Will Jordan’s praise for Codie Taylor after remarkable 150th appearance

Crusaders fullback Will Jordan has reflected on Codie Taylor’s “awesome” milestone appearance for the club on Friday night, with the front-rower finishing with a four-try haul in a 69-26 win over the Fijian Drua at Apollo Projects Stadium.

Taylor was the first player out onto the field, becoming the latest member of the 150-game club at the Crusaders. This fixture marked another special appearance for the All Black at the temporary venue, having debuted for both club and country there.

The 35-year-old played 52 minutes against the Drua before being replaced, receiving a standing ovation from the Crusaders coaching staff and the fans in attendance. In the last match at Apollo Projects Stadium, Taylor had delivered a stunning Player of the Match-calibre performance.

Sevu Reece and Leicester Fainga’anuku crossed for an early try each before Taylor crashed over from a rolling maul. There was a sense of déjà vu when the hooker scored from another set-piece play only a few minutes later, but this time over near the other sideline.

Taylor completed a hat-trick inside the first couple minutes of the second term before running in for try number four soon after. Jordan explained post-game the 2026 Crusaders wanted to “leave our mark” at the stadium, and Taylor certainly helped the side do just that.

“He’s special. It was an awesome way for him to bring it up, four tries,” Jordan reflected on Sky Sport.

“It’s a great night for him and his family, you saw him run out, you know how much of a family man he is. He’s someone who just goes to the well every week; nothing flashy, just rolls his sleeves up and cares really deeply for this team, and you see that in his performances.

“He’s someone who goes out there and leads from the front and we try and follow it.”

15 years on from the Christchurch earthquake, the Crusaders made their way out onto the field at their temporary stadium, which has served them well over the years. The Crusaders won four Super Rugby Grand Finals there, but are now set to write a new chapter in the club’s illustrious history.

One New Zealand Stadium, Te Kaha, is officially open and will host a Crusaders game for the first time in a few weeks. They will take on the NSW Waratahs on April 24 in the first game of Super Round, with five games set to be played at the stadium over three days.

“Firstly I just want to give all glory to Jesus Christ, our Saviour, gave his life on this day, this holy day,” Taylor said.

“What a special moment. To go out like that on this stadium, to get the job done and to pull this jersey on for the 150^th time.

“I’m just so grateful. I love this team, love this club. Thank you so much to all the fans for coming out tonight. I don’t think us as Crusaders can say how much you guys actually mean to us and how much you are a big part of the success we’ve had over the years.

“It’s been a place of bringing this community together, a place of hope, of love, and we’re just glad that we get to represent you guys every week, putting on the red and black jersey so thank you.”