Chiefs crush Crusaders 49-12 to book fourth straight Super Rugby Pacific grand final

The Chiefs are heading to a fourth straight Super Rugby Pacific final after producing a ruthless display to dismantle defending champions the Crusaders 49-12 in Hamilton on Friday night.

In a match many expected to go down to the wire, the Chiefs blew the contest apart with one of the most devastating first-half performances the competition has seen, racing to a staggering 42-5 lead by halftime in front of a packed FMG Stadium.

The result was especially sweet for a Chiefs side still carrying memories of last year's grand final defeat and the Crusaders' famous upset win in Hamilton in the 2023 decider.

This time there was no comeback, no late drama and no Crusaders magic. Instead, it was the Chiefs who dominated every part of the game.

The hosts scored seven tries, all converted by playmaker Damian McKenzie, who marked his 150th appearance for the franchise with a perfect night from the kicking tee and another masterclass in attack.

The Crusaders arrived in Hamilton with plenty of finals pedigree and a reputation for thriving under pressure. They had won three straight matches against the Chiefs and were chasing another upset on the road.

But after a relatively even opening 10 minutes, the Chiefs exploded into life.

Winger Kyren Taumoefolau, the former Moana Pasifika flyer, of Tongan heritage, crossed twice - in the 11th and 14th minutes - as the home side tore through the Crusaders defence almost at will.

The forwards powered their way over through hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho (24') and lock Tupou Vaa'i (33') who continues to build a strong case for All Blacks selection.

Fullback Isaac Hutchinson also got his name on the scoresheet (19') while replacement back Leroy Carter (29') scored not long after coming on.

Former Wallabies star Lalakai Foketi, right, who was born in Hamilton, and Isaac Hutchinson launch another Chiefs attack during a dominant semi-final performance that overwhelmed the defending champions at FMG Stadium Waikato. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

The visitors managed just one first-half reply through Chay Fihaki and spent much of the opening 40 minutes struggling to contain wave after wave of Chiefs attack.

At the heart of the onslaught was the midfield combination of Quinn Tupaea and Lalakai Foketi.

The pair repeatedly exposed the Crusaders defence with their power and skill while Foketi (Māori/Tongan), former Wallabies midfielder who was born in Hamilton and returned to New Zealand after several seasons with the Waratahs, delivered one of his most influential performances in Chiefs colours.

Just as impressive was the work done up front.

Without injured co-captain and star forward Wallace Sititi, the Chiefs pack dominated the collisions, won key battles at the scrum and breakdown, and provided the platform for McKenzie and halfback Cortez Ratima to control the game.

Chiefs players celebrate after Samisoni Taukei'aho crashed over for a first-half try as the hosts piled on six tries before halftime against the Crusaders. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

The Crusaders showed more fight after the break and briefly threatened through captain David Havili, who crashed over for their second try.

A yellow card to Chiefs replacement lock Laghlan Coombes-Fabling briefly gave the visitors hope. But the contest was already beyond reach.

Instead, the Chiefs finished the stronger.

Replacement halfback Xavier Roe crossed late (79th minute) to cap the night and push the scoreline close to the half-century mark as the Hamilton crowd celebrated a statement victory.

The only concern for the Chiefs was the fitness of Hutchinson, who left the field with a knee injury and Tupaea, who appeared to suffer an ankle injury midway through the second half.

Tupou Vaa'i dives over to score ahead of Crusaders captain David Havili during the Chiefs' seven-try demolition of the Crusaders, helping seal a place in next week's Super Rugby Pacific final. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

With All Blacks selectors watching from the stands, several Chiefs players strengthened their claims for higher honours. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie is due to name his 34-man squad for the 2026 season on 22 June, after the Super Rugby Pacific final.

More importantly, Friday's performance sent a powerful warning to whoever joins them in next week's final.

After years of falling just short, the Chiefs are now one win away from finally reclaiming the Super Rugby Pacific title.

They will host next week's final against the winner of Saturday night's second semi-final between the Blues and Hurricanes.

That game will be played at Hnry Stadium (Sky) in Wellington at 7.05pm (NZ Time).

Fijian Sevu Reece looks for a way through the Chiefs defence during a difficult night for the Crusaders, whose season ended in Hamilton with a heavy semi-final defeat. Reece's final appearance for the Crusaders ended quietly before his move to Japan. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs

TEAMS

Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. Sione Ahio, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa'i (VC), 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson (C), 8. Simon Parker, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Quinn Tupaea (VC), 13. Lalakai Foketi, 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 15. Isaac Hutchinson. Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. George Dyer, 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Leroy Carter.

Crusaders: 1. Finlay Brewis, 2. Codie Taylor (VC), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Leicester Fainga'anuku, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili (C), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl. Bench: 16. Manumaua Letiu, 17. Jack Sexton, 18. George Bower, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Dom Gardiner, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Rivez Reihana, 23. Macca Springer.