The team travelled to Canberra only after NZ Rugby stepped in to cover salaries and costs – and scored a memorable victory.
Rugby
Sunday 12:53pm
The Blues, needing a win over the Chiefs to secure a home qualifier, were thrashed, but they may yet make the top four, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sunday 10:55am
"Nobody wants to turn up and give their time and drive long distances to cop flak from the sideline."
Sunday 6:01am
The inspirational coach says the legacy built by the club and its Pacific identity will endure beyond the franchise itself.
Sat, May 30
In the final round of the regular season, the Crusaders celebrated Sevu Reece's century with a commanding win under the roof at Te Kaha.
Dave Rennie can currently select four Test locks in his squad next month but, beyond that quartet, the cupboard is rather bare, writes Patrick McKendry.
Fri, May 29
The All Blacks captain is set to miss the July Tests and South African tour at least.
Wed, May 27
The former All Blacks assistant, who was let go by NZ Rugby at the start of the year, will return to a franchise he has a long history with.
A recurrence of a calf injury during the Crusaders' win at the weekend will sideline Jordan for another four to six weeks.
Tue, May 26
The broke franchise would be unable to play final game of the year against the Brumbies in Canberra without emergency funding.
Mo'unga's run of nine straight club championships has ended after the Toshiba Brave Lupus were beaten in a Japan One quarter-final.
Mon, May 25
Ruben Love is currently the best performing No.10 in the country and should look to July Test series with confidence, writes Patrick McKendry.
Sun, May 24
The last Moana Pasifika home game finished much as their story does, in disappointment.
Sat, May 23
The cross-code great was on hand in Brisbane to mark 500 days until the Australian showpiece, relishing the chance to hold the Webb Ellis Cup again.
Sport
Tue, May 19
Scott Hastings, the former Scotland rugby centre who played alongside his older brother Gavin for the national team as well as the British & Irish Lions, has died.
Mon, May 18
After a record 24-47 win over the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday, the Hurricanes are now eyeing an end to their decade-long title drought.
Sun, May 17
Entering the final rounds on a prayer, the rugby gods stayed silent, as the Chiefs eased to a 42-12 win in Hamilton to end all hope.
Sat, May 16
Those in the New Zealand frame among the Chiefs and Highlanders may feel under more intense scrutiny during the round 14 match in Hamilton.
Thu, May 14
Jones said he accepted the sanctions given by the Japan Rugby Football Union, acknowledging his “inappropriate remarks".
A statement released by the union’s chief executive Amy Marfell said the field “should not be a place where young people fear the behaviour of grown adults”.
New Zealand
Wed, May 13
Being challenged is key for an All Blacks head coach and Rennie's latest selection suggests he will be open to feedback, writes Patrick McKendry.
Six players received long bans for their involvement in a urine-swapping scheme to cheat anti-doping tests in one of the sport's biggest corruption scandals.
Crime and Justice
Analysis: The new All Blacks head coach is a master at making his thoughts clear without stating the obvious, writes Scotty Stevenson.
Tue, May 12
The new head coach is juggling two jobs but has assistance from a variety of people – including NBA star Steven Adams and new selector Sir Graham Henry.
The World Cup-winning coach has been recruited by Dave Rennie, bringing vast experience and an 85% test win record back to the national setup.
