Former All Blacks and Highlanders outside back and current Sky Sports host Jeff Wilson is convinced that defending Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific champion the Crusaders can still make the playoffs this year despite their recent 5-match losing streak.
The Crusaders - winners of the last seven titles - are languishing at the bottom of the points table after five losses on the bounce in 2024.
Wilson is refusing to give up on Rob Penney’s side just yet and says the Crusaders have the Chiefs at home this Friday and a win is unlikely given how good the Chiefs are, but they’ve got the Waratahs, the Western Force, the Rebels and the Reds, four Australian sides later on.
He says the Crusaders couldn’t be counted out based on what they’ve got in terms of their run home and the personnel that are not there now.
Wilson says the Crusaders essentially have to win five games to make the top-eight and they could do that.
He says the Crusaders could be a totally different proposition if they do make the playoffs cut.
The Crusaders will host the Chiefs at 6.05pm this Friday.
Meanwhile, the Drua will host the Western Force in their second double-header this Saturday with the Men’s team playing at 1.05pm and the Women’s game at 3.35pm at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
In other matches, the Waratahs play the Rebels at 8.35pm Friday, Moana Pasifika faces the Blues at 3.35pm Saturday, the Highlanders play the Hurricanes at 6.05pm Saturday and the Reds meet the Brumbies at 8.35pm Saturday.
