LIVE: The Chiefs have hit first for a 7-0 lead over the Crusaders after 18 minutes in the 2025 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Final in Christchurch.
Rob Penney's side return to the Final after a lean 2024, earning home field advantage after their win over the Blues last week.
Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
All Black Tamaiti Williams is a huge boost, shrugging off a knee injury to be fit.
For the Chiefs, the hunger to avoid three straight final losses is fierce following last year's defeat to the Blues.
The visitors have claimed both of their sides' previous encounters in 2025, boosting their confidence.
FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM 5:05 PM IN THE LIVE BLOG BELOW OR THE MATCH CENTRE
Chiefs 7-0: Rivez Reihana can't get the hosts on the board after his 55 metre penalty fades away.
It comes after a rare scrum penalty for the Crusaders after early Chiefs dominance.
Chiefs 7-0: The Chiefs have struck first through tighthead prop George Dyer.
Dyer shows excellent hands to collect the offload from Luke Jacobson to crash over under the posts for the opener.
The Crusaders are down to 14 for the time being after David Havili goes to the bin for a high shot.
Havili collects Emoni Narawa high with a head-on-head shot and it's an easy yellow under review
A huge moment early as the Crusaders shut down Damian McKenzie.
The Chiefs attack goes 25 phases before the flyhalf takes the line on, with the defence dislodging the ball ten metres out from the line.
Two scrums, two penalties as the visitors apply big pressure on the Crusaders' scrum.
The hosts aren't happy but Fletcher Newell find himself drawing the ire of the referee again for the penalty on halfway.
The Chiefs' defence turns away the hosts after a thumping hit from Sevu Reece forces the turnover.
The Crusaders work inside the 22 but drop it instantly as the Chiefs win a scrum penalty to kick further clear.
Angus Gardner blows time off and this Grand Final is underway.
The Crusaders launch it into the Chiefs half and try to re-gather, only to lose it for an early advantage.
Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final in Christchurch.
The crowd is slowly filling the stands in the final game at Apollo Projects Stadium before the Crusaders move to the new stadium next year.
No changes confirmed for either side at this stage as the build-up/cowbell watch continues.
Pens: Reihana 0/1
Tries: Dyer
Cons: McKenzie 1/1
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
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
The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final between the Crusaders and Chiefs will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport and the Nine Network.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 4:30 pm with kickoff expected at 5:05 pm.
The game will also be shown on free-to-air television on 9Gem, with coverage beginning at 4:30 pm
