Crusaders Face Blues in Potential Farewell to Historic Home

Rain-soaked pitch adds another layer of complexity to crucial playoff clash

Christchurch’s challenging weather conditions will once again play a role as the Crusaders prepare to face the Blues in a Super Rugby Pacific semi-final. With a new stadium on the horizon, this match could be the last at Apollo Projects Stadium for the dominant franchise.

Tactical Battle Looms

After more than a week of heavy rainfall, the Addington pitch is expected to be slow and demanding. David Havili, the Crusaders captain, emphasized the need for strategic play over individual brilliance. Territory is going to be massive, he stated, because once you get into the 22s, it’s pretty hard to get out of there as a defensive side.

Havili, with experience in 12 of his franchise’s 30 post-season victories, doesn’t believe the conditions will inherently favor his team. He believes success will depend on the leadership of the halfbacks and playmakers in guiding the team effectively around the park.

New Stadium on the Horizon

Construction of Christchurch’s $683 million stadium, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, is progressing well and could potentially be completed before its scheduled April 2026 opening. There’s even speculation it might be ready for the start of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. According to a recent report, stadium construction projects globally are facing an average delay of 8.2 months due to supply chain issues and labor shortages (Construction Dive, 2023).

The new, fully enclosed venue promises to eliminate weather as a factor, a stark contrast to the challenges presented by the current conditions. However, historical precedent suggests that enclosed stadiums can sometimes level the playing field, potentially diminishing the home advantage. The Highlanders, for example, have experienced less success at Forsyth Barr Stadium compared to their time at the exposed Carisbrook.

A Bittersweet Farewell?

If the Crusaders overcome the Blues, they will host at least one more match at Apollo Projects Stadium – a final against either the Chiefs or the Brumbies. A loss, however, could mark the end of an era at the venue. Brad Mooar, a Crusaders assistant coach, reflected on the emotional significance of the stadium. I’ve been really fortunate and grateful to have shared some wonderful moments here, he said, Working and watching along the way and it’s been special. You go right back to how it was put together and why it was put together. It’s emotional.

While fans may have mixed feelings about leaving the current ground, the prospect of a state-of-the-art stadium offers exciting possibilities for the future of Crusaders rugby. The outcome of this semi-final could determine whether they get one last chance to savor the atmosphere at their long-time home.

Crusaders’ home playoff history

1998: 36-32 v Coastal Sharks

2000: 37-15 v Highlanders

2002: 34-23 v Highlanders; 31-13 v Brumbies (final)

2003: 39-16 V Hurricanes

2004: 27-16 v Stormers

2005: 47-7 v Hurricanes; 35-25 v Waratahs (final)

2006: 35-15 v Bulls; 19-12 v Hurricanes (final)

2008: 33-22 v Hurricanes; 20-12 v Waratahs (final)

2011: 36-8 v Sharks (*Nelson)

2012: 28-13 v Bulls (Temporary Stadium)

2013: 38-9 v Reds

2014: 38-6 v Sharks

2017: 17-0 v Highlanders; 27-13 v Chiefs

2018: 40-10 v Sharks; 30-12 v Hurricanes; 37-18 v Lions (final)

2019: 38-14 in highlanders; 30-26 in Hurricanes; 19-3 in Jagaares (Final)

2021: 24-13 v Chiefs (final)

2022: 37-15 v Reds; 20-17 v Chiefs

2023: 49-8 v Drua; 52-15 v Blues

2025: 32-12 v Reds