Crusaders Claim Lucky 13th Title in Epic Super Rugby Final Battle
What a night in Christchurch! If you're a Crusaders fan, you're probably still catching your breath — and if you're a Chiefs supporter, it’s heartbreak all over again. The Crusaders have done it once more. With a gritty 16-12 win over the Chiefs in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Final, they’ve claimed their 13th Super Rugby title and solidified their place as one of the sport’s true dynasties.
It was a classic, tense final — not high-scoring, but absolutely gripping from the first whistle to the last. The Chiefs came out firing, taking early control after Crusaders centre David Havili copped a yellow card for a high shot on Emoni Narawa. That left the door open for George Dyer to crash over under the posts, giving the Chiefs an early edge. But as always, you can never count out the Crusaders in a final — especially not at home.
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The home side struck back through Codie Taylor, who powered down the blindside and reminded everyone why he’s still one of the best hookers in the game. That try shifted the momentum, and you could feel the tide beginning to turn. Rivez Reihana's boot added the crucial points, nudging the Crusaders ahead just before halftime.
The second half was a war of attrition. Every inch of turf had to be earned, and neither side could crack the other's defensive line. The Crusaders leaned heavily on their dominant scrum, which earned them vital penalties and helped control territory. Reihana stepped up again with a nerveless penalty kick eight minutes from time that extended the lead to four — and that was enough.
The Chiefs gave it everything but couldn’t find a way through. Shaun Stevenson’s earlier brilliance wasn’t enough, and Damian McKenzie's missed kicks haunted the scoreboard. For the third straight year, the Chiefs reached the final — and for the third straight year, they fell short.
As the final whistle blew, the red and black crowd erupted. This wasn’t just another win. It was a reminder that when it comes to big moments, the Crusaders know how to rise. That’s now 32 home playoff victories in a row — a stat almost too incredible to believe.
And just think about where they were this time last year: out of the playoffs entirely. What a turnaround. Will Jordan said it best — they had a mountain to climb. And now, they’re standing right at the summit again. Lucky number 13? More like legendary.
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