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The BNZ Crusaders will head to Brisbane with a formidable record to uphold – with seven titles to their name they are the most decorated team in Super Rugby, and they’ll be wanting to extend that domination to the new Brisbane Global Tens.
The two wins and a draw the Christchurch-based club garnered in its first season to end up last on the inaugural Super 12 competition table, certainly didn’t hint at what was to come. Three straight titles from 1998 to 2000 and eight grand final appearances over a stretch of nine years is the stuff of dynasty.
Grand final glory may have eluded the team since they defeated the Waratahs in 2008 for title number seven, but they have never been far from the thick of finals action. All-up, the Crusaders have played finals footy on 17 occasions from 21 seasons, making the grand final 11 times for seven victories. From Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall to Dan Carter and Richie McCaw to current stars such as Kieran Read and Israel Dagg, the list of Crusaders heroes reads like a who’s-who of global rugby stardom.
There’s a new title up for grabs in Brisbane in 2017 – and you can guarantee the Crusaders will be gunning for it.