Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final
Crusaders v Chiefs
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 21 June
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Live blog updates on RNZ
After 18 long weeks, we've finally made it. Yes, there is a bit of irony around the fact that this year's edition of Super Rugby Pacific has been so exciting, and yet here we are back in Christchurch - but that doesn't detract too much from what should be a tense and exciting encounter.
The Crusaders come in off a torrid battle with the Blues last weekend, which culminated in an epic goal-line stand for the win. Meanwhile, the Chiefs had a slightly more comfortable victory over the Brumbies but still had to push very hard to eventually make the game safe.
Team lists
Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Cullen Grace, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod
Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson
Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Etene Nanai-Seturo
Crusaders' selections
Crusaders winger Macca Springer scores a try against the Melbourne Rebels. Photo: Photosport
Macca Springer starts on the wing for the Crusaders in place of Chay Fihaki, however the biggest name to be suiting up is Tamaiti Williams. The prop will play through a knee injury suffered against the Reds a fortnight ago in scenes reminiscent of Samuel Whitelock a couple of years ago for the Crusaders, where the most capped All Black put in a stunning shift at the set piece to win the final at Eden Park.
Chiefs' selections
Etene Nanai-Seturo in action for the Chiefs during the Super Rugby Pacific Final between the Chiefs and the Crusaders at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Photo: Aaron Gillions / photosport
No changes to the starting XV for the Chiefs side that won their semi last weekend. Two on the bench, though, with Aidan Ross at reserve prop and Etene Nanai-Seturo to cover the back three. Once again Simon Parker is out injured, which means Samipeni Finau starts at blindside.
Key stats
Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Crusaders and Chiefs will meet in the final of a Super Rugby competition for the third time (2021,2023) with the Crusaders winning each of the two previous meetings, including a 25-20 win in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific final.
The Crusaders have won 13 Super Rugby finals (including regional competitions), eight more than any other team. The Chiefs have won the final on only two of their six attempts, having lost the last two Super Rugby Pacific finals. They will be looking to avoid becoming just the second team in competition history to lose three straight (Lions 2016-2018).
Damian McKenzie has scored 207 points from 13 games in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the first player to score 200 points in a single campaign since Bernard Foley (223) and Robert du Preez (215) in 2018. He's scored 139 points across his last 10 games against the Crusaders including a 20-points haul in his most recent game against them.
What they're saying
"We don't have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders. We're one team that has had our fair share of success down there, but we know it's not going to be easy." - Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.
"We got a group capable of winning and as I said before, the past is the past. This is a one off occasion. We're at home in front of our people. Last time we're at Apollo Projects Stadium and that's just going to be such a magic occasion. I think this is a game fitting of the farewell for the stadium as well." - Crusaders coach Rob Penney.
The last time they met
Chiefs 35 - 19 Crusaders
The Crusaders got off to a hot start, scoring three first half tries to lead 19-3 just before the break. However, the momentum completely shifted thanks to an Emoni Narawa try as the hooter sounded. From there the Chiefs were in total control, scoring four more tries including one of the best of the season to Leroy Carter.
What's going to happen
Both teams showed last weekend that scoring early against them is no guarantee of success, so it's likely this one will stay tight into the second half. From there it'll be down to key moments and discipline, Damian McKenzie's goal kicking form has been superb, so the Crusaders can't give away anything in their own half. As per usual, it will be a set piece battle first and foremost.
