Crusaders stun Chiefs 43-33 in Hamilton

Chiefs 33-43 Crusaders, Hamilton

The Crusaders produced a powerful comeback to defeat the Chiefs 43-33 in Hamilton, turning around an early deficit in a high-scoring rematch of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific final.

After trailing 21-7 inside the opening quarter, the visitors surged back with a decisive scoring run to seize control of the contest.

Chiefs Dominate Early

The Chiefs began with pace and precision. Pressure from an attacking lineout led to Quinn Tupaea crossing from close range. Soon after, Leroy Carter ignited the crowd with a stunning counterattack from deep inside his own half, beating multiple defenders before linking with Etene Nanai-Seturo to complete a long-range try making it 14-0.

The comeback began through George Bell, who finished strongly from close range in the 18th minute. Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho then powered over from a driving maul to extend the lead to 21-7 after 22 minutes, leaving the Crusaders with work to do.

Crusaders Seize Momentum

Will Jordan sparked the revival with a break that created space for Noah Hotham to score, and Christian Lio-Willie powered over soon after to level the match.

A penalty from Taha Kemara gave the Crusaders a 24-21 halftime lead as momentum shifted firmly their way.

Second-Half Control

The visitors continued their surge after the break. Lio-Willie crossed for his second try following sustained pressure, and captain David Havili finished athletically in the corner after sharp handling involving Jordan and Chay Fihaki.

Lio-Willie completed his hat-trick with 14 minutes remaining, capping a bold attacking sequence from deep to stretch the advantage.

Late tries from Tupou Vaa’i and Emoni Narawa narrowed the gap, particularly after Noah Hotham was yellow-carded, but the Crusaders held firm. A crucial try-saving tackle from Jordan on Carter sealed a deserved 43-33 victory.

Team line up:

Chiefs: 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Luke Jacobson (captain), 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Jared Proffit

Reserves: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Samipeni Finau, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Lalakai Foketi

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili (captain), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 George Bell, 1 Tamaiti Williams

Reserves: 16 Manumaua Letiu, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Louis Chapman, 22 James White, 23 Dallas McLeod