Prime minister's rallying cry as the unthinkable looms

One of world sport’s most remarkable dynasties is crumbling but the New Zealand prime minister is refusing to throw in the towel.

The Crusaders, who had won seven straight Super Rugby titles before this season, are unfathomably staring at the wooden spoon after losing to the previously last placed Force on Saturday.

The loss of charismatic coach Scott Robertson to the All Blacks – and the absence of champion players Sam Whitelock, Richie Mo’unga, Will Jordan and Scott Barrett for various reasons – has left the Crusaders a shadow of their previous formidable selves.

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“We win nice or we win ugly, but we win because it’s the story of the Crusaders and that will continue I’m sure. Don’t you worry, they’re going to get there.”

But ex-Wallabies Morgan Turinui and Stephen Hoiles disagreed, saying the club’s finals hopes were now “done”.