Super Rugby Pacific final: Crusaders look for 15th title in sold-out match
Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor says the team has reflected on their last meeting with their fellow finalists, admitting it was "embarrassing" to be overturned in front of their ardent supporters.
Having claimed victory in both regular season clashes, the Chiefs will head into Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific grand final with some assurance, despite their opponents' unblemished home record in the post-season.
After recording a comfortable win during their second round game in Hamilton, the Chiefs sounded off their title credentials with a 35-19 victory in Christchurch last month.
This is after the visitors quelled a 16-point deficit with 32 unanswered points, 25 of them scored during a dominant second half display.
But Taylor suggested playoff rugby is a different proposition altogether, a point the Chiefs should be wary of after falling short in the last two finals.
"It's a final mate, anything can happen," he said.
"We're well aware of the results that have happened this year, similar to a couple of years ago during that round-robin.
"We know they can apply pressure through all facets of their game and they're bloody good at it. It's up to us to put them under pressure with our game."
Similarly, the Chiefs earned bragging rights during the 2023 regular season, only for the Crusaders to lift the trophy yet again following a 25-20 win in the Hamilton decider.
Last month's loss at home did sting, resulting in some much needed soul searching, Taylor said.
"We had to really look at ourselves. It was quite embarrassing to be honest," he said.
"They showed us how to turn up the heat, and front up in the collision. We started looking for opportunities and not creating them.
"They just got a roll on. They're a great team at being able to expose you through that middle part of the 80 minutes."
A Crusaders huddle on Thursday ahead of the match on Saturday.
Photo:
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
One thing that should buoy the hosts is their spotless record in Christchurch during the playoffs.
Dating back to their semi-final win over the Sharks back in 1998, the Crusaders have won all 31 of their home post-season games.
This sequence also includes victories in all seven Super Rugby finals that have been played in Christchurch. (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2018, 2019, 2021)
"It's a proud record to have but we're not thinking about that this week," Taylor said.
Another matter Taylor is paying little heed to - or would have been had they been permitted - was those cowbells.
The All Black rake said he was unbothered by the clattering of opposing fans.
"I say bring 'em. Who cares, it's a final," he said.
"They were up there going hard two years ago. If we're worried about cowbells, then our head's not in the right space."
"It's a final mate, anything can happen," Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor says.
Photo:
RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Saturday's Super Rugby final could mark the ultimate redemption story for head coach Rob Penney.
He endured a rocky campaign in his first season in charge after the departure of championship-winning coach Scott Robertson was elevated to national honours.
The Crusaders would struggle to live up to their archetypal top-rate standards in 2024, exacerbated by a never-ending injury toll and the exodus of several experienced campaigners.
After four wins and 10 losses, the Crusaders would ultimately finish in ninth spot, missing the playoffs for the first time in nine years.
It led to an independent review of the season, before Crusaders' officials later confirmed that Penney would see out the final year of his two year contract.
Assistant coach James Marshall said he was delighted for Penney.
"The criticism on him was so harsh last year. It was such small margins that decided a lot of those games," he said.
"Somehow he's gone from the worst coach in the world to one of the best and you just see the margins in the game."
The changing fortunes for the Christchurch-based franchise has been underlined by 11 wins during the regular season this year, and three defeats.
"He's probably not getting the rewards he deserves at the moment, everyone's been pretty quiet," Marshall said.
"But he deserves every bit of credit he gets."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
44 minutes ago
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final live updates: Crusaders lead as final goes down to the wire
Naitoa Ah Kuoi of the Chiefs. Photo: Peter Meecham/ We're finally here - the business end of a fantastic season of Super Rugby Pacific. Will it be redemption for the Crusaders after last season's horror show, or a breakthrough win in their third final in a row for the Chiefs? Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog: Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 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: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 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
Scoop
an hour ago
- Scoop
Super Rugby Pacific Final: What You Need To Know
Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final Crusaders v Chiefs Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 21 June Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog updates on RNZ After 18 long weeks, we've finally made it. Yes, there is a bit of irony around the fact that this year's edition of Super Rugby Pacific has been so exciting, and yet here we are back in Christchurch - but that doesn't detract too much from what should be a tense and exciting encounter. The Crusaders come in off a torrid battle with the Blues last weekend, which culminated in an epic goal-line stand for the win. Meanwhile, the Chiefs had a slightly more comfortable victory over the Brumbies but still had to push very hard to eventually make the game safe. Team lists Crusaders: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 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: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 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 Crusaders' selections Macca Springer starts on the wing for the Crusaders in place of Chay Fihaki, however the biggest name to be suiting up is Tamaiti Williams. The prop will play through a knee injury suffered against the Reds a fortnight ago in scenes reminiscent of Samuel Whitelock a couple of years ago for the Crusaders, where the most capped All Black put in a stunning shift at the set piece to win the final at Eden Park. Chiefs' selections No changes to the starting XV for the Chiefs side that won their semi last weekend. Two on the bench, though, with Aidan Ross at reserve prop and Etene Nanai-Seturo to cover the back three. Once again Simon Parker is out injured, which means Samipeni Finau starts at blindside. Key stats The Crusaders and Chiefs will meet in the final of a Super Rugby competition for the third time (2021,2023) with the Crusaders winning each of the two previous meetings, including a 25-20 win in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific final. The Crusaders have won 13 Super Rugby finals (including regional competitions), eight more than any other team. The Chiefs have won the final on only two of their six attempts, having lost the last two Super Rugby Pacific finals. They will be looking to avoid becoming just the second team in competition history to lose three straight (Lions 2016-2018). Damian McKenzie has scored 207 points from 13 games in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, the first player to score 200 points in a single campaign since Bernard Foley (223) and Robert du Preez (215) in 2018. He's scored 139 points across his last 10 games against the Crusaders including a 20-points haul in his most recent game against them. What they're saying "We don't have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders. We're one team that has had our fair share of success down there, but we know it's not going to be easy." - Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan. "We got a group capable of winning and as I said before, the past is the past. This is a one off occasion. We're at home in front of our people. Last time we're at Apollo Projects Stadium and that's just going to be such a magic occasion. I think this is a game fitting of the farewell for the stadium as well." - Crusaders coach Rob Penney. The last time they met Chiefs 35 - 19 Crusaders The Crusaders got off to a hot start, scoring three first half tries to lead 19-3 just before the break. However, the momentum completely shifted thanks to an Emoni Narawa try as the hooter sounded. From there the Chiefs were in total control, scoring four more tries including one of the best of the season to Leroy Carter. What's going to happen Both teams showed last weekend that scoring early against them is no guarantee of success, so it's likely this one will stay tight into the second half. From there it'll be down to key moments and discipline, Damian McKenzie's goal kicking form has been superb, so the Crusaders can't give away anything in their own half. As per usual, it will be a set piece battle first and foremost.
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Mystics too strong for Magic in netball clash
The Mystics' Sophia Lafaiali'i hauls in the ball against the Magic, during an ANZ Premiership match in Hamilton, on Saturday 21 June. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 The Northern Mystics have beaten the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic for the second time in a week, but this time it was more decisive. The Mystics won 63-51, with stand-in goal shoot Sophia Lafaiali'i starring with another brilliant display. It was a more dominant performance than their two point win over the same rivals on Monday . The latest win sees the Mystics overtake the Tactix at the top of the ANZ Premiership ladder, though the Christchurch-based team can regain number one spot if they beat the Stars in Christchurch on Sunday. Lafaiali'i, who has come into the team in recent weeks for the injured Donnell Wallam, played like a cool veteran, not missing a shot until the third quarter. She nailed 47 of her 49 one-point attempts and one from three for her super shot attempts. Filda Vui backed her up with 12 points. Lafaiali'i would have been thankful for the slick feeding from her team-mates. Match stats told a story, with the Mystics having 23 more shots at goal and a centre pass conversion rate of 82 percent, compared to just 58 percent for the Magic. The Mystics led 13-11 at the end of the first quarter and never let go of it. They dominated strongly early in the second quarter before Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Saviour Tui launched a super shot blitz, with Tui landing four straight. It was 30-27 to the Mystics at half-time, 46-40 after three quarters, and they outscored the Magic by six points in the final stanza. Tui and Ekenasio were accurate for the Magic but they didn't get nearly enough opportunities due to the strong defensive efforts of Michaela Sokolich-Beatson and Catherine Hall. Ameliaranne Ekenasio, left, pulls in the ball for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, under the watch of Michaela Sokolich-Beatson of the Northern Mystics. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Tui shot 16 from 17 of her one-point attempts and seven from 10 of her two-pointers, while Ekenasio was 100 percent with her 17 one-pointers, and landed two from her five two-point shots. Mystics midcourter Tayla Earle said the team was pleased to improve on their display on Monday, and said they had learned from that. "We have been talking about trying to apply pressure earlier so we don't have to rely on our big backs in the circle, so I am proud of the girls," she told Sky Sport. Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa took some heart from an improved performance from Monday's effort, but rued a lack of timing and connection from her players. "We can't stay in the eliminations with those kind of stats," she told Sky Sport. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
