Crusaders vs Chiefs Predictions - Chiefs to win Super Rugby Pacific title

Simon Lewis

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Chiefs vs Crusaders, exciting Super Rugby final.
Chiefs have beaten Crusaders twice this season.
Chiefs favored to win with -1.5 handicap.

Crusaders have won both previous Super Rugby finals against the Chiefs. (Getty Images)

Crusaders vs Chiefs Predictions

This should be a superb Supe Rugby final with the two best teams on display. They’ve both had good seasons, but the Chiefs have edged it for me considering they have beaten their hosts both home and away already. I’m backing the Chiefs.

Crusaders vs Chiefs Predictions
Head to Head
Crusaders Form
Crusaders Injuries & Team News
Chiefs Form
Chiefs Injuries & Team News

Crusaders have won both previous Super Rugby finals against the Chiefs.
Crusaders have won their last 5 matches.
Chiefs have won 5 of their last 7 matches against the Crusaders.
Chiefs beat the Crusaders 35-19 away from home earlier this season.
Chiefs have won 4 of their last 5 matches.

Head to Head

Of the last five games, the Chiefs lead 3-2, including two wins this season. The Chiefs won 35-19 away to the Crusaders earlier this season.

Crusaders Form

The Crusaders finished second on the Super Rugby table, two points off the Chiefs after they won 11 of their 14 matches. However, they host this final after the Chiefs lost their quarter-final and progressed to the semi-finals as the ‘lucky losers’.

When compared to 2024, the Crusaders have had a magnificent season to date, however, they did lose both home and away to the Chiefs. They hosted the Chiefs on 10 May in actual fact, losing the game 35-19.

That was also the Crusaders’ last defeat as they won their remaining three round robin games thereafter. In the quarterfinal, the swatted the Reds aside at home, winning 32-12 and last week, beat the Blues 21-14 at home in the semi-final.

Crusaders Injuries & Team News

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 Form

The Chiefs have enjoyed another strong season and have reached the final for the second consecutive year. However, despite topping the table, they lost at home to the Blues in the quarterfinal, which means they could no longer host the final.

With 11 wins in 14 round robin fixtures, the Chiefs confidence is high – they also beat the Crusaders twice. They won their last three games of the regular season before falling 20-19 at home to the Blues in the quarters.

Last week, the Chiefs were comfortable semi-final winners over the Brumbies. They controlled the game, winning 37-17 in the end, however, debate still carries on as to why they hosted that game after losing their quarterfinal game.

Chiefs Injuries & Team News

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.

Verdict

Crusaders v Chiefs

The Chiefs have slipped up away from home a few times this season, but they have dominated the Crusaders home and away. I am backing the Chiefs to win and cover the -1.5 handicap.