auckland

Ta’avao said a big motivating factor to coming home was family.

ALSO READ: Springbok legend retires after World Cup win

“I’m stoked to be back with the Blues,” said Ta’avao according to the Blues.

“Auckland is my home, my family is here and I’m excited to come back to where it all started for me as a professional rugby player.”

ALSO READ: All Blacks’ family members attacked with knife at Rugby World Cup

Ta’avao will begin the 2024 season with 49 Blues caps and claims reaching the 50-game mark with the club will be an exceptional career event.

He added: “Funnily enough, when I was choosing my training jersey number, I just added my two kids’ birthdays together and it spat out the number 49 – clearly it’s a number with meaning for 2024!”

ALSO READ: Ireland to kick Springbok out, despite Munster’s wish to keep him

A career coming full circle

The serendipity continues for the former Chiefs player, who made his Super Rugby debut for the Blues against the Chiefs in Hamilton in 2012 and played his 100th Super Rugby match for the Chiefs at Eden Park.

“I know I can add to the environment and culture at the Blues and want to share my experiences with the younger players.”

“Coming in as a rookie and hearing from experienced players really helped me, so that’s something I want to give back to the club.”

His career has come full circle as he returns to the Blues to offer his experience from 135 Super Rugby games.

The Blues open their 2024 Super Rugby season against the Fijian Drua at 

Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei on 24 February.

ALSO READ | All the rugby on TV this weekend and how to watch

Cane has taken a sabbatical option in his New Zealand Rugby contract but will return home in June to play for the All Blacks, the governing body said.

The 31-year-old openside flanker became the first player ever sent off in a Rugby World Cup final last weekend when he was shown a red card in New Zealand’s 12-11 defeat to South Africa in Paris.

MUST READ | Tickets selling fast for historic Sharks v Ospreys United Rugby Championship match

“When the opportunity to play for Suntory in 2024 came up it felt like the right time, following the Rugby World Cup, to try something new,” Cane said in a statement.

The Japanese season kicks off in December and runs until May, meaning Cane will miss playing for the Chiefs in the 2024 Super Rugby campaign, which begins in February.

SEE | Cheslin Kolbe drives his dream car that’s ‘as fast as him’

“It wasn’t an easy decision to skip a season with the Chiefs but I know the team is in a great place,” he said.

“I’m really pleased to be able to return in time to put my best foot forward for selection in the All Blacks.”

New Zealand are set to host England in a Test series next year before beginning their defence of the Rugby Championship title under new head coach Scott Robertson.

ALSO READ | BREAKING: Rugby World Cup final referee Wayne Barnes retires

Mark Robinson, chief executive of New Zealand Rugby, said: “There are very few players who have given as much as he has and it’s a mark of his commitment to the All Blacks that he will return and make himself available for the Test season.”

Suntory finished third in last season’s Japan Rugby League One table, but lost to eventual champions Kubota Spears in the semi-finals of the four-team playoffs.

Sam Cane’s All Black team-mates Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie both had spells with the Tokyo-based club in recent years.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

OPINION | Rassie Erasmus is the greatest coach in rugby history

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The signing of Halfpenny, who can play at fullback or wing, is expected to be announced in the next few days by the New Zealand club, who will be chasing an eighth straight Super Rugby title when the new season kicks off in February.

The 34-year-old Halfpenny will play his final game for Wales against the Barbarians in Cardiff on Saturday, having announced his retirement from international rugby last week.

WATCH | Springboks’ ‘Chasing the Sun 2’ doccie confirmed!

Since his international debut in 2008, the nerveless goalkicker has scored 801 points for Wales, including 15 tries.

He won the Six Nations Championship four times with Wales, including Grand Slams in 2012 and 2019.

ALSO READ | Kolisi urges South Africans to get behind Bavuma and the Proteas

The former Scarlets back won his 101st Wales cap against Portugal last month in the Rugby World Cup, before Wales were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals.

Halfpenny was also selected for three British and Irish Lions tours, winning four caps and scoring 49 points. He started all three Tests on the victorious 2013 tour of Australia, where he was named player of the series.

MUST READ | Prison journalism: The journey of the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory

Halfpenny had been without a club after leaving Welsh regional team Scarlets at the end of last season and there had also been speculation about a possible move to Japan.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

CONFIRMED | Rassie to take on Bok coach role… maybe even to 2027

OPINION | What did we do to deserve Springboks icon Siyamthanda Kolisi?

Crotty signed a one-year contract as the Crusaders bid for an eighth straight Super Rugby title under new head coach Rob Penney, who has replaced the All Blacks-bound Scott Robertson.

The 35-year-old won the last of his 48 New Zealand caps at the 2019 World Cup, the same year he departed for Kubota Spears after 152 appearances for the Crusaders.

“When I left the Crusaders, I didn’t think this day would come. I’m just really grateful,” Crotty said on Wednesday.

QUESTION | When will the world champion Springboks play again?

Crotty will provide valuable experience after the departures of All Blacks trio Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo’unga and Leicester Fainga’anuku to overseas clubs.

“He’s been a cornerstone of this place for a long time, helped to form the culture we have here, and is a leader both on and off the field,” said Penney.

ALSO READ | Etzebeth celebrates World Cup, ‘baby reveal’ and birthday in 48 hours

A chance meeting with Crusaders assistant coach James Marshall earlier this year, after Crotty’s return from Japan, led to him re-signing.

“It just came about going for a walk with the family to grab a coffee, Jimmy Marshall drives past and yells out of the window: ‘Can you come down to training?’,” Crotty told reporters.

“I had no plans when I came back to New Zealand, but it’s turned into 2024 with the Crusaders.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

MUST READ | Government not ‘committed’ to handing bonuses to Springboks?

Broncan feels that the expanded Super Rugby Tournament which included the South African teams, the Sunwolves from Japan and the Jaguares from Argentina was its strongest format.#

Australia coach bemoans Super Rugby decline

ALSO READ: All Blacks admit Super Rugby is not what it used to be since South African exit

He believes that South Africa’s move to playing in European competitions has radically shifted the balance of power in Rugby.

“Super Rugby before Covid, with South African teams, the Japanese team and the Jaguares from Argentina, was a big competition,” said Broncan according to Panet Rugby. 

ALSO READ: All Blacks admit Super Rugby is not what it used to be since South African exit

“When you have Super Rugby with the South African teams, it was a very tough competition.

“Today, the South African teams play in the European Cup and it was a benefit for the northern hemisphere, that’s for sure.”

ALSO READ: The five biggest hidings the Springboks have ever dished out

Broncan believes that a lack of real pressure situations in the Pacific event has left the tournament to lag behind others.

He feels that the URC and other tournaments feeding into the European Cup means there are greater stakes in matches across these competitions.

ALSO READ: Handre Pollard closing in on exclusive 700 club

Not enough pressure

Broncan believes that kind of competition is largely absent from Australian and New Zealand rugby.

“The big difference between Top 14 and European Cup and your Super Rugby competition in Australia with New Zealand is the pressure,” he added.

“In France, we have pressure in every game because there is a massive thing about relegation, or qualification is important for the European (Champions Cup).

“In Super Rugby there is no relegation, you play just to win against New Zealand and Australia team.”

Australia are facing a possible Rugby World Cup group stage exit. It would be the first time they have failed to get out of a Rugby World Cup pool.

Ryan feels that the South African absence is felt most among the forwards and more acutely when they get to a Rugby World Cup.

He insisted that this wasn’t an excuse for the All Blacks to slide away from the top of the game though.

ALSO READ: Springboks focused on the win against Tonga

Super Rugby not what it used to be

“It was always enjoyable playing the Boks in Super Rugby, in my experience, because of those big forward packs,” Ryan said according to Rugby365.

“You probably don’t have that sort of demand in Super Rugby as much as you used to.

ALSO READ: Big injury development in Springboks’ camp

“What’s important is that you just have to run scenarios in training and you have to make sure that you’re setting guys up to succeed through different situations that you can create.

“Super Rugby is probably not what it used to be, to be fair, but we can’t use that as an excuse.

ALSO READ: Namibia’s Johan Deysel banned for SIX matches after Antoine Dupont tackle

“We have to get ourselves right in training. We learned that from the Test at Twickenham.”

Eyes on Italy

ALSO READ: How the Springboks could line up against Tonga, Pollard at 10

The All Blacks coach said that he hasn’t been able to do a deep dive into the Ireland match against the Springboks with his focus on preparing to face Italy.

“I thought it was a great contest,” Ryan said.

“It was extremely physical and both teams were pretty accurate.

“Both teams played well.

“Ireland showed a lot of resilience. Losing six line-outs didn’t affect them, they just got on with it.

“I saw similar things when they played Scotland [in the Six Nations], losing both of their hookers.

“It was a good contest, but I watched it briefly, with eyes on Italy.”

The question is does the new tournament set up, help or hurt the All Blacks on the international stage.

Does the absence of South African from Super Rugby hurt the All Blacks?

The lack of South African teams from Super Rugby has at the very least obscured the picture when it comes to the relative progress of the Springboks and All Blacks talent pool.

ALSO READ: Who the Springboks play for

The United Rugby Championship meanwhile has give South African players plenty of opportunities to face Irish and Scottish opposition ahead of a Rugby World Cup where they are grouped together.

In France, the Springboks could meet the All Blacks as early as the quarter-finals but if they avoid one another in the last eight they could only clash again in the final.

ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi lauds prayer warrior wife Rachel on injury comeback

The two Tests the Springboks play against the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby World Cup might clear up the picture.

Alongside their joint participation in Super Rugby from the mid-1990s until 2020, the Springboks have also played multiple Tests against the All Blacks every year since 1996.

ALSO READ: ‘Respect’ the watch word for South Africa

Are the All Blacks losing familiarity with the South African game

The All Blacks will still compete with the knowledge that the Springboks will play rugby in a certain way with a heavy emphasis on physicality.

ALSO READ: Springboks schedule in 2023 | Just two home Tests

With no matches being played between South African and New Zealand teams at franchise level there might be some fears that a lack of actual experience of their style of play might make it more difficult for the All Blacks to cope.

Super Rugby Pacific increasingly resembles Rugby League with Kiwi teams particularly looking to avoid the breakdown and also to an extent reducing the amount of times they go into contact.

ALSO READ: Who are the most-capped Springboks of all-time?

If matches are officiated in a way that favours this style we might well see South Africa and some of the Northern hemisphere teams struggle to contain the All Blacks attack.

The flip-side

ALSO READ: Springboks ‘realistic’ ahead of Rugby World Cup

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has noted with interest the Crusaders use of rolling mauls as a crucial part of their attack.

This brings us to the flip-side where South African teams could be unaccustomed to the nuanced way that the All Blacks could attack.

ALSO READ: Rassie Erasmus says Springboks will step up

Stopping a maul certainly requires a fair amount of brute strength but there is also a level of precision involved that will make the task tougher if defenders are unfamiliar with how it is set up.

Modified obstruction laws give teams some chance of repelling a maul from short range, but even the Springboks won’t want to allow the All Blacks too many chances to feed a lineout inside their 22.

The Verdict

We probably won’t know what impact the changes to Super Rugby will have on the All Blacks. At least until after the Rugby World Cup but if they fail to reclaim the Webb Ellis trophy it is likely something that will be mentioned in the post-mortem.

One could argue that the South African teams presence in the URC has already helped cause a power shift that has seen Ireland become the best team in world rugby.

Time will tell if the trends being picked up on in world rugby continue to show that South Africa’s withdrawal from Super Rugby will hurt the All Blacks.

All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad 2023

Props
Ethan de Groot (25, Highlanders)
Nepo Laulala (31, Blues)
Tyrel Lomax (27, Hurricanes)
Fletcher Newell (23, Crusaders
Ofa Tu’ungafasi (31, Blues)
Tamaiti Williams (22, Crusaders)

Hookers
Dane Coles (36, Hurricanes)
Samisoni Taukei’aho (25, Chiefs)
Codie Taylor ((32, Crusaders)

Locks
Scott Barrett (29, Crusaders)
Brodie Retallick (32, Chiefs)
Tupou Vaa’i  (23, Chiefs)
Sam Whitelock  (34, Crusaders)

Back-rows
Sam Cane (captain, 31, Chiefs)
Shannon Frizell (29, Highlanders)
Luke Jacobson (26, Chiefs)
Dalton Papali’i (25, Blues)
Ardie Savea (29, Hurricanes)

Scrum-halves
Finlay Christie (27, Blues)
Cam Roigard (22, Hurricanes)
Aaron Smith (34, Highlanders)

Fly-halves
Beauden Barrett (32, Blues)
Damian McKenzie (28, Chiefs)
Richie Mo’unga (29, Crusaders)

Centres
Jordie Barrett (26, Hurricanes)
David Havili (28, Crusaders)
Rieko Ioane (26, Blues)
Anton Lienert-Brown (28, Chiefs)

Back-three
Caleb Clarke (24, Blues)
Leicester Fainga’anuku (23, Crusaders)
Will Jordan (25, Crusaders)
Emoni Narawa (24, Chiefs)
Mark Telea (26, Blues)

New Zealand Pool for Rugby World Cup

New Zealand have been drawn in Rugby World Cup Pool A alongside Italy, France, Uruguay and Namibia.

Friday 8 Sept New Zealand v France  (Stade de France, Saint-Denis)

Fri 15 Sept New Zealand v Namibia (Stade de Toulouse, Toulouse)

Fri 29 Sept New Zealand v Italy (Ol Stadium, Lyon)

Thurs 5 Oct New Zealand v Uruguay (Ol Stadium, Lyon)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

Answer these 5 simple Rugby Championship multiple choice questions and stand the chance of winning R1 000 in cash!

FOR THE LATEST RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

One lucky reader who answers every question correctly will walk away with the prize.

All entrants who score 5 out of 5 will go into a draw where a winner will be chosen and contacted by email.

READ | Competitions and daily quizzes: Win every day with The South African!

It’s easy, all the answers can be found on The South African website. This quiz closes at midnight on Tuesday, 25 July 2023.

Don’t delay, enter TODAY.

Good luck!

Answer these 5 simple Rugby Championship multiple choice questions and stand the chance of winning R1 000 in cash!

FOR THE LATEST RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

One lucky reader who answers every question correctly will walk away with the prize.

All entrants who score 5 out of 5 will go into a draw where a winner will be chosen and contacted by email.

READ | Competitions and daily quizzes: Win every day with The South African!

It’s easy, all the answers can be found on The South African website. This quiz closes at midnight on Tuesday, 11 July 2023.

Don’t delay, enter TODAY.

Good luck!

The question is does the new tournament set up, help or hurt the All Blacks on the international stage.

Does the absence of South African from Super Rugby hurt the All Blacks?

The lack of South African teams from Super Rugby has at the very least obscured the picture when it comes to the relative progress of the Springboks and All Blacks talent pool.

ALSO READ: Springboks ‘don’t know what to expect from Wallabies’

The United Rugby Championship meanwhile has give South African players plenty of opportunities to face Irish and Scottish opposition ahead of a Rugby World Cup where they are grouped together.

In France, the Springboks could meet the All Blacks as early as the quarter-finals but if they avoid one another in the last eight they could only clash again in the final.

ALSO READ: Springboks sweat on Pollard injury

The two Tests the Springboks play against the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby World Cup might clear up the picture.

Alongside their joint participation in Super Rugby from the mid-1990s until 2020, the Springboks have also played multiple Tests against the All Blacks every year since 1996.

ALSO READ: What the Springboks lineup will look like against the Wallabies

Are the All Blacks losing familiarity with the South African game

The All Blacks will still compete with the knowledge that the Springboks will play rugby in a certain way with a heavy emphasis on physicality.

ALSO READ: Springboks schedule in 2023 | Just two home Tests

With no matches being played between South African and New Zealand teams at franchise level there might be some fears that a lack of actual experience of their style of play might make it more difficult for the All Blacks to cope.

Super Rugby Pacific increasingly resembles Rugby League with Kiwi teams particularly looking to avoid the breakdown and also to an extent reducing the amount of times they go into contact.

ALSO READ: Who are the most-capped Springboks of all-time?

If matches are officiated in a way that favours this style we might well see South Africa and some of the Northern hemisphere teams struggle to contain the All Blacks attack.

The flip-side

ALSO READ: Springboks ‘realistic’ ahead of Rugby World Cup

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has noted with interest the Crusaders use of rolling mauls as a crucial part of their attack.

This brings us to the flip-side where South African teams could be unaccustomed to the nuanced way that the All Blacks could attack.

ALSO READ: Rassie Erasmus says Springboks will step up

Stopping a maul certainly requires a fair amount of brute strength but there is also a level of precision involved that will make the task tougher if defenders are unfamiliar with how it is set up.

Modified obstruction laws give teams some chance of repelling a maul from short range, but even the Springboks won’t want to allow the All Blacks too many chances to feed a lineout inside their 22.

The Verdict

We probably won’t know what impact the changes to Super Rugby will have on the All Blacks until after the Rugby World Cup but if they fail to reclaim the Webb Ellis trophy it is likely something that will be mentioned in the post-mortem.

One could argue that the South African teams presence in the URC has already helped cause a power shift that has seen Ireland become the best team in world rugby.

Time will tell if the trends being picked up on in world rugby continue to show that South Africa’s withdrawal from Super Rugby will hurt the All Blacks.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

ALSO READ: Munster star Jean Kleyn cleared to play for Springboks

IT’S NORTH VS SOUTH

Munster won the 2022-23 URC crown by taking a sensational victory in the Grand Final against the Stormers in Cape Town last month, winning their first silverware in 12 years.

The Crusaders have won the last five Super Rugby championships, and are by far the most successful team in the competition’s history with 12 wins. They were crowned 2023 champions on Saturday, when they defeated the Chiefs 25-20 in the final in Hamilton.

ALSO READ: Snyman happy to be with Springboks along with Munster teammate

An exclusive report from RugbyPass on Monday now suggests that there will be additional excitement for both sets of fans early next year, as the URC champions will face off with the 2023 Super Rugby champions in a huge inter-continental friendly.

Games between southern hemisphere sides and European sides are rare, but it seems as though rugby enthusiasts will get a flavour for them next January.

WATCH: Capetonians give URC champs Munster a proper South African farewell

MUNSTER GAME WILL BE PERFECT SUPER RUGBY PREP FOR CRUSADERS

The exclusive report from RugbyPass suggests that a pre-season tour for New Zealand’s Crusaders will take in a game at Thomond Park against URC champions Munster.

The 2024 Super Rugby season will get underway in February, making the game against the game against the Irish team the perfect pre-season preparation for the Crusaders.

WATCH: Munster stars dance with Cape Town hotel staff

The Chiefs were bidding for their first Super Rugby title since 2013, having lost just once all season, but when it mattered most they ultimately couldn’t get the job done.

MUST READ | Surprise selections for first Springboks Test of the year?

However, many Chiefs fans felt Ben O’Keeffe favoured the Crusaders with a host of decisions that went the way of the visitors, and the referee was also notably booed at the post-match presentation of medals.

He has now shared a social media post highlighting all the online abuse he received, while expressing the importance of rugby supporters changing their behaviour.

ALSO READ: Springboks have a secret weapon

You can see the post from referee O’Keeffe below:

Abuse in any form is never OK.

Unfortunately, as a union referee at the highest level, I have had to accept and grow accustomed to the post-match vitriol that fans normalise post game.

It’s a sad reality that it doesn’t affect me anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s ok.

I think back to the Europa League Final referee walking through the airport and his family getting chairs thrown at them – I hope my family is never subjected to this but the direction some fans are going now in rugby, I know we are closer than we have ever been. This is one of many recent examples when someone has crossed the line towards a match official in Rugby.

Referees are part of the game, and we need support from players and coaches to have the tough conversations privately but to publicly back and support their officials – not criticise. This will change the way the fans treat us.

Abuse is out there and for anyone going through it right now in any form please understand there is support there, people do love you, there is help available and if all else fails, send me a message and I would be happy to talk with you.

Let’s celebrate the season, let’s celebrate what was a great final from the players.

There were some excellent decisions, and some poor ones that I accept I made and need to improve on – continual growth is something that excites me to be better for the game.

We need Rugby to be the best game in the world, on and off the field – let’s do it together.

ALSO READ: Could new-look Springboks team look like this for first 2023 Test?

How the match panned out

The Crusaders led 15-10 at the break, having enjoyed dominance in the first half largely due to a high penalty count from the home side that proved extremely costly.

However, there was a big shift in momentum just after the interval when the Chiefs orchestrated two beautiful tries to suddenly go into a 20-10 lead, although two missed conversions always threatened to haunt them.

MUST READ | Springboks v All Blacks blockbuster Test SOLD OUT

As it was, in the 73rd minute, Crusaders veteran Codie Taylor burst over the tryline from the back of a powerful lineout maul, and the conversion from Richie Mo’unga put the visitors into a crucial 22-20 lead.

That try came just after Sam Cane was sent to the sin bin – becoming the third Chiefs players to receive a yellow card in the final – and from there the Crusaders held on for victory, with Mo’unga knocking over one final penalty to seal the deal.

MUST READ | Springboks: ‘Elton is probably our fourth choice flyhalf’

MUST READ: Saders crowned Super Rugby Pacific champions

Having lifted silverware with the Crusaders in each season since he took charge in 2017, Robertson could not have wished for a more fitting farewell as he heads to join the All Blacks.

Technically this was a seventh successive success for the Crusaders if you include 2020 and 2021 when they won a domestic competition for New Zealand’s five teams during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And as has become customary post every one of the Crusaders’ above mentioned championship triumphs, Razor — as he is affectionately known — caps off his team’s successful seasons by breakdancing on the field with and around the trophy while his players cheer him on.

ALSO READ: Super Rugby final — Sanders win yet another title!

WATCH: RAZOR BREAKS IT DOWN ON THE FIELD

CRUSADERS BOSS HOISTS THE SUPER RUGBY TROPHY

HOW THE TEAMS LINED UP

Chiefs — 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber o-(co-captain), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross.
Subs: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 John Ryan, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Rameka Poihipi..

Crusaders — 15 Will Jordan, 14 Dallas McLeod, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Subs: 16 George Bell, 17 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Chay Fihaki.

Crusaders unleashed a heady mix of precision and power to beat Blues and collect their 12th Super Rugby title.

The prediction that the decider between these two fierce New Zealand rivals would be a closely-fought affair proved correct, as Crusaders scored 10 points in the late in the game to snatch victory in dramatic fashion.

The result sees the Crusaders win a seventh consecutive Super Rugby title and a record-extending 12th title overall.

ALSO READ: Stormers coach labels Leinster ‘the Crusaders of the North’

MATCH RECAP

Codie Taylor crossed twice for the Crusaders as he became the competition’s leading forward try-scorer, while teammate Richie Mo’unga went over for their only other try in the match.

Shaun Stevenson and Emoni Narawa scored the Chiefs’ tries, which Damian McKenzie converted as well as adding two penalties in a narrow defeat.

More to follow…

ALSO READ: Super Rugby final preview | Chiefs vs Crusaders — what you need to know

HOW THE CHIEFS AND CRUSADERS LINED UP

Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber o-(co-captain), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 John Ryan, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Rameka Poihipi..

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Dallas McLeod, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Chay Fihaki.

Technically this was a seventh successive success for the Crusaders if you include 2020 and 2021 when they won a domestic competition for New Zealand’s five teams during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Having lifted silverware with the Crusaders each season since he took charge in 2017, Robertson could not have wished for a more fitting farewell as he heads to join the All Blacks.

The Chiefs were bidding for their first Super Rugby title since 2013, having lost just once all season, but when it mattered most they ultimately couldn’t get the job done.

ALSO READ: Could new-look Springboks team look like this for first 2023 Test?

The Crusaders led 15-10 at the break, having enjoyed dominance in the first half largely due to a high penalty count from the home side that proved extremely costly.

However, there was a big shift in momentum just after the interval when the Chiefs orchestrated two beautiful tries to suddenly go into a 20-10 lead, although two missed conversions always threatened to haunt them.

As it was, in the 73rd minute, Crusaders veteran Codie Taylor burst over the tryline from the back of a powerful lineout maul, and the conversion from Richie Mo’unga put the visitors into a crucial 22-20 lead.

That try came just after Sam Cane was sent to the sin bin – becoming the third Chiefs players to receive a yellow card in the final – and from there the Crusaders held on for victory, with Mo’unga knocking over one final penalty to seal the deal.

MUST READ | Springboks: ‘Elton is probably our fourth choice flyhalf’

How the Chiefs and Crusaders lined up

Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber o-(co-captain), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 John Ryan, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Rameka Poihipi..

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Dallas McLeod, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Chay Fihaki.

Date: Saturday, June 24
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.05 (07.05 GMT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Nic Berry (Australia)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)

ALSO READ: Springboks news: Kolisi set for early injury return!

ALSO READ: Springbok absence has robbed Super Rugby of spice

STATS AND FACTS THAT MATTER

◆ The Chiefs have won both of their two Super Rugby Pacific games against the Crusaders in 2023, the first time since 2016 that they’ve won multiple games in a season against them; though, they had won only two of their eight meetings prior to 2023.

◆ The Chiefs won their first two finals meetings against the Crusaders in 2012 and 2013 but have lost all three of their post- season meetings since (2017, 2021, 2022) including a 13-24 loss in the 2021 Super Rugby Aotearoa final.

◆ The Crusaders’ 21-7 win over the Blues in the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific final was the first time since 2017 (Crusaders beat Lions 25-17) that a Super Rugby final was won by the away team on the day.

◆ The Crusaders have won 12 of their 16 appearances in the final of a Super Rugby season, more wins and appearances than any other team, while the Chiefs have won two of their four appearances at this stage; in fact, it’s just the third time that the Chiefs have hosted the final after winning at home in 2012 and 2013.

◆ The Chiefs have won eight home games in the playoffs of Super Rugby Pacific and have won eight of their nine games at home overall in 2023.

◆ The Crusaders have lost 10 of their last 13 playoff games in the Super Rugby Pacific when playing as the away team on the day; though, their last away loss in a playoff game was against the Lions in the 2016 (25-42).

◆ No team has won more games (19) or has a higher win rate (41%) against the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific than the Chiefs; in fact, the Bulls (37% of 27 games) are the only other team in the history of the competition to have won more than one third of their games against the Crusaders.

ALSO READ: Crusaders thrash bumbling Blues to march into Grand Final

ALSO READ: Chiefs take down valiant Brumbies to advance to Grand Final

TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC FINAL

Chiefs — 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber (co-captain), 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Aidan Ross.
Subs: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 John Ryan, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Ioane, 23 Rameka Poihipi.

Crusaders — 15 Will Jordan, 14 Dallas McLeod, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitch Drummond, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Sione Havili Talitui, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Subs: 16 George Bell, 17 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 Fergus Burke, 23 Chay Fihaki.

ALSO READ: We miss playing South Africa in Super Rugby!

The Chiefs will face the Crusaders in a rematch of 2021’s Super Rugby Aotearoa Final after the defending champions thumped the Blues on Friday.

ALSO READ: Crusaders thrash bumbling Blues to march into Super Rugby final

MATCH RECAP

Both teams were drawn into the dogfight as defence and the wet conditions dictated the clash. Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie was perfect from the boot with his four penalties, keeping the hosts in front for the majority of the game. Noah Lolesio accounted for the Brumbies two penalty kicks.

Fellow All Black Brodie Retallick then iced the game with three minutes to go with the lone try of the match to seal their place in the final.

ALSO READ: We miss playing South Africa in Super Rugby!

The match was a brutal battle from the opening whistle as the game turned into a kicking battle in the tough conditions.

The Chiefs once again relied on the boot of Damian McKenzie to control the game, opening the scoring via a penalty.

The Brumbies had some chances late in the final quarter, but in a repeat of last month’s battle in Canberra, couldn’t find a way to pierce the Chiefs’ defensive line.

ALSO READ: Springbok absence has robbed Super Rugby of spice

BRUMBIES SKIPPER TIPS HAT TO CHIEFS

Captain Nic White praised the spirit of Australia’s only team to qualify for the semi-finals.

“We knew it was going to be a hell of a wrestle, we said all week we were going to come over here and throw everything at them and we did,” he said.

“Fair play to them [the Chiefs], they held on, we held on; it was always going to come down to one moment. They are a good side, but certainly we did everything we could out there.”

ALSO READ: Super Rugby Pacific’s exciting law trials this season

ALSO READ: Springbok absence has robbed Super Rugby of spice

In doing so the Crusaders stretched their unbeaten record in playoffs matches in Christchurch to 29 games and moved closer to their 12th Super Rugby title. 

In next weekend’s final they will face the winner of the second semi-final between the Chiefs and the Brumbies, a clash scheduled to take place on Saturday morning at 9am South African time.

ALSO READ: Super Rugby Pacific’s exciting law trials this season

BLUES NO MATCH FOR RAMPANT CRUSADERS

The Blues came into the match full of confidence after a solid regular season. But playoffs rugby is different and the Crusaders are masters of it, especially in their home conditions.

The Crusaders again were in their element on a frigid winter’s night with a hint of early frost on the ground. They pounced on Blues’ errors to score tries through centre Braydon Ennor and winger Leicester Fainga’anuku to lead 15-0 after 11 minutes.

The Blues showed signs of anxiety, even panic early on with careless passes and poor kicks as the Crusaders played at pace in defence as well as attack and built relentless pressure.

Two more tries and a penalty saw the Crusaders take a led 32-3 lead into the break as a match that had been expected to be a closely fought affair turned into a romp for the Crusaders by the first-half already.

ALSO READ: We miss playing South Africa in Super Rugby!

Beauden Barrett scored the Blues’ first try in the 58th minute, scooting between tacklers close to the line, but his opposite number Richie Mo’unga stretched the hosts’ lead to 42-8 with a penalty.

He also handed off the last pass in a try to Fergus Burke which took the Crusaders to 49-8, before hammering one final nail in the Blues’ coffin with penalty that resulted in him finishing with nine goals from 10 attempts for a 21 point haul. 

WATCH: All Blacks star threatens to kill South African in Super Rugby match

SUPER RUGBY SEMI-FINAL 1 SCORE GRAPHIC

The Drua defeated the Queensland Reds imperiously 41-17 in Suva on Saturday to finish seventh in the regular season, setting up a tough semifinal encounter against the Canterbury Crusaders.

Drua coach says Super Rugby playoffs are a career highlight

Byrne recognized that it would take something extraordinary to defeat the Crusaders, who are vying for their ninth straight championship, on Saturday in Christchurch.

“It’s definitely a highlight, if not the highlight, because I’ve been fortunate to be involved with very experienced teams with legendary players,” Byrne told journalists.

“And then you’re with these guys here who come from such a low base and work so hard to get there.

“It’s massively satisfying when you sit back and see how much work these guys do. That’s a highlight — where we were 18 months ago to where we are today.”

Unshackled rugby

Byrne claimed that the Drua’s six-try outing against the Reds was their greatest performance of the year because his men were able to finally throw off the shackles and play with freedom; he expects to achieve this feat again against the Crusaders.

ALSO READ: Springboks backline star to return to Cape Town?

He said that the team’s ability to score 24 unanswered points in the second half was due to a straightforward directive given at halftime: play freely.

“These guys hold themselves back sometimes and I know that sounds ridiculous because everyone says ‘these guys, they play loose’,” he said.

“But they do hold themselves back, either because they respect the opposition or don’t have the confidence to just go out there and express themselves.”

The Drua coach has shaken off concerns about the weather in Christchurch.

“When non-Fijians see Fiji, they think about the islands, they think about the sun and they see all those adverts,” he said.

“But when you’re living here like these young men have, you’re playing in mud for four months of the year and they just love it.

“Whatever the weather is, we’ll be right.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

FOR THE LATEST RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 NEWS VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

One lucky reader who answers every question correctly will walk away with the prize.

All entrants who score 5 out of 5 will go into a draw where a winner will be chosen and contacted by email.

READ | Competitions and daily quizzes: Win every day with The South African!

It’s easy, all the answers can be found on The South African website. This quiz closes at midnight on Thursday, 1 June 2023.

Don’t delay, enter TODAY.

Good luck!

Super Rugby lacking Springbok spice

Plumtree believes that the tournament isn’t the same since the South African franchise took their bundle to Europe.

ALSO READ: Jake White laments lack of X-factor players at the Bulls

“It will be interesting to see how the Boks go in that game [against the All Blacks in Auckland in July] without having played New Zealand for a while at Super level,” Plumtree told reporters, according to Rugby365.

“From New Zealand and Australia’s side, they have absolutely missed the Springboks.

ALSO WATCH: Siya Kolisi is back from an operation in high spirits

“The competition down here has lost a bit of spice without the South African sides and their Boks. I guess it is not quite the same flavour.”

URC is on top of the tree

ALSO READ: The Sharks announce John Plumtree and assistant coach

Plumtree, who is set to take charge of the Sharks from July, believes that the United Rugby Championship is now the elite franchise/provincial tournament in the world of Rugby Union.

He says that the lack of Springboks in Super Rugby makes the Rugby Championship Tests that much more intriguing.

“The physicality is down. We are still getting the odd good derby game here [in New Zealand] I guess, but unfortunately, the Australian teams, apart from the Brumbies, haven’t lived up to any real competition for the top sides here in New Zealand.

“I am not sure what it is like the other way.

“Right now, the competition is really tough up there, particularly in Europe against the French, English and Irish sides. The Scottish sides are pretty tough right now as well.

“It seems to be the tougher competition – the URC and Europe.

“What impact that has on Test match rugby, I’m not sure, but I will say the South African sides and the Bok players are missed down here.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

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Winger Toole, paying for the Brumbies, launched a high kick only to be collared by Reds lock Blyth.

Not only was Blyth’s tackle late, but it was also high, with the lock receiving a yellow at first, which was then upgraded to a red in the eighth minute.

ALSO READ | Varsity Cup semi-finals: Who plays who – and when and where!

Toole stood up after but after staggering around was told by the referee to sit down as medical staff ran onto the field.

The Brumbies went on to win the match 52-24, piling more pressure on Reds coach Brad Thorn.

BREAKING | Nigel Owens says NO to Springboks Rugby World Cup 2023 job offer

ALSO READ: SA Rugby on track with transformation targets on all fronts

The 31-year-old touched down in Perpignan in November after his previous club Wasps went into administration and were kicked out of the top-flight English Premiership.

Brad Shields played for the Hurricanes between 2012-2018

LIVE UPDATES: SPRINGBOKS’ ROAD TO THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

Shields soon nailed down a regular starting spot at Perpignan, who currently sit 13th in the Top 14.

The transfer marks a return to his roots, as Shields turned out for the Wellington-based Hurricanes between 2012-18.

ALSO READ: SA Rugby boss slams ‘disgraceful’ club rugby stabbing incident

FOR THE LATEST RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 NEWS VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

One lucky reader who answers every question correctly will walk away with the prize.

All entrants who score 5 out of 5 will go into a draw where a winner will be chosen and contacted by email.

READ | Competitions and daily quizzes: Win every day with The South African!

It’s easy, all the answers can be found on The South African website. This quiz closes at midnight on Tuesday, 4 April 2023.

Don’t delay, enter TODAY.

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FOR THE LATEST RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 NEWS VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

One lucky reader who answers every question correctly will walk away with the prize.

All entrants who score 5 out of 5 will go into a draw where a winner will be chosen and contacted by email.

READ | Competitions and daily quizzes: Win every day with The South African!

It’s easy, all the answers can be found on The South African website. This quiz closes at midnight on Tuesday, 21 March 2023.

Don’t delay, enter TODAY.

Good luck!

Hurricanes hooker suspended

ALSO READ: What is the new format of the Currie Cup?

The Hurricanes had their share of disciplinary issues with Ardie Savea drawing attention for a throat-slit gesture.

However, Mafileo is the man who has been sanctioned for an unrelated incident.

ALSO READ: Springbok camp speaks out about Nigel Owens links

A press release from SANZAAR reads: “The Foul Play Review Committee has accepted a guilty plea from Tevita Mafileo of the Hurricanes for contravening Law 9.20: Dangerous play in a ruck or maul, after he was Red Carded during a Super Rugby Pacific Match at the Weekend.”

Mafileo has been suspended from all forms of the game for 3 weeks up to and including 25 March 2023.

ALSO READ: Five fabulous Saffas shining in the African sun

The incident occurred in the 43rd minute of the match between the Rebels and Hurricanes at AAMI Park in Melbourne on 3 March 2023. 

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee of Michael Heron KC (Chair), John Langford and Stefan Terblanche assessed the case.

ALSO READ: Springbok man mountain backed for RWC comeback

On the shelf

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Michael Heron KC ruled the following: 

ALSO READ: Springboks pleased with progress ahead of bumper Test season

“Having conducted a detailed review of all the available evidence, including all camera angles and additional evidence, including from the player and submissions from his legal representative, Aaron Lloyd, the Foul Play Review Committee upheld the Red Card under Law 9.20.” 

“With respect to sanction the Foul Play Review Committee deemed the act of foul play merited a mid-range entry point of 6 weeks due to the World Rugby instructions that dictate “any act of foul play which results in contact with the head and/or the neck shall result in at least a mid-range sanction”. However, taking into account mitigating factors including the Player’s clean judicial record and pleading guilty at the first available opportunity, the Foul Play Review Committee reduced the suspension to 3 weeks.”

“Additionally, due to this incident being the Player’s first offence, the FPRC have deemed Tevita Mafileo eligible to apply for World Rugby’s Head Contact Process – Coaching Intervention.”

“The player is therefore suspended for 3 weeks, up to and including the 25th March 2023.”

All SANZAAR disciplinary matters are in the first instance referred to the Foul Play Review Committee to provide the option of expediting the judicial process.

For a matter to be dispensed with at this hearing, the person appearing must plead guilty and accept the penalty offered by the Foul Play Review Committee.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON

WATCH: RUGBY STAR COMES TO THE RESCUE OF MOTHER, CHILD

All Blacks star Savea ran his thumb across his throat during an argument with South Africa-born Melbourne Rebels scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens, moments after being shown a yellow card during Friday’s match in Melbourne.

WATCH: MALLETT GETS EMOTIONAL REFLECTING ON ICONIC KOLISI COMMENTARY

The 29-year-old later apologised and said, as a role model, he regretted the action which overshadowed his team’s 39-33 win.

However, the match citing commissioner deemed the gesture met the “red card threshold for foul play” and a further sanction will be considered by a foul play review committee on Monday.

Ardie Savea has played 70 Tests

Savea, regarded as one of the world’s premier players, was initially shown yellow for “escalating” a fracas involving both teams.

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Rebels veteran Reece Hodge complained to the referee that Savea’s subsequent gesture towards Louwrens was “threatening to kill him”.

Savea, who has played 70 Tests for the All Blacks, including four as captain, admitted he lost control and revealed he got a dressing-down from his father after the game.

ALSO READ: Epic videos from Springboks camp: From soccer to volleyball to ‘wrestling’

“I got off the field and my old man called me and kind of groaned me off so that’s a lesson learned,” he told reporters.

“He’s a pretty calm dude, it’s not often I get a call like that after the game. Mum was in the crowd too and she asked if I was all good, because usually I’m not like that.”

Meanwhile, a second Hurricanes forward, prop Tevita Mafileo, was cited for foul play after receiving a red card for dangerous play at a ruck.

Mafileo was originally shown a yellow card but became the competition’s first player to have that sanction later upgraded to red by the television match official – a power introduced by the tournament organisers SANZAAR to speed up play.

ALSO READ: Ardie Savea sorry for shocking throat-slitting gesture – WATCH

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

WATCH: RUGBY STAR COMES TO THE RESCUE OF MOTHER, CHILD

Hurricanes captain Savea ran his thumb across his throat during a verbal exchange with South Africa-born Melbourne Rebels scrumhal Ryan Louwrens after being shown a yellow card in Friday’s round two match, won 39-33 by the New Zealand side.

The 29-year-old Savea, regarded as one of the world’s premier players, was shown the card for “escalating” the situation according to referee James Doleman, with players from both teams involved in a fracas late in the first half.

WATCH: MALLETT GETS EMOTIONAL REFLECTING ON ICONIC KOLISI COMMENTARY

Rebels veteran Reece Hodge complained immediately to Doleman that stiffer punishment was needed as Savea’s gesture towards Louwrens was “threatening to kill him”.

Ardie Savea regretted the action

Savea, who has played 70 Tests for the All Blacks, including four as captain, admitted he lost control and regretted the action.

“I can understand the fans are furious around the gesture that I made,” he told host broadcaster Stan Sports.

“Kids are watching us, we’re in the heat of the moment. Usually that’s out of character for me, so I put my hand up first and I apologise for that.”

Ardie Savea said the fiery encounter with Louwrens was “just normal banter in the game”, but accepted it wasn’t a good look from a player regarded as a role model.

ALSO READ | WHAT NICK MALLETT SAID TO SPARK RASSIE RANT

“We’re trying to clean up the game. I understand, there’s no excuse for me, I’ve got to be better.”

He revealed he got a dressing-down from his father after the game.

“I got off the field and my old man called me and kind of groaned me off so that’s a lesson learned,” he told reporters.

“He’s a pretty calm dude, it’s not often I get a call like that after the game. Mum was in the crowd too and she asked if I was all good, because usually I’m not like that.”

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Savea’s action overshadowed his dominant on-field performance at No 8, having scored the first two Hurricanes’ tries and set up the third.

It helped seal his team’s second straight win of the season after beating the Reds 47-13 the previous week, while piling pressure on the Rebels who have now lost two-from-two.

May face further sanction

Ardie Savea could face further penalty from the tournament judiciary, a worry for coach Jason Holland with a big clash against the Blues looming next week.

“Obviously I hope it doesn’t go any further,” Holland said.

“Ards is not happy with that but we all make errors and we’ve got to just accept them and get on with it.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

WATCH: RUGBY STAR COMES TO THE RESCUE OF MOTHER, CHILD

The try that got the scoreboard ticking came via 24-year-old New Zealand centre Rameka Poihipi who touched down as fans were barely settled into their seats.

ALSO READ | NICK MALLETT RESPONDS TO RASSIE ERASMUS RANT

No surprise that Poihipi’s five-pointer was the fastest-ever try scored in Super Rugby history.

Chiefs won easily

Poihipi’s try beat the previous record of Highlanders lock Vula Maimuri who scored a try after 12 seconds against the Crusaders in 2001.

The Chiefs went on run out each 52-29 winners having led 38-3 at half-time.

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Time restrictions on goal kicks, set pieces and rucks and a streamlined TMO process are among the law innovations set to make Super Rugby Pacific rugby faster and more fluid than before.

Referees will enforce 90 seconds time limits on conversions, 60 seconds for penalty kicks, 30 seconds for scrums and lineouts to be set, and 5 seconds for the ball to be used at rucks, while TMOs will only interrupt play for serious, clear and obvious incidents of foul play when the Super Rugby Pacific 2023 season kicks off on Friday, 24 February.

Super Rugby law variations

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• The referee will put a stopwatch shot clock on kickers who will have 90 seconds to kick a conversion from the time a try is awarded, and 60 seconds for penalties, from the time the referee signals a shot at goal. 
• Match officials will expect lineouts and scrums to be formed within 30 seconds of the respective marks being set, and the ball to be used within 5 seconds of a ruck being formed. 
• TMOs only ‘interrupt’ play to investigate serious, clear and obvious incidents of dangerous play missed by the Match Official team. 
• Referees can utilise the TMO to make a Yellow Card decision, but any extended TMO video reviews will take place once the player has left the field, not before the Yellow Card is issued.  
• The TMO will have 8 minutes to either uphold a 10-minute Yellow Card decision or upgrade it to a 20-minute Red Card, in which case the player will not return to the field, but can still be replaced. 
• Referees will now also have the power to issue a full Red Card for deliberate foul play, in which case the player will not return to the field and cannot be replaced. 

Out to entertain

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Super Rugby Pacific Tournament Director Matt Barlow said the law innovations agreed by teams and with the support of World Rugby were designed to make the game more entertaining for fans and safer and more enjoyable for players. 

“We want Super Rugby Pacific to be the most entertaining, innovative and fastest professional rugby competition in the world. We’ve listened to our fans and taken steps to reduce stoppages and video replays, increase flow and maintain the integrity of the competition and the safety of players in regard to yellow and red cards. 

“Players, coaches and referees are excited about these innovations, and we believe they will create a better fan experience both at the game and for those watching on television.”  

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Burns joins the South Island stalwarts for the 2023 campaign.

England flyhalf joins Super Rugby

He has found himself pushed out of the Leicester Tigers lineup by the return to fitness of Handre Pollard and at 32 years old is eager for some new experiences.

“As a young lad I grew up watching Super rugby in the early hours of morning,” Burns said.

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“To have the opportunity to represent such a prestigious club as the Highlanders in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season is a huge honour. I look forward to getting started and adding to the group both on and off the field.”

Competition for places

It’s a move that appears to make more sense for Burns than for the Highlanders who have the likes of Lima Sopoaga, Josh Ioane, Marty Banks and Mitch Hunt in the position.

Highlanders Head Coach Clarke Dermody though, has welcomed the arrival of the experienced England playmaker.

“Having a player of Freddie’s calibre available to us in such a crucial position is a real boost for the squad,” Dermody said.

“Last year we were exposed at 10 due to a run of injuries and while we covered the situation, we were asking a lot of Sam Gilbert and Vili Koroi who are not regular starting first-fives. Freddie’s arrival will provide us with that extra insurance against that scenario playing out again in 2023.”

The 2023 Super Rugby season gets underway on 24 February.

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In the upcoming campaign 12 teams will compete for the title with the five Australia franchises joined by five more from New Zealand and the Pacific Island teams of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.

The Highlanders lost to the Blues in the quarter-finals of the 2022 season and are currently on a three-match losing streak in Super Rugby.

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Since the news first broke in September that Springboks duo, flyhalf Jantjies and team dietician Simjee, were having an affair, everyone and their mate have voiced an opinion on the saga and dished out hypothetical punishment. When in actual fact, it has nothing to do with anyone outside the bounds of the Jantjies’ marriage.

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Janjties and Simjee cleared of misconduct

SA Rugby and the Springboks have already cleared the alleged adulterers of any wrongdoing in terms of breaching team protocols. They were said to have skipped the team hotel and booked themselves into a guesthouse in the week leading up to the Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks in Mbombela.

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This was revealed while the team was in Argentina for their match against Los Pumas and Jantjies and Simjee were both sent home. The move added to the speculation and the public furore, but Springbok management immediately came out and said that the pair was released from the squad to deal with the personal matter in private and not because of misconduct.

And therein lies the crux: it is a personal matter between co-workers and SA Rugby and the Springboks handled it as such.

Now if only Iva Ristic can see it that way.

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Her continued persecution of Simjee, especially when she seems to have reconciled with her husband, smacks of hypocrisy.

A lot has been said and written about this saga, but the gist of it is that despite their initial denial of any romantic relationship, Jantjies has allegedly confessed to his wife that he cheated on her with Simjee for months.

Jantjies has since joined Ristic and their three sons in Cyprus, following his omission from the Springbok squad, in an attempt save his marriage. And judging from the loved-up social media posts, all is going well.

Jantjies’ wife demands Simjee be sacked

Why then is Ristic determined to see Simjee removed from her job?

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Following her husband’s confession, Iva was reportedly given access to his phone and she subsequently forwarded ‘proof’ of the affair to SA Rugby’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, demanding action be taken against Simjee. She made no such demands with regard to her husband.

Her reasoning is that Simjee shouldn’t be employed by SA Rugby when her husband is now ‘without a job’. She feels they should suffer the same ‘consequences’.

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Firstly, Jantjies is not ‘without a job’ due to his infidelity. He was simply omitted from the Springboks’ touring party because he just hasn’t played enough rugby to convince selectors that he should be there on merit.

Secondly, there should absolutely not be similar consequences for Simjee and Jantjies. He is married, she is not. And while Simjee should have known better than to start an affair with a married man, the onus rested on Jantjies to respect and honour that marriage and the commitment he made to his wife.

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Ristic’s fuelling the fire

The reality is, much as Ristic is the victim in all of this, her continued persecution of Simjee, especially when she [Ristic] seems to have reconciled with her husband, smacks of hypocrisy. If anything, Ristic should hold Jantjies accountable for his indiscretion instead focussing her wrath on Simjee’s career.

Akin to a rent-a-quote, she is continuously feeding the media frenzy with almost daily updates on her marriage and the perceived dangers that Simjee poses to the marriages of other Springbok players. “Wags want Zeenat Simjee axed” read one headline this week.

In actuality, no other ‘wag’ has officially raised concerns regarding Simjee’s presence in the squad, and this was just a renewed petition by Ristic to add pressure on Erasmus and SA Rugby to give Simjee the boot.

This a clear reframing of the conflict to draw more scrutiny to Simjee and to keep the public interest going; but in reality, most people have had enough of this melodrama.

Their reputations might have been irreparably damaged, and deservedly so, but neither Simjee nor Jantjies should have to lose their jobs. And Ristic should accept that.

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A decider between two fierce New Zealand rivals that many predicted would be tight proved far from it as the Crusaders took command from the outset and bagged a 13th title.

Scott Robertson thrilled the crowd

Despite wet conditions, the visitors played with an accuracy that has been a hallmark of their enduring success, much to consternation of a full house of 42 000 at Eden Park.

Post-match, as he has now become famous and synonymous for, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson broke out his finest breakdancing moves to the appreciation of his players and the crowd assembled.

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SCORERS:

Blues

Tries: Finlay Christie
Conversion: Stephen Perofeta

Crusaders

Tries: Bryn Hall, Sevu Reece
Penalties: Richie Mo’unga (2)
Conversion: Mo’unga
Drop goal: Mo’unga