The Crusaders vs Chiefs, the current Super Rugby champions and the Chiefs’ bitterest rivals, will take on the Chiefs on Friday at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato.
The DHL Super Rugby Pacific season got underway with an entertaining battle, according to Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan.
This week’s team selection involved some difficult discussions because a number of our younger players impressed over the preseason and worked hard to earn a spot on the team.
Crusaders vs Chiefs Game Preview
In 2024, the teams will resume their pursuit of the Crusaders Super Rugby with the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Without coach Scott Robertson, the Crusaders will usher in a new era, with Robertson leaving with a championship as he departs for the All Blacks.
There’s not much better way to start 2024 than a matchup with the Chiefs. They are undoubtedly our fiercest rivals, and both teams are undoubtedly prepared to put on a show.
This will be the first time the new law variation, which encourages running rugby and discourages endless kicking for territory, is used in a game. Both coaches and fans will be curious to watch how this plays out and how it affects the way games are played.
The teams and the venue are the same as in the 2023 final, however Crusaders Head Coach Rob Penney stated his team was approaching the match like any other. When it comes to this match, supporters of the two teams might not be as composed as they were in their previous meeting, with both the bitter and the joyful memories still vivid.
Ahead of the 2024 season, here is everything you need to know about the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Super Rugby Pacific: TV channel, free-to-air guide
One Super Rugby game is set to be broadcast on free-to-air television per week.
For the opening round, that will be the Crusaders vs Chiefs clash.
It will be shown on Channel 9 from 7:30 pm AEDT on Friday, February 23