APOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM, CHRISTCHURCH,NZ.7.05pm. AEST
Crusaders and Chiefs Set for Blockbuster Final Showdown in Christchurch
All roads lead to Apollo Projects Stadium this Saturday, where a sold-out crowd will witness a clash of titans in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final. The Crusaders, chasing their record-extending 13th title, host a Chiefs side desperate to finally break through after falling short in back-to-back finals.
It’s a rematch loaded with history and hunger. The Crusaders are aiming to recapture the dominance that saw them lift the trophy in 2022 and 2023, while the Chiefs are out to flip the script after their 2024 heartbreak against the Blues and a previous loss to the Crusaders in a final. For Clayton McMillan’s men, it’s a shot at redemption—and a third time lucky.
Scott Robertson’s Crusaders, meanwhile, received a timely boost with the remarkable return of All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams. After suffering a knee injury in the qualifying final win over the Reds and missing last week’s semi against the Blues, the 142kg powerhouse was initially feared to be out for the season. But in a dramatic turnaround, Williams has been cleared and named to start—adding serious grunt to a front row already featuring Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell.
The Crusaders’ pack stays largely intact, with captain Scott Barrett partnering Antonio Shalfoon in the second row. Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie will once again man the flanks, while Christian Lio-Willie continues to impress in the No.8 jersey.
In the backline, Rivez Reihana will steer the ship from fly-half, combining with lively halfback Noah Hotham. One of only two changes from last week sees exciting young winger Macca Springer come into the starting side in place of Chay Fihaki, who is sidelined due to concussion protocols.
With both sides naming stacked line-ups and history on the line, Christchurch is bracing for a grand final to remember.
CRUSADERS (1-15)
Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
The Chiefs will be bolstered by the return of prop Aidan Ross, who has been named on the bench for what could be one of his final appearances in club colours. The Gosford-born front-rower is set to depart for the Queensland Reds next season, a move that will make him eligible for Wallabies selection just in time for the highly anticipated 2025 British and Irish Lions series.
Ross’s inclusion brings valuable experience and impact off the bench as the Chiefs chase glory in the final. Joining him among the reserves is elusive winger Etene Nanai-Seturo, who earns just his third appearance of the season but brings proven finishing ability and X-factor in the wide channels.
Both men add depth and firepower to a Chiefs squad determined to seize their moment.
CHIEFS (1-15)
Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referee: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Brett Cronan
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