Crusaders & Chiefs load up on All Blacks for Final

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Crusaders and Chiefs have confirmed all-star line-ups ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific Final in Christchurch.

The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of prop Tamaiti Williams after the All Black remarkably recovered from a knee injury.

Williams limped off the field during their preliminary play-off victory over the Reds.

It’s one of two changes from last week, with wing Macca Springer replacing Chay Fihaki (concussion).

“History is history, it is what it is and we’re not even thinking about that, we’re just thinking about the contest ahead of us which is really exciting,” coach Rob Penney said.

“We’re at home in front of our people and it’s going to be such a magic occasion.”

As for the Chiefs, they have named an unchanged starting side that defeated the ACT Brumbies last week.

Prop Aidan Ross comes back onto the bench, who is set to depart the club for the Queensland Reds.

Wing Etene Nanai-Seturo also fills the final replacement spot for his third appearance of the year.

“We’ve built real continuity across the season, and that will serve us well in Christchurch,” coach Clayton McMillan said.

“The Crusaders have proven time and again that they know how to lift in finals footy. They’re clinical, composed, and proud of their home record. We’re ready for a good final fight.”

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The Crusaders are seeking their 13th title in Super Rugby history, having claimed back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.

This included victory over the Chiefs, who are out to make it third time lucky following their 2024 Final defeat to the Blues.

Teams

CRUSADERS: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (captain), 11 Macca Springer, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Cullen Grace, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Dallas McLeod.

CHIEFS: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Etene Nanai-Seturo.

Date: Saturday, June 21
Venue: Rugby League Park, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.05 (07.05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Brett Cronan