Super Rugby Side Crusaders Coach Takes Shot At NSW Waratahs Over Venue Change

Super Rugby side Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder "cannot believe" the New South Wales Waratahs gave up "home advantage for a Super Rugby grand final," according to Richard Knowler of FAIRFAX NZ NEWS. Rather than play Saturday night's "much-anticipated match at Allianz Stadium, where they have been unbeaten all season, the Waratahs have agreed to relocate to the less familiar -- but bigger -- ANZ Stadium at Olympic." Blackadder: "There is no way I would ever give up home advantage to anyone. This could only be the accountants and not so much the players [making the decision]." Waratahs officials are "hoping to break the competition’s record of 55,000 spectators at ANZ Stadium -- and score a massive payday." Blackadder's "dig at the Waratahs' money men is the first shot fired in what has been, to date, a low-key build-up" (FAIRFAX NZ NEWS, 7/30).