The Crusaders scalp Chiefs to win Super Rugby Pacific

The champion Crusaders played the game in the right areas, retained ruck possession for a 99 percent return, and produced a Finals’ performance as physically bruising as it was intellectually imposing in beating the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific Final in Christchurch, writes Mark Keohane.

My Sunday Times rugby column – KEO UNCUT – is dedicated the Crusaders 13th Super Rugby title since Super Rugby started in 1996. It makes them the most successful club team in the competition and in any international club rugby competition.

The Chiefs, the in-form team in the league, lost for the third successive time in the final of Super Rugby Pacific.

In my Sunday Times column I single out the brilliance of Crusaders and All Blacks fullback Will Jordan under the high ball, All Blacks captain Scott Barrett’s performance, Crusaders captain and All Blacks utility back David Havili’s influence and the explosiveness of All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor.

This season I have often written that the All Blacks will be back to what we knew them to be pre-Covid and that Super Rugby Pacific is the real deal.

My Sunday Times column was another reminder, statement and caution to the Springboks to know what awaits them at Eden Park in Auckland on the 6th September. It is going to be colossal if the intensity and mongrel of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Final is the measurement.

BE WARNED SOUTH AFRICA, SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC IS PROPER

How Stuff.co.nz described the win: They did it on the back of everything they’re renowned for – defence, set piece and the ability to own the moments that matter most. Will Jordan’s aerial prowess was especially crucial in closing out the match, which featured just a lone Crusaders penalty goal in the second half, and was packed with close shaves, stone wall defence, and nerve-jangling moments to keep punters on their edge of their seats.

How NZHERALD described the win: Rumours of the Crusaders’ demise have been greatly exaggerated.The old adage is that defence wins championships, and both sides were forced to muscle up well inside their own half to keep the opposition out. If there was one area that really separated the sides, it was in the aerial attack of the Crusaders. Their kicks where chased with intent, and were weighted well enough that the chasers could get to them to either contest or put pressure on the Chiefs player who came down with the ball.It took 31 minutes of the second half before the scoreboard ticked over again. Both teams had terrific chances throughout the second half, but again, the championship defences stood strong on both sides. Another scrum penalty – Fletcher Newell 71 minutes into his shift getting the pats on the back – saw Reihana add another three points, which pushed the lead out to four with less than 10 minutes to play.That was where the scoring ended.

KEO CALLED THE CRUSADERS WIN AND A 13th TITLE.

At Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch: Crusaders 16 (Codie Taylor try 25min; Rivez Reihana con, 3 pen) Chiefs 12 (George Dyer try 13min, Shaun Stevenson try 38min; Damian McKenzie con). HT: 13-12

Yellow card: David Havili (Crusaders).

Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Macca Springer, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.

Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (capt), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo.