Latest from Crusaders Rugby Team

Brian Ashby: Sub-plots tasty backdrop to mouth-watering showdown

Mic Check versus the Silver Fox. The sub-plots in finals week are almost as interesting as the Big Show. The volatile Michael Cheika versus the understated Todd Blackadder.

Voices of experience lay out path to a Crusader victory

The week of a grand final can be difficult to get right in terms of preparation, but for the Crusaders the experience of Richie McCaw and Kieran Read is shining through.

Rugby: Blackadder names unchanged team

Wynne Gray: Blueprint for victory - stop Dan

The Waratahs are concocting a plan to suffocate Daniel Carter in the Super Rugby showdown.

All Blacks: It's show time for Crockett

Wyatt Crockett's work-load is about to ramp up even more with a Super Rugby final then a starting role for the All Blacks in their world-record winning quest.

Carter puts emphasis on improving

Dan Carter, refreshed after his break away from the game and energised by his performance against the Sharks and the opportunities of the week ahead, is promising more.

Justin Marshall: Blackadder spot-on with tactics

The semifinal was a really good win for the Crusaders; it was a great win for Todd Blackadder and his staff.

Wynne Gray: Momentum rides with Waratahs

We've got the Super Rugby final we wanted as a tantalising entree to the Bledisloe Cup, writes Wynne Gray.

Crusaders’ aim: retake the crown

Afew years ago there was a discussion at Crusaders' management and administration level about what would be considered a good season.

Rugby: It's a fine line between hero and zero

Rugby: Crusaders 'Need to play footy'

The Crusaders are ready for their semifinal against the Sharks, expecting a strong set piece from the South Africans to be matched by an 'All Black' tight five and two AB skippers playing in the loose. Kieran Read, Richie McCaw and coach Todd Blackadder keen for finals football.

Rugby: McCaw, Flynn to start for Crusaders

Rugby: Crusaders tipped to fight fire with fire

The Sharks swept the Highlanders before them in their qualifier by virtue of their powerful scrum but it is an area that the Crusaders, who possess their own heavy artillery, are likely to target in their semifinal.

Rugby: Crusaders sharper for semi

Losing to the Sharks in pool play was so unlike the Crusaders, especially at home and with a man advantage after Jean Deysel was sent off early, they rarely got out of third gear.

Crusaders left shouldering nation's hopes

Todd Blackadder would have made the short journey from his home to the Crusaders' training base yesterday to begin the analysis for his team's semifinal in Christchurch.

Chris Rattue: Super Rugby finally starting to rumble

It's been another confusing and often boring Super 15 season but Saturday night's semifinal clash in Christchurch should be well worth the wait, writes Chris Rattue.