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The Crusaders, Christchurch's most prestigious sports team, were playing their first game since last week's events, which claimed the lives of 50 people. The two teams went side by side on the pitch and one minute of silence was observed before the match.
Crusader players wore white armbands bearing the word "united" and the date of the attack. The two opposing coaches, Scott Robertson and Daryl Gibson – both former Canterbury club players – were also united.
"It was pretty special," Robertson said. "It was great to be next to Gibbo who was a proud crusader of his time and a boy from the region.We never managed to do it last week and saw a lot of people." Other teams do it. "
The Crusaders' match against the Highlanders scheduled for the weekend was canceled out of respect for the victims of the attacks.
"It transcends sport," said Gibson, who spent six years as a player with the Crusaders. "You think of others in much worse situations – it was a very good idea tonight."
The fact that the Crusaders lost their first game since last March – a series of 19 wins in which they were crowned Super Rugby champions for the ninth time – may have been proof that last week's events had affected the players.
The 20-12 win was Waratah's first win against the Crusaders since 2015 in a match in which Australian international Israel Folau scored his 59th Super Rugby try to tie Doug Howlett's record.
Cameron Clark and Jed Holloway also qualified for the premises, while Bernard Foley scored five points with the boot. The Crusaders responded with a try-out from George Bridge before half-time, but Will Jordan's score with time elapsed turned out to be a little too late for the visitors.
"We were really desperate to play well and represent our people and show how much we care about us," Robinson said.
"You can see how hard we worked, but we dropped enough ball for the whole season, it was a difficult week, but we are crusaders, we do not apologize, we had to be better in many areas. of the game tonight. "
The club has adopted the images of the Crusades since it took its name in 1996, with riders dressed in chain mail and wearing the sword during home games.
"Thank you to everyone who took the time to express their views on our name and brand," said the club in a statement released Wednesday.
"We have received too many messages to answer personally, but be aware that each comment will be read and taken into account.
"We are determined to undertake an in-depth process on this, but this should not be the main focus of this community at the moment.There are more important things." Keep looking after each other, our heart is with you. "
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