Crusaders to face the Chiefs in a repeat of last years final

Round 3 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition is here, and we are heading north to Hamilton for a Grand Final rematch.  

There’s a quiet edge around the group this week, the sort of edge that comes when you know you’ve got an opportunity to show what you’re really made of.  

Saturday gives us the chance to reconnect with our game, to sharpen a few details, and to take on a rival that brings out the best in us. 

Rob Penney has backed a group he believes can step forward together, leaning into combinations that have been building nicely and making a few shifts where he feels it’ll bring clarity.  

He’s been open about the areas we want to tidy up: the little moments, the accuracy around our roles, but there’s no sense of panic, just a calm belief that the improvement is well within this group.  

“We’re better than what we showed last week, and this team reflects the confidence we have in the players to put things right,” Penney says. 

Up front, Tamaiti Williams, George Bell and Fletcher Newell make up a front row the coaching group trusts to bring stability and presence.  

Penney’s been clear that set‑piece clarity is a focus this week, and this trio gives the group a strong platform to launch from.  

Behind them, Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah continue their partnership in the second row. Rob knows they’re still growing together, but he has full faith they’re ready to take control of the contest.  

“The learnings from last week will help them take another step,” he says. 

Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio‑Willie form an energetic loose forward trio with the right balance of physicality and work rate.  

Ethan’s leadership in the contact areas remains a key part of what we do, while Dom and Christian continue to bring real spark around the park. Rob wants this group to help settle the game early, giving us the composure we need to build pressure. 

Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara stay in the 9–10 driving seat, a reflection of Rob’s desire for continuity and connection. He likes the way they’ve been growing their understanding and feels they’re close to finding their rhythm. With a team like the Chiefs, that steadiness is important. 

In the midfield, David Havili leads from centre, and Leicester Fainga’anuku returns to the starting lineup to bring power and instinct on both sides of the ball. Rob has been intentional with Leicester’s integration, keeping things simple as he finds his feet again.  

“We just want him settled, confident, and doing what he does well,” he says. 

Out wide, Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki start on the wings, with Will Jordan at fullback. It’s a back three that carries strike, calmness and the sort of counterattacking threat that can swing momentum in an instant.  

Rob’s message to them this week has been about trusting the pictures in front of them and staying connected, especially against a side that punishes loose moments. 

There’s impact right across the bench too, with Manumaua Letiu, George Bower and Seb Calder providing strong front‑row support. Tahlor Cahill and Corey Kellow bring energy in the forwards, while Louie Chapman, James White and Dallas McLeod round out a balanced mix of spark and composure in the backs. 

The Chiefs don’t give you many second chances, and Rob knows that, but he’s also confident in this group’s response. There’s been no dramatic reinvention this week – just intention, clarity and trust in the work.  

"Across the board the Chiefs are dangerous on attack and they're really physical and dangerous in defence,” says Penney.  

“We can't focus on one element too much because we'll end up getting stung in another area. Any team that beats the Chiefs have to have a complete performance.” 

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

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

 
Players unavailable for selection due to injury:   

Johnny MCNICHOLL:  Hamstring, 2 weeks 
Liam JACK:  Hamstring, 4-6 weeks  
Maloni KUNAWAVE:  Hamstring, 4-6 weeks 
Cooper ROBERTS:  Stress fracture (fibula), 6-8 weeks  
Cullen GRACE:  Knee, Unclear 
Macca SPRINGER:  Quad, Unclear 
Mitch DRUMMOND: Concussion, Unclear 
Rivez REIHANA: Adductor, Unclear 
Codie TAYLOR: Ribs, Unclear