The SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Final is here as the Crusaders and Chiefs battle it out for the title.
The Crusaders have capitalised on the Chiefs' surprise loss a fortnight ago to host the decider, unbeaten at home in finals games.
Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
However, the Chiefs have the bragging rights of two regular season wins over the hosts in 2025, leading to the Final up for grabs for either team.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
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
- All Black Tamaiti Williams is a big boost, recovering from injury to start in the front-row.
- Macca Springer replaces Chay Fihaki on the wing, who is ruled out with a concussion.
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
- The Chiefs’ starting XV is unchanged from last week.
- Aidan Ross and Etene Nanai-Seturo have been added to the bench.
- The Crusaders are unbeaten in deciders against the Chiefs, including a 25-20 win in 2023.
- The Chiefs have won five of their last seven games against the Crusaders, including both games in 2025.
- The Chiefs are hunting to avoid becoming the second team in competition history to lose three straight finals (Lions 2016-18)
Will Jordan v Damian McKenzie
Not necessarily a direct match-up but the two superstars will play a big role in deciding this game.
Both had incredible games in the semi-finals; whether it was McKenzie’s 22 point haul or Will Jordan’s double.
The All Blacks stars will be pivotal to their respective attacks and thrive on the big stage.
Crusaders by 4
