The final round of Super Rugby Pacific 2025 kicks off in Christchurch with a clash steeped in history and high stakes, as the Crusaders host the Blues in a fiery rematch of the 2022 Grand Final. Though neither side has had a smooth ride this season, there’s no love lost between these traditional powerhouses — and with pride and finals momentum on the line, expect sparks to fly at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Then on Saturday, it’s Australia’s lone finals-bound hope — the ACT Brumbies — who carry the nation’s hopes across the Tasman. They’ll square off against a Chiefs side determined to secure a top-two finish in Hamilton, setting the stage for a trans-Tasman showdown with everything to play for. It’s grit versus flair, and the Brumbies know they’ll need to summon one of their most disciplined performances of the season to pull off an upset on enemy turf.
Crusaders v Blues
FRI 13 JUNE: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (19:05)
As the Crusaders prepare to face the Blues in their crucial semi-final showdown in Christchurch, they will do so without their in-form loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams. The full extent of Williams’ injury remains unclear, but his absence leaves a big hole in the Crusaders’ front row. Stepping up to fill that void is All Black powerhouse George Bower, who has been nothing short of magnificent this season, earning longer and more impactful minutes on the park. Joining the bench is the promising Kershawl Sykes-Martin, ready to make his mark when called upon.
The Crusaders enter this game hungry to redeem themselves after a shock 2024 season, which saw their fierce Auckland rivals lift the title and claim bragging rights across New Zealand rugby.
Adding another layer of intrigue is veteran Wallaby James O’Connor, who will once again come off the bench. With Rivez Reihana starting at fly-half, O’Connor is set to finish his Crusaders chapter this season before heading to Leicester. His last encounter against the Blues was memorable—a clutch late-game winner in a relentless downpour—and he’ll be keen to deliver another standout performance, not only for the team but also to catch the eye of Joe Schmidt and the Australian selectors ahead of next month’s Lions series.
As ever, Christchurch’s cool but clear weather sets the perfect stage, with temperatures hovering around 6 degrees at kickoff — a classic backdrop for what promises to be a fierce battle between old foes.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
Beauden Barrett will go head-to-head against his younger brother Scott Barrett as the Blues travel down to Christchurch looking to upset the kings of Super Rugby.
Having scraped into the finals, the Blues are playing with a chip on their shoulders and they have their tails up.
Ever the provocateur, Rieko Ioane enjoyed playing the role of the Blues’ villain last week as he put his finger to his lips to silence the Hamilton crowd. While Blues coach Vern Cotter has also made one change, starting Zarn Sullivan at fullback.
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Chiefs v ACT Brumbies
SAT 14 JUNE: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (19:05)
In a tactical shake-up, Ollie Norris steps into the front row to fill the big boots of Aidan Ross, who is preparing for his upcoming move to the Reds. Norris brings a fierce intensity and raw power that could prove vital in the set pieces.
Meanwhile, Wallace Sititi earns a starting spot in the back row, adding grit and relentless work rate to the pack’s engine room.
Perhaps the most intriguing selection decision sees Tupaea handed a starting role ahead of Gideon Wrampling. Wrampling was one of the standout performers in last weekend’s nail-biting 20-19 defeat to the Blues, making this switch all the more significant. It’s a bold move by the coaches, signaling their belief in Tupaea’s ability to make a decisive impact when it matters most.
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, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
In a hopeful bid to rewrite history, the Brumbies have opted for consistency, naming an unchanged side for Saturday’s high-stakes semifinal clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton. They’re chasing a breakthrough—the elusive feat of becoming the first Australian team to win a Super Rugby knockout match on New Zealand soil.
But standing in their way is a Clayton McMillan-led Chiefs squad burning with fury after last week’s stunning defeat to the Blues. The return of All Black powerhouse Quinn Tupaea and the inspirational captain Luke Jacobson adds fresh firepower to an already formidable lineup.
Despite being heavy underdogs, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham insists his team is “peaking at the right time,” carrying the hopes of an Australian rugby community desperate to break a long-standing drought.
While fans bemoan Australia’s ongoing Bledisloe Cup struggles, the Super Rugby landscape on Kiwi turf has been even tougher—Australian teams have yet to notch a single win in 20 attempts across New Zealand grounds.
The Reds’ recent 32-12 loss was a harsh reminder of that reality, and the Brumbies themselves have felt the sting, falling short in four straight semifinals since 2022.
But Larkham’s faith in his unchanged squad runs deep. Behind an all-Wallabies tight five, the ever-fierce Rob Valetini stands ready to lead the charge. This is a team hungry not just for victory, but for history.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referee: Damon Murphy, Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan
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