Outgoing Crusaders coach Scott Robertson will have the chance to complete an unprecedented record in DHL Super Rugby Pacific, winning a title for every season he was coach when meeting the Chiefs in Saturday's final.
Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific final between the Chiefs and Crusaders in Hamilton will test the theory of whether it is better to have two close games in playoffs like the Chiefs had or two less rigorous games like the defending champion Crusaders played.
The 30-strong All Blacks XV squad was selected by the All Blacks coaching team of Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan for the 2023 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup against Japan XV and Brave Blossoms.
Dominating play by Chiefs' first five-eighths Damian McKenzie throughout the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season was highlighted when he kicked his side to a 19–6 semifinal win over the ACT Brumbies in Hamilton.
Crusaders' power, legacy and depth combined to pour all over the Blues in a triumphant 52-15 DHL Super Rugby Pacific semifinal in Christchurch on Friday.
As the last remaining Australian team in the competition, the ACT Brumbies carry the hopes of a nation on their shoulders as they look to upset the rampant Chiefs in Hamilton to secure a spot in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific final.
A pair of milestones for Rieko Ioane (100) and Hoskins Sotutu (50) set the stage for what promises to be an epic DHL Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final showdown as the Blues travel to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders this Friday night at 7:05pm.