WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — After dominating Super Rugby for more than two decades, the Christchurch-based Crusaders have fallen into a funk this season from which they seem unable to extract themselves.
The Crusaders are in last place after nine rounds of the current Super Rugby Pacific season with only one win. They face the fourth-place Melbourne Rebels in the 10th round on Saturday.
The Crusaders’ sudden fall from grace has come with the usual baggage: fan anger and resentment, bitter recriminations from former players and calls for current head coach Rob Penney to go.
The Crusaders’ management have pushed back strongly against critics and pointed out with justification that Penney can’t be expected to carry the can. There are many issues contributing to the Crusaders’ decline and sacking the coach likely won’t turn things around.
Ashley Roberts puts on a VERY cheeky display in a nude long
Tesla cuts some US electric vehicle prices after difficult week
Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back
Taylor Swift's new single Fortnight breaks record for Spotify's most streamed song in a single day
Francisco Lindor slugs a pair of 2
Scott Dixon stretches fuel to inch closer to A.J. Foyt on IndyCar's all
REVEALED: The New York towns that STILL ban booze nine decades after end of prohibition
Palace scores 4 goals in opening 31 minutes on way to 5
Election 2024: Puerto Rico Republicans award Trump all 23 delegates
Lao coffee growers feel pinch of worker shortage, high inflation — Radio Free Asia
Alec Marsh and 4 relievers combined for a 6
1 killed, 9 inured when car collides with county bus in Milwaukee