Crusaders player ratings vs Chiefs | 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final

For the eighth time in nine years, the Crusaders are Super Rugby champions after holding on for thrilling 16-12 win over the Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium. It was an all-time classic Grand Final, with almost no points scored during a dramatic second term.

Rivez Reihana scored the only points of the half with a penalty in the 72^nd minute. The Chiefs had been parked up well inside their own half for what must’ve felt like forever, and eventually, something had to give.

Here’s how the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific champions rated in the big one.

1. Tamaiti Williams – 7

The return of All Blacks enforcer Tamaiti Williams was always going to be a talking point for the Crusaders. Williams missed the semi-final against the Blues but was back in time for the big dance – a massive inclusion for the hosts.

Lood de Jager on his road to recovery

Lood de Jager on his road to recovery

Williams did most of his damage at the set-piece, with the Crusaders recovering from a slow start to dominate at scrum time for a decent stretch. Other than that, the front-rower made a handful of carries and worked hard in defence.

2. Codie Taylor – 8

In an all-time classic decider, Codie Taylor led the way as a veteran player who’s been in this same situation before. Taylor scored the Crusaders’ first try of the contest, peeling off a maul before flying down the left edge. Taylor was also reliable at the set-piece, only failing to hit the mark on two occasions

3. Fletcher Newell – 6

It was a shocking start from Fletcher Newell, who gave away two scrum penalties inside the first 10 minutes, and the prop was also penalised in open play in the 12^th minute. But Newell bounced back in a big way, contributing to what was simply a dominant Crusaders scrum for most of the match.

4. Scott Barrett – 7.5

Scott Barrett may not be the Crusaders’ captain anymore but the lock, much like Taylor, looked composed and settled in the face of pressure. As a serial Super Rugby champion, Barrett put in a noticeable shift with 15 tackles and some telling work at the lineout.

5. Antonio Shalfoon – 8

Antonio Shalfoon was one of the Crusaders’ best on Saturday evening. Not only did Shalfoon record a game-high 14 tackles at the half-time break, but the lock also made a difference in general play with some strong carries. Add some telling work at the lineout, and well, it was a performance worthy of a championship.

6. Ethan Blackadder – 8.5

Ethan Blackadder was New Zealand’s best player against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2024, with the backrower wreaking havoc on both sides of the ball. Fast forward to now and while this wasn’t a highlight-reel knock from Blackadder, the blindside flanker made a clear difference with a game-high 19 carries and 16 stops on defence.

7. Tom Christie – 6

It was a quiet night from Tom Christie, who is usually prolific on defence in particular on the back of a tireless work rate. The openside flanker had a fairly average number of total carries and tackles completed, without any memorable plays to speak of.

8. Christian Lio-Willie – 8

All Blacks bolter Christian Lio-Willie – yes, the loosie deserves to be in that conversation for sure – was penalised for a high shot during the first half but didn’t let that define his performance. Lio-Willie was a menace in attack with some strong carries, in defence with solid stops, and around the breakdown – making it that much harder for Cortez Ratima to get quality ball.

9. Noah Hotham – 4

It was a performance which started with signs of promise from one-Test All Black Noah Hotham. This writer had ‘an improved performance’ noted down, but as the match went on, Hotham struggled as a desperate Chiefs side gave it everything. Hotham had some wayward kicks and passes, and gave away a penalty which prevented what would’ve been a David Havili try.

10. Rivez Reihana – 8

It’s long been said that to win a Super Rugby title, that you need a Test-level first five-eighth. Rivez Reihana hasn’t played international rugby, but the playmaker owned the responsibility that comes with being the Crusaders’ key game-driver in a Grand Final.

Reihana looked more and more composed as the match went on, whether it was kicking the Crusaders out of trouble or passing the ball onto others. The pivot was also mostly accurate off the goal-kicking tee, which was crucial in the end.

11. Macca Springer – 5

Sometimes as a winger, the ball just doesn’t go your way. That was the case for Macca Springer who was kept quiet out on the left edge. Springer’s first involvement was a grubber kick inside the Chiefs’ 22 during the first term, and that was followed by another kick early in the first half. While it was a quiet night from the flyer, the Crusaders are still champions.

12. David Havili – 7.5

Disaster struck early for David Havili, who was shown a yellow card early on after a high shot on Emoni Narawa. Havili was replaced by Dallas McLeod while undergoing a HIA, but after being cleared, the Crusaders skipper returned with a vengeance at Apollo Projects Stadium.

Havili kicked well, helped drive the team around the park alongside Rivez Reihana, and almost had a try – had it not been for a Noah Hotham penalty. While Havili hasn’t been talked about too much by fans in the All Blacks’ midfield debate, he will definitely be in that squad.

13. Braydon Ennor – 6

Braydon Ennor did more than some people may recognise, but it was still an off-night for the outside centre, who’s most memorable moment was a misfired pass into touch late in the second half. Ennor lost turnovers twice, but dd make some solid carries up-field. With seven carries and five stops on defence, Ennor still played his role in a champion side.

14. Sevu Reece – 6

Much like Macca Springer, Sevu Reece didn’t have any opportunities to run the ball in space. With three carries for a handful of metres in total, the all-time leading Super Rugby try-scorer wasn’t able to add to that tally in the big one – not that he’ll care too much considering the Crusaders are champions once again. Reece’s standout moment was actually around the breakdown, securing a turnover early in the second half inside the Chiefs’ 22.

15. Will Jordan – 8.5

Will Jordan is the best fullback in world rugby.

Let’s say that again.

Will Jordan is the best fullback in world rugby. Jordan was constantly a threat under the high ball, especially deep into the match when territory and possession were against the Chiefs. While the fullback didn’t get the ball in space a whole lot, the work Jordan did in the air was a significant factor between the Crusaders winning and losing.

Replacements

16. George Bell – 7
17. George Bower – 7.5
18. Seb Calder – 5
19. Jamie Hannah – 7
20. Cullen Grace – 6
21. Kyle Preston – 6
22. James O’Connor – N/A
23. Dallas McLeod – 5.5