Crusaders welcome back All Black star for grand final against an unchanged Chiefs

The stage is set for an electrifying Super Rugby Pacific grand final as the Crusaders, bolstered by the return of All Black prop Tamaiti Williams, face an unchanged Chiefs side eager to claim their first championship since 2013.

With a sold-out crowd at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, both teams are primed for a thrilling showdown and promise edge-of-your-seat action as they vie for rugby supremacy.

But Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge says Chiefs fans are welcome at the final, not their noisy cowbells. He has banned the loud sound of clattering cowbells, which has long been a traditional feature at home matches for the Chiefs and Waikato in Hamilton.

Williams was nursing a knee injury, and his selection adds strength to the hosts' lineup. He limped off the field during their quarter-final victory over the Queensland Reds. But he's back just in time for the big game.

The Crusaders have made another change: Winger Macca Springer will replace Chay Fihaki, who is out with a concussion.

Crusaders coach Rob Penney is confident in his team's readiness. He says the team is focussed on Saturday's match rather than past games.

"History is history, it is what it is, and we're not even thinking about that, we're just thinking about the contest ahead of us, which is really exciting," Penney told a media conference. We're at home in front of our people; it will be such a magical occasion."

The Chiefs have decided to stick with the same team that beat the Brumbies in their semi-final.

Prop Aidan Ross, who is set to depart the club for the Queensland Reds, returns to the bench. Winger Etene Nanai-Seturo also fills the final replacement spot due to gunshot wounds.

Coach Clayton McMillan is pleased with his team's consistency, highlighting the importance of their solid performance throughout the season.

“We’ve built real continuity across the season, and that will serve us well in Christchurch," McMillan says.

The Crusaders aim to win their 13th championship title, having secured back-to-back victories in 2022 and 2023.

"They have proven they know how to lift in finals footy. They’re clinical, composed, and proud of their home record. We’re ready for a good final fight," McMillan says.

The Chiefs are determined to break their losing streak in the finals, having faced disappointing results. This includes a victory over the Chiefs, who are out to make it third time lucky following their 2024 Final defeat to the Blues.

Wallace Sititi, of the Chiefs, is tackled by Braydon Ennor, of the Crusaders, during their Super Rugby Pacific match in Christchurch in May 2025. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

Grand final sold out

Saturday's championship match has already sold out, showing incredible interest from Cunningham. This sets the stage for an epic finale at Apollo Projects Stadium.

Public tickets were gone within minutes, showing people's eagerness to anticipate this showdown.

Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says the competitive nature of overwhelming demand reflects the quality and unpredictability of the 2025 season.

“After 18 weeks of edge-of-your-seat rugby, where no result has been guaranteed, we now have a true battle of the titans to close out the season,” he says.

“It’s a fitting finale in an incredible year. We’re thrilled there will be a full house in Christchurch to celebrate.

“Super Rugby Pacific has delivered on and off the field in 2025, and I can’t wait to see how it all ends on Saturday night.”

Tickets flew out the door within minutes of going on sale to the public on Tuesday morning.

Due to demand, a limited third release of 1250 additional tickets was made available on Thursday, only to be snapped up instantly.

With a packed crowd and plenty happening around the ground, it’s set to be a fitting celebration for Super Rugby Pacific’s biggest night.

The final kicks off at 7.05pm, New Zealand time.

CRUSADERS: 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. Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod.

CHIEFS: 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. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kalyum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo.

Referee: Angus Gardner. Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan. TMO: Brett Cronan.