As the Super Rugby Pacific kicks off, the Crusaders, loaded with All Blacks, are set to defend their title starting with a clash against the Highlanders this Friday. Amid exciting new rule trials aimed at speeding up the game, the season promises high-octane rugby right from the get-go.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney is riding high from last year's triumph, which marked their 13th title, a rebound after a rough 2024. The team is captained by David Havili and impressively fields 11 All Blacks, although they'll be without New Zealand captain Scott Barrett, who is currently on sabbatical. Penney hinted at the depth of talent on their bench, referred to as the "Bomb Squad," which includes rugby heavyweights like Will Jordan and Codie Taylor. "There’s always a bit of excitement going around in week one," Penney shared, gearing up for what he describes as an "ultra-competitive" South Island derby.
Meanwhile, the Blues and Chiefs are navigating their own sets of challenges. The Blues are missing key players like Beauden Barrett, while the Chiefs, now under Jono Gibbes, face a tough opener against the Blues without Damian McKenzie. Gibbes admitted the pre-season never seems long enough to cover everything. "There will be some stuff that is highlighted by a very good Blues team – that’s the size of the challenge," he said.
"We’ve got a bit of a Bomb Squad off the bench, which is exciting,"
In other updates, the ACT Brumbies, led by Stephen Larkham, are looking robust as they prepare to meet the Western Force in Perth. Larkham is confident in the squad's ability to perform well across the long season. They'll be showcasing new talent like Kadin Pritchard, stepping in for the departed Wallaby star Len Ikitau.
Changes to the rules this season include allowing teams to pass the ball back into their own half for a 50:22 kick, modifications to ruck participation, and more freedom for quick taps. This is part of an effort to reduce "dead time" in games and foster a more dynamic and fast-paced style of play. Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley emphasized the goal of making the game quicker and more attack-oriented.
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As the Super Rugby Pacific kicks off, the Crusaders, loaded with All Blacks, are set to defend their title starting with a clash against the Highlanders this Friday. Amid exciting new rule trials aimed at speeding up the game, the season promises high-octane rugby right from the get-go.
Crusaders coach Rob Penney is riding high from last year's triumph, which marked their 13th title, a rebound after a rough 2024. The team is captained by David Havili and impressively fields 11 All Blacks, although they'll be without New Zealand captain Scott Barrett, who is currently on sabbatical. Penney hinted at the depth of talent on their bench, referred to as the "Bomb Squad," which includes rugby heavyweights like Will Jordan and Codie Taylor. "There’s always a bit of excitement going around in week one," Penney shared, gearing up for what he describes as an "ultra-competitive" South Island derby.
Meanwhile, the Blues and Chiefs are navigating their own sets of challenges. The Blues are missing key players like Beauden Barrett, while the Chiefs, now under Jono Gibbes, face a tough opener against the Blues without Damian McKenzie. Gibbes admitted the pre-season never seems long enough to cover everything. "There will be some stuff that is highlighted by a very good Blues team – that’s the size of the challenge," he said.
"We’ve got a bit of a Bomb Squad off the bench, which is exciting,"
In other updates, the ACT Brumbies, led by Stephen Larkham, are looking robust as they prepare to meet the Western Force in Perth. Larkham is confident in the squad's ability to perform well across the long season. They'll be showcasing new talent like Kadin Pritchard, stepping in for the departed Wallaby star Len Ikitau.
Changes to the rules this season include allowing teams to pass the ball back into their own half for a 50:22 kick, modifications to ruck participation, and more freedom for quick taps. This is part of an effort to reduce "dead time" in games and foster a more dynamic and fast-paced style of play. Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley emphasized the goal of making the game quicker and more attack-oriented.
Teams to watch this season:
- Crusaders vs. Highlanders
- Blues vs. Chiefs
- ACT Brumbies vs. Western Force
- NSW Waratahs vs. Queensland Reds
- Fijian Drua vs. Moana Pasifika