Super Rugby Pacific Chiefs V Crusaders go head to head – follow the live rugby match 29 March 2024 Round-6 at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch.
Damian McKenzie, the Chiefs’ outstanding playmaker, has been controversially rested for the Crusaders’ Super Rugby Pacific match on Friday in Christchurch.
In past seasons, such a move would have seemed unimaginable, but the reigning champion Crusaders are at the bottom of the league standings with an almost unbelievable 0-5 record.
Chiefs versus Crusaders, Friday, 5.05 p.m. AEDT, Christchurch
Chiefs V Crusaders Super Rugby match info
Event: Chiefs V Crusaders | CRU v CHI
Date: 29 March 2024
Time: 7.05pm NZT
Chiefs V Crusaders Head to Head
In their last four games against the Crusaders, the Chiefs have triumphed three times. Last season’s Super Rugby final was the only occasion of defeat. The Chiefs defeated the Crusaders 33–29 in the first round of the 2024 season.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan explains that the decision to leave out No. 10 Damian McKenzie from his squad was due to required All Blacks recuperation, not the Crusaders’ dismal start to the year.
“We had always planned on Damian getting through the first four or five games before he needed a rest, as per the protocols,” McMillan stated.
Chiefs V Crusaders Preview
The Chiefs have performed admirably, winning four of their last five games, while the Crusaders are experiencing their worst losing streak in Super Rugby history. Having said that, the Chiefs have only travelled once this season, and they were defeated by the Reds.
Even though they may be at the bottom of the list, the Crusaders still have a considerable advantage, thus I anticipate a close battle. I’m betting for the home team to draw even and possibly win for the first time this year.
- Crusaders have lost their last 5 matches
- Crusaders have lost 3 of their last 4 matches against the Chiefs
- Crusaders lost by 4 points in their last match against the Chiefs
- Chiefs have won 4 of their last 5 matches
- Chiefs have lost their only away match this season
The announcement that Waikato Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan will rest All Black Rugby Damian McKenzie for this weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific match is a huge help for the winless Canterbury Crusaders.
When the Crusaders play the Chiefs in second place on Friday in Christchurch, they will be trying to end the longest losing run in the team’s history, which stands at five games. The Crusaders have won Super Rugby for the past seven years.
In the first five rounds of the competition, McKenzie has been in outstanding form at flyhalf for the Chiefs; however, McMillan is required to rest all of his All Blacks players for two games during the regular season.