Super Rugby Pacific: Three wins from three games and 17 tries as Crusaders feed off full-house crowds in new stadium

Monday, 25 May 2026

The Crusaders in a huddle under the posts at One New Zealand Stadium where they are unbeaten in three games.

ANALYSIS: Any fears of the Crusaders losing a unique home advantage have dissipated since the shift indoor to One New Zealand Stadium and its next-level atmosphere

Some pundits feared the rain and wind-free confines of Te Kaha would provide more a level playing field for the Super Rugby Pacific champions and their rivals.

The Crusaders - so long the masters of managing the marrow-chilling cold and biting easterly winds at Apollo Projects Stadium - had a definite edge there against opponents unaccustomed to those elements.

Coach Rob Penney said ahead of the pending mid-season move that the Crusaders would have to find a new home advantage at Te Kaha - and they have.

The full-house sign has been up each week with 25,000 fans effectively giving the Crusaders a “16th-man”, and the players have thrived from the vibe.

The Crusaders have scored 107 points and conceded 72 in three victories over the Waratahs, Blues and Chiefs. They have dotted down 17 tries - averaging almost six per game - and yielded seven.

Taking into account Super Round, Te Kaha punters have seen 60 tries - and 413 points - in seven games at the ground Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge has claimed is Aotearoa New Zealand’s new national stadium.

Fans in a packed stand watch the Cruaders horses canter around One NZ Stadium.

High-scoring games seem set to become the norm in Christchurch due to the energy emanating from the jampacked stands.

Rugby audiences are, traditionally, quieter than their NRL or A-League counterparts, but the decibel level has ratcheted up at Te Kaha, inspiring players to attack.

Rival coaches Rob Penney and Jono Gibbes both acknowledged the entertainment aspect after the Crusaders’ 36-32 win over the Chiefs last Friday in a see-saw clash that produced 10 tries - six to the home side.

“People pay good money to get entertained,’’ Penney said. “This stadium with the roof on it allows that to happen. It’s an environment where the spectators can enjoy themselves without five layers on or the risk of getting soaked, and the players are feeding off it.”

Chiefs and Crusaders players pray together after the final whistle.

Christian Lio‑Willie of the Crusaders looks for support in his stand-out game against the Chiefs.

Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah scores in the corner.

Gibbes - after his second taste of Te Kaha - called it “an awesome atmosphere and environment” and “a great fan experience”.

“People are sitting right over the top [of the pitch], players and feel the support and the atmosphere.”

The Crusaders and Chiefs produced another cracker to match their round three humdinger in Hamilton where the southerners prevailed 43-33.

Captain David Havili produced arguably the best second-half of his career, with a couple of key involvements for tries and the match-clinching score under the posts.

They will also be sweating on the fitness of star fullback Will Jordan, who felt a niggle in his right calf - which had kept him sidelined for six weeks - in his comeback against the Chiefs.

Penney will have his “fingers and toes, and everything else crossed that the “outcome for Will this week is really positive”.

Jordan’s availability to play the Hurricanes may be up in the air, but one thing is certain - the match is already sold out, a significant home advantage and filip to the Crusaders’ chances of toppling the ladder leaders.