29 Jul 2013

Crusaders keep faith with Blackadder

5:46 pm on 29 July 2013

The Crusaders have kept faith with coach Todd Blackadder and given the former All Blacks captain a new contract despite being eliminated from the Super Rugby semi-finals.

The Crusaders were pipped 20-19 by defending champion Waikato Chiefs in the last four on Saturday, prolonging their wait for an eighth title for at least another year.

Blackadder had reportedly been under pressure to deliver the title in 2013 after a series of near misses.

The loss at Waikato Stadium was the Christchurch-based side's fourth semi-final loss in five years under their former captain.

They also lost the 2011 final to Queensland Reds.