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3w ago

Chiefs Rout Crusaders to Reach Super Rugby Pacific Final

A blistering 42-5 first half in Hamilton handed the Chiefs control that leads to a final against either the Hurricanes or the Blues.

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HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 15: Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs makes a break during the round 14 Super Rugby match between Chiefs and Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato, on May 15, 2026, in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The Waikato Chiefs beat the Canterbury Crusaders 49-12 in Hamilton on Friday to advance to the Super Rugby Pacific final.
  • The result was decided early as the Chiefs scored 42 points in the first half, their biggest first-half tally against the Crusaders and the margin that put the match beyond reach.
  • Damian McKenzie marked his 150th Super Rugby appearance with decisive kicking, creative play and seven conversions that helped marshal the Chiefs’ attack.
  • Injuries and concussion misses shaped both teams: Chiefs No.8 Wallace Sititi and centre Kyle Brown were ruled out before the game while Crusaders star Leicester Fainga’anuku left injured during the match.
  • The Chiefs will face either top-seeded Wellington Hurricanes or the under-pressure Auckland Blues in the final on June 20, with the Hurricanes favoured after a dominant regular season and the Blues entering as the competition’s ‘lucky loser’ on a four-game losing run.