The Crusaders clinched a record-extending 15th Super Rugby title with a 16-12 win over the Chiefs in a thrilling final in Christchurch.
The Crusaders reaffirmed their dominance in southern hemisphere rugby by edging the Chiefs 16–12 in a bruising Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch.
In front of a packed Apollo Projects Stadium, the defending champions delivered a masterclass in defensive grit, set-piece control, and game management to secure a record-extending 13th title.
The Chiefs, who entered the final in top form, threw everything at the home side but couldn’t crack the red-and-black wall in a fiercely contested decider.
Different Destinies
The Crusaders prevailed over the Chiefs at Christchurch’s Apollo Projects Stadium, solidifying their dominance with a 32nd consecutive playoff home victory.
Their relentless home advantage became clear as they executed game-winning set pieces and pressure-filled defence in front of a raucous crowd.
The result delivered the Crusaders’ 13th full competition title, and their third crown in four years, extending an elite rugby dynasty.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs became only the second club—after South Africa’s Lions—to lose three straight Super Rugby finals, highlighting their continued heartbreak.
Clutch Plays Stick For Crusaders, Evade Chiefs
Codie Taylor powered over for a pivotal try following a disciplined lineout maul in the 25th minute to ignite the scoreboard. Flyhalf Rivez Reihana kicked two penalties and a conversion, delivering eleven crucial points under immense final-half pressure.
Chiefs enjoyed early first-half momentum when prop George Dyer and fullback Shaun Stevenson scored, but couldn’t respond after the interval.
The Crusaders’ scrum and lineout functioned as match-winning weapons, securing reliable possession and disrupting the Chiefs’ attacking rhythm. Flyhalf Damian McKenzie missed a first-half conversion and a second-half penalty, leaving key points off the board for the visitors.
The Chiefs regained intensity after halftime, pushing hard for tries, but the Crusaders’ defence absorbed every wave of attack. Sevu Reece made a decisive turnover early in the second half, halting a threatening Chiefs raid and shifting momentum decisively.
Unmatched Game-Management And Bench Strength
The Crusaders’ bench played a critical role late in the match, with veteran James O’Connor entering to calm nerves and manage the clock.
He replaced Rivez Reihana with just over a minute remaining, following a season of strong contributions and leadership on the pitch.
Post-Match Reactions
Both camps acknowledged the fine margins that shaped the final. While the Crusaders celebrated a hard-earned triumph, the Chiefs were left to rue missed chances yet again..
Will Jordan (Crusaders fullback): “We had a mountain to climb after last season, and everyone dug deep to deliver.”
Luke Jacobson (Chiefs captain): “It was a classic final—small moments decided it, and Crusaders executed better in key areas.”
