Super 15 rugby team Crusaders were badly affected when their home city of Christchurch was hit by the massive February earthquake which caused 181 deaths and caused widespread destruction. With their home stadium badly damaged, the Crusaders have been forced to travel more than 100,000km this year to play their rugby.
Despite these hardships, they reached the final of Super 15. Although they lost 18-13 to Queensland Reds, their performance helped to restore spirits in New Zealand. Among the Crusaders players were All Blacks stars Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Kieran Read.
