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Finally, there were two. The 2025 edition of Super Rugby Pacific is set to come to an epic conclusion with the Chiefs set to take on the Crusaders in Christchurch. For the Chiefs this is their opportunity at redemption after a crushing defeat to the Blues in 2024 Final. For the Crusaders it’s a chance to flex their title credentials once again after decades of dominance in the competition.
Central to the story, the form of All Blacks flyhalf Damian McKenzie. He has been the form player of the competition. While the Chiefs have proven matchwinners in the halves, this game will be won by the forwards.
The home side are coming off an extra day of rest and are close to full strength. The home side will be confident of continuing their stellar run in Super Rugby Finals. The Crusaders have won 31 consecutive finals matches.
The Chiefs have lost the last two finals but they have been the form team of the competition. After beating the Crusaders at home this season, they will be confident of causing another upset.
We take a look at how the team’s line-up for the final.
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
Bench: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
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
Bench: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo