Phil Gifford is one of the most-respected voices in New Zealand sports journalism. Two teams desperate to win provided 80 minutes of almost scary intensity before the Crusaders’ 16-12 victory over the Chiefs in Saturday night’s final made them the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific champions.

The clinical Canterbury Crusaders turned to forward power to beat the Waikato Chiefs 16-12 in a tense Super Rugby final on Saturday and clinch a record 15th title. They kept the game tight, relying on their trademark forward power that included a muscular scrum.