The Gallagher Chiefs have named a familiar and battle-tested side to take on the Crusaders ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated DHL Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan says the team naming reflects the strength and stability that has carried the team through its 2025 campaign.
“We’ve built real continuity across the season, and that will serve us well in Christchurch. The Crusaders have proven time and again that 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.”
An unchanged starting XV features Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, and George Dyer up front, with Tupou Vaa’i and Naitoa Ah Kuoi in the second row. Wallace Sititi anchors the scrum at number eight, joining Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau to form a balanced loose forward trio.
Cortez Ratima continues at halfback, alongside Damian McKenzie at first five-eighth. Quinn Tupaea and Daniel Rona combine in the midfield, while Shaun Stevenson returns at fullback alongside Emoni Narawa and Leroy Carter on the wings.
Impact from the bench includes Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, and Reuben O’Neill as front row cover. Jimmy Tupou and Kaylum Boshier provide loose forward options. Xavier Roe is named as the reserve halfback, with Josh Jacomb covering first five and Etene Nanai-Seturo on the outside back.
The team will travel south later this week with a strong sense of purpose and pride, backed by fans across the country.
“We know there’ll be a loyal crew backing us in the stands at Apollo Projects Stadium, and thousands more watching from home. Our fans bring something special, and we feel that no matter where we are.”
Fans are encouraged to back the boys and wear their colours loud and proud whether they are in the stands at Apollo Projects Stadium, watching from home, or following from overseas. Every clang of the cowbell is a show of Chiefs pride and wherever it sounds, the team will feel it.
Live updates and game day information will be available at www.chiefs.co.nz/game-day.
Gallagher Chiefs v Crusaders, 7:05 PM, Saturday 21 June, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
1. Ollie Norris
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho
3. George Dyer
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Luke Jacobson (c)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Quinn Tupaea
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson
Reserves
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
Players unavailable due to injury
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shoulder, TBC
Josh Lord, Concussion, TBC
Liam Coombes-Fabling, Hamstring, Short-term
Anton Lienert Brown, Collarbone, Short-term
Malachi Wrampling, Hamstring, Mid-term
Simon Parker, Ankle, Mid-term
Sione Ahio, Ankle, Long-term
Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
