Crusaders Claim Third Consecutive Super Rugby Pacific Title, Defeating Chiefs in Christchurch

The Crusaders have once again secured their place as kings of Super Rugby Pacific, defeating the Chiefs 16-12 in a tightly contested final in Christchurch and ending their rivals’ hopes for a third-straight championship.

This victory marks the Crusaders’ 13th title in the combined competition, reinforcing their dominance in the tournament’s history. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, despite finishing as minor premiers, suffered their third consecutive Super Rugby final defeat, joining the South African Lions (2016-2018) as only the second team to experience such a streak.

Remarkably, the Crusaders’ triumph comes after a difficult season in 2024, where they failed to make the playoffs for the first time in seven years, winning just four matches. Their resilience and hard work paid off, with fullback Will Jordan, who claimed his seventh Super Rugby title, reflecting on the journey: “Where we were at the end of last year, the start of this year we had a mountain to climb. Everyone had to dig deep and it hasn’t been easy. This title is right up there for me, I just think even at the top.”

The final was also tinged with disappointment for Australian veteran James O’Connor, who missed selection for the Wallabies’ squad to face Fiji and likely the British and Irish Lions. Having joined the Crusaders from Queensland this season, O’Connor only entered the field in the closing moments, replacing rising star Rivez Reihana with just over a minute remaining, seemingly signaling the end of his Test career.

The Chiefs opened the scoring through prop George Dyer, who crashed over in the 11th minute, despite Crusaders captain David Havili being sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Emoni Narawa. The Crusaders responded quickly with a brilliant try from All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor, who peeled off a maul and raced down the sideline. Reihana’s conversion and two penalties gave the Crusaders a 13-7 lead at halftime.

Just before the break, the Chiefs struck back with a try from fullback Shaun Stevenson, but Damian McKenzie failed to convert from wide out, leaving the Crusaders ahead 13-12 at the break. McKenzie had another chance to put the Chiefs ahead in the 55th minute but missed a penalty, keeping the Crusaders in front and sealing their victory.