McNicholl's hat-trick steers Crusaders past Blues and into Super Rugby semi-finals

Johnny McNicholl scored a hat-trick as the Crusaders crushed the Blues 52-31 at One New Zealand Stadium on Saturday to advance to the Super Rugby semi-finals, where they will face the Chiefs in Hamilton next week. The 35-year-old fullback, who returned to New Zealand in 2025 after five years with Scarlets, delivered one of the standout individual performances of the season in the qualifying final.

McNicholl’s first try came from a smart line off the shoulder of Christian Lio-Willie, his second was set up by a line break from David Havili, and his third was finished off after Rivez Reihana and Chay Fihaki created the opening. The former Wales international, who earned eleven Test caps over a three-year period, appeared to pick up a hand issue late in the game and said post-match he would “hopefully” be fit to face the Chiefs.

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney, speaking to Christchurch-based media after the win, was effusive in his praise for McNicholl, who has stepped into the void left by injured All Blacks fullback Will Jordan.

“He’s an ultimate competitor, he’s still got that ruthless edge that he wants to win, no matter what,” Penney said. “He’s worth his weight in gold to us.”

Teammate David Havili echoed those sentiments, pointing to McNicholl’s return home as a key factor in his recent form.

“He’s been outstanding, and he’s certainly not a fill-in — he’s played numerous Tests for Wales all around the world, so he knows what big moments look like,” Havili said. “For someone doing it at his age, he’s just enjoying it. You can see the smile on his face, and I think just being back at home has been a massive shift in the way he prepares. We’re really blessed to have someone like him in our team.”

With Jordan sidelined, Penney’s side will head into next week’s semi-final against the Chiefs with renewed confidence after a performance that suggested McNicholl is more than capable of filling the All Blacks star’s boots.