Johnny McNicholl reminded Welsh rugby exactly what it is missing with a sparkling display as the Crusaders stormed into the Super Rugby semi-finals with a 52-31 demolition of the Blues.
The former Scarlets star scored a hat-trick of tries as he tore the Blues apart in Christchurch. McNicholl hit some superb angles to slice open the Blues defence and has been one of the deadliest broken-field runners in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
The 35-year-old’s performance earned rave reviews from journalists and fans alike.
Planet Rugby gave McNicholl a nine out of 10 in its player ratings. “35 years young and has filled the void of Will Jordan superbly,” wrote Planet Rugby’s Jared Wright.
“He scored three stunning tries today but was excellent in everything he did. Solid under the high ball, threatening with ball in hand, ran great support lines and even made a clutch cover tackle on the hour mark.
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“Form is temporary, class is permanent, and Johnny McNicholl is all class.”
Crusaders’ Johnny McNicholl scores a try during the Super Rugby Pacific Quarter final match between the Canterbury Crusaders and Blues at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on June 6, 2026. (Photo by Sanka VIDANAGAMA / AFP via Getty Images)(Image: AFP or licensors)
McNicholl left the Scarlets in March 2024 to return home to New Zealand after making 130 appearances for the west Wales club including 57 tries.
He also won 10 caps for Wales under Wayne Pivac but did not make the same impact on the international scene as he did at club level.
If Wales were simply picking their best-qualified side, McNicholl would be difficult to overlook at full-back. The practicalities of geography, timing and age means his international career is almost certainly over.
But that hasn’t stopped the plaudits coming in for the Crusaders star on social media.
“What an awesome player he’s been this year proving age is just a number,” wrote one fan on Facebook.
“Johnny McNicholl needs to be back at 15 for @WelshRugbyUnion. Outstanding for the @crusadersurgby,” wrote another on X.
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