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Kia ora, good evening and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Crusaders v Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby Pacific clash at Christchurch's Apollo Projects Stadium.
The defending champions are now - incredibly - mired at the bottom of the competition ladder, but after a couple of weeks on the road, they get a chance to turn things around on home turf, where they beat the Chiefs three weeks ago.
They get a couple of key bodies back from injury, with skipper Scott Barrett and All Blacks midfielder David Havili named in the starting XV.
Coach Rob Penney continues to reshuffle his line-up, with stand-in captain Tom Christie out of the playing squad, and former Wales international Johnny McNicholl named at fullback.
Faced with an uncertain future beyond this season, the Rebels have defied their billing, surprisingly sitting fourth on the table. They have a chance to pass ACT Brumbies as the top Australian team this weekend.
Join us at 7pm for kickoff.
TAB Odds: Crusaders $1.22, Rebels $4.40, Draw $21
Penney backed by Crusaders players, believes side can still defend Super Rugby Pacific title
Despite his side struggling on the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, Crusaders coach Rob Penney has put on a defiant act, maintaining his side can still defend their 2023 title.
Penney also feels he has the full backing of the franchise, as he desperately tries to turn their fortunes around. Despite his confidence, the head coach admits the winning results do need to start coming - fast.
"We're not where we want to be within the organisation and there's a bit of anxiety around that," he said.
There's no hiding from a woeful defence of their Super Rugby crown so far, but despite winning just one game in 2024, Penney says that hasn't led to any dialogue over his future at the franchise, rather the conversations with Crusaders bosses have been "honest and supportive".
The players have also been quick to throw their support behind their embattled coach, saying the scrutiny lies with more than just Penney.
"It's tough to see the articles coming out about him, because it's frustrating as a playing group," said returning midfielder David Havili. "He's not just by himself, it's all of us."
Havili and captain Scott Barrett will provide a timely boost for the Crusaders this weekend against Melbourne Rebels, as both return from injury layoffs for the home game.
Barrett, who hasn't played since suffering a broken finger in their third-round loss to Fijian Drua, feels players must take responsibility for the side's run of losses.
"It's easy to point the finger, but we've addressed that it's individual accountability and owning your own stuff on the field, and that's where you start," said the All Blacks lock.
Despite just one win this season, confidence in Christchurch hasn't taken a hit, with both players and the coaching staff believing they can defend their title.
A victory over the Rebels would be a good start.
