Super Rugby Pacific Final 2025 - Crusaders 16-12 Chiefs - 21/06/2025.

Photo highlights from the Super Rugby Pacific Final between the Crusaders and the Chiefs which was played at the Apollo Projects Stadium.

The hosts edged the Chiefs 16-12 in Christchurch on a freezing night in the garden city to secure their record-extending 15th Super Rugby crown, and eighth in nine seasons.

The Crusaders bounced-back in emphatic fashion burying the demons of their disastrous 2024 with head coach Rob Penney the ultimate redemption story after last season's struggles which threatened to cost him his job after just one year at the helm.

The crucial moment in their latest triumph came with just nine minutes remaining after the Chiefs spilled the ball after a scrum. Rivez Reihana did not disappoint as he kicked over the final conversion of the season to send the Crusaders fans into rapture. The second half which was packed with a series of close shaves, stone wall defence, and nerve-jangling moments for the hosts was than entertaining enough to keep the fans on the edge of their seats.

The Chiefs who struggled throughout the second half had a Damian McKenzie penalty go astray on a night that they made too many mistakes to achieve something no team had ever done - beat the Crusaders in a home playoff game which means the Crusaders are now 32-0. It had started so well for the visitors after tighthead prop George Dyer dived over to give the visitors a dreamstart to silence the home crowd. The Crusaders soon hit back after back to back scrum penalties gave the home side the lead before Codie Taylor raced through the visitors defence to put the home side in full control.

Rivez Reihana then proceeded to bang over a couple of three-pointers before Chiefs player Shaun Stevenson dived over in the corner to keep the Chiefs in touching distance however going into the break 13-12 down. However, the visitors did not add to their tally in the second half as they were left to rue a series of missed opportunities and suffered a third straight defeat in a Super Rugby Pacific final.

Result:

Crusaders 16-12 Chiefs

Photos were taken for Speed Media AU / Iconsportswire

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