Crusaders have reclaimed their position atop the Super Rugby Pacific mountain with a hard-fought 16-12 victory over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Final held in Christchurch.
This triumph marks the Crusaders’ 13th Super Rugby title and their remarkable 32nd consecutive finals win at home, solidifying their status as one of the greatest club teams in rugby history. For the Chiefs, however, it was yet another heartbreaking defeat as they fell short in their third consecutive final.
The match began with the Chiefs taking an early lead, capitalizing on a yellow card issued to inspirational centre David Havili in the 12th minute. Havili was penalized for a high tackle on Emoni Narawa, allowing prop George Dyer to score under the posts shortly after.
But the Crusaders, who boasted an unbeaten record in finals at home, quickly responded through hooker Codie Taylor, who squeezed down the blindside for a crucial try. The hosts gained momentum, applying pressure and dominating set-piece play, leading to two penalties from Rivez Reihana that gave them a slim lead.
As halftime approached, the Chiefs rallied back, with fullback Shaun Stevenson reducing the deficit to just one point, leaving the score at 13-12 at the break.
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The second half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to break through each other’s defenses. The Crusaders’ scrum proved pivotal, winning several penalties that allowed them to control field position. Despite missed opportunities, including a held-up try for Christian Lio-Willie and a disallowed try for Havili due to offside, Reihana’s late penalty extended the Crusaders’ lead to four points.
With time running out, the Chiefs fought valiantly to find a try but were thwarted by the resolute Crusaders’ defense. As the final whistle blew, the Crusaders celebrated their return to championship glory.
Final Score: Crusaders 16 (Tries: Taylor; Cons: Reihana; Pens: Reihana) defeated Chiefs 12 (Tries: Dyer, Stevenson; Cons: McKenzie).
Crusaders Starting XV:
15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (captain), 11 Macca Springer, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 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 Starting XV:
15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 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.
