The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final delivered a tense, low-scoring showdown in Christchurch—exactly the kind of stage where the Crusaders thrive.
Playing in front of a sold-out home crowd, the reigning champions leaned on their set-piece strength, defensive grit, and Rivez Reihana’s boot to edge the Chiefs 16–12 and claim their 13th Super Rugby title.
It was another heartbreak for the Chiefs—falling short for a third consecutive year—while the Crusaders extended their historic playoff home streak to 32 straight wins.
Here’s the full match recap:
CRUSADERS GRIND OUT FINAL WIN TO CLAIM 2025 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC TITLE
Crusaders 16 – 12 Chiefs (HT: 13–12)
The Crusaders lifted their 13th Super Rugby title with a gritty 16–12 victory over the Chiefs in a tense final at a sold-out Christchurch Stadium. The win extended their flawless home playoff record to 32 consecutive victories, solidifying their reputation as the most dominant force in Super Rugby history. The Chiefs struck first when George Dyer powered over in the 15th minute after David Havili was sent to the bin for a high tackle on Emoni Narawa. But the Crusaders responded through Codie Taylor, who darted down the blindside to score and ignite the home crowd. Flyhalf Rivez Reihana then nudged the Crusaders ahead with two well-taken penalties. The Chiefs kept it tight before the break, with Shaun Stevenson slicing through to score and narrow the margin to 13–12 at halftime. The second half turned into a battle of territory and scrum dominance. Christian Lio-Willie was held up over the line and Havili had a try ruled out, but the Crusaders continued to grind. Reihana added a late penalty in the 72nd minute to give the hosts a four-point cushion, and their scrum sealed the result with key penalties in the dying minutes. Despite a strong fightback, the Chiefs couldn’t crack the Crusaders’ defense in the closing stages. For the third year in a row, they fell short in the final, while the Crusaders celebrated another chapter in their remarkable legacy.
CRUSADERS
- Tries: Taylor (26’)
- Conversions: Reihana (27’)
- Penalties: Reihana (29’, 35’, 73’)
CHIEFS
- Tries: Dyer (13’), Stevenson (38’)
- Conversions: McKenzie (14’)
The Crusaders once again proved why they are the gold standard of Super Rugby, controlling the margins in a final defined by territory, pressure, and execution.
While the Chiefs matched them for long stretches, they couldn’t break through in the final moments.
As the Crusaders lift the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific trophy, their dynasty rolls on—and the rest of the competition is left asking what it will take to stop them.
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