Forecast cloudy
It’s been a week of typically mixed fortunes for the Hurricanes – and they’re yet to even take the field.
Chalk and cheese
It’s been over a year since NZ and Australian Super Rugby sides clashed. What should we expect on Friday?
Features
A closer shave
Scott Robertson has led the Crusaders to a fifth title but has that enhanced his All Blacks chances?
Beware the money
Rugby needs investment, but it should be careful whose money it takes. Just look at France…
Dynamic duo
The Crusaders had one All Blacks midfield combo before the season started. They’ve unearthed another.
Rising son
Isaac Lucas is a once in a generation Australian talent currently making waves in Japan.
One giant leap
Justin Marshall picks out his biggest movers and shakers from Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Star Columns
Watershed moment
Alice Soper is thankful ahead of the landmark fixture between the Blues and Chiefs Women’s teams.
The old enemy
The Chiefs and Crusaders have forged a fierce rivalry in the past decade with a new chapter set for Saturday.
The mythical beast
Chris Robshaw knows all about the agony of narrowly missing out on a Lions tour but he recognises its uniqueness
Analysis
Push the pass
The All Blacks’ offloading game has faded dramatically since Wayne Smith left the coaching fold.
Master of his craft
Over the last 24 months, French scrum-half Antoine Dupont has become, arguably, the world’s best player
Case for the Crusader
David Havili is showcasing his wide-range of skills week after week and deserves an All Blacks call-up.
Interviews
Up for the fight
Steve Hansen has been impressed with how Big Brad Thorn has turned around the Red’s fortunes.
The Tongan tornado
Malakai Fekitoa overcame near-permanent disability to reach the pinnacle of world rugby.
League of his own
Leicester Fainga’anuku is setting Super Rugby Aotearoa alight. But he’s ambivalent about how his career develops.
Editor’s Choice
Time to go it alone?
Super Rugby AU has been a roaring success in Australia – should it be part of long-term planning?
Let’s talk about it
Warren Gatland set tongues wagging with his Lions squad announcement but there is method to his madness
The XV Video
Stats and Snapshots:
Standouts and Selection
As the dust settles on a thrilling Six Nations competition, Rob Vickerman looks into the stats behind the tournament’s best performers whilst looking ahead to the upcoming Lions tour to South Africa.
Stats and Snapshots:
The Highlanders’ Crusade
Rob Vickerman and Andy Clarke take an in-depth look at the Highlanders’ stunning victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Podcasts
The XV – Rugby History
A podcast about the history of rugby and it’s roots in different countries, narrated by historian Tony Collins.
Rugby Centurions
Rugby Centurions celebrates players who have won 100 International Test Caps or more for their country, making it the world’s toughest membership.
The XV – Ben Kimber
Ben Kimber explores some of the key topics in Australian rugby past and present, including interviews with the biggest names in the sport.
The XV Contributors
More Stories
The arms race
How do you keep top players in Scotland? And how do you replace the ones who leave? Recruitment supremo Jan McGinity lifts the lid on contracting.
Striving for perfection
England’s attack has been a work-in-progress since the heroics of 2019, so can they re-find their mojo?
Making a head start
Progressive Rugby want to help the sport deal with the head injury crisis but will anyone listen?
Slog or sidelines
There’s no middle ground in Super Rugby Aotearoa this year – if you’re not a seasoned pro, you’re left right out.
Time to go it alone?
Super Rugby AU has been a roaring success in Australia – should it be part of long-term planning?
Intellectual poverty
Fluid movement of players and coaches means intellectual property is always going to be tough to lock down.
Border crossing
The IRFU’s willingness to transfer players between provinces offers a lifeline to some but pain to others.
Cracking the code
History shows Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s high-profile move from league to union will not be an easy task.
Turbulent times
Alex ‘Grizz’ Wyllie was an enforcer for the All Blacks during some of New Zealand rugby’s most chaotic years.
Silver bullet or silver medal?
A probable $465m cash injection is going to change New Zealand rugby forever.
Pain, pleasure and patience
Pari Pari Parkinson, one of the most promising physical specimens in New Zealand rugby, is back.
Attacking the underbelly
Modern defences have forced an attacking re-think and the Hurricanes have a new trick up their sleeve.
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