The Crusaders have won their seventh Super Rugby title after a 25-20 win over the Chiefs.
Crusaders: 25
Tries: Codie Taylor 2, Richie Mo'unga, Conversions: Mo'unga 2, Penalties: Mo'unga 2
Chiefs: 20
Tries: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Conversions: Damian McKenzie 2, Penalties: McKenzie 2
Both the Chiefs and Crusaders sides have been named to face off in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific Final at Hamilton's FMG Stadium on Saturday 24th June, 7.05pm.
In the only changes to the side that beat the Blues 52-15 last week, the Crusaders have All Black lock Sam Whitelock returning from an achilles tendon injury, while hooker George Bell is back from a fractured ankle in place of Brodie McAlister who injured his hamstring last week.
After a tough semi-final match against the Brumbies, the Chiefs have Pita Gus-Sowakula back in the starting side at blindside in place of new All Black Samipeni Finau and hope to send off several players heading overseas with a win in a match that will also see Sam Cane play his 150th match for the side.
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Tupou Vaa'i, Brodie Retallick, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukeiáho, Aidan Ross
Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Rameka Pohipi
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (capt), Oli Jager, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams
Reserves: George Bell, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O’Neill, Quinten Strange, Dom Gardiner, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki.
