Latest news with #ChayFihaki
NZ Herald
11 hours ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Super Rugby final: Crusaders, Chiefs find balance between local talent and scouting
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 10: Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs, Chay Fihaki of the Crusaders and Gideon Wrampling of the Chiefs (L-R) compete for the ball during the round 13 Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium, on May 10, 2025, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by) CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 10: Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs, Chay Fihaki of the Crusaders and Gideon Wrampling of the Chiefs (L-R) compete for the ball during the round 13 Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium, on May 10, 2025, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by) THE FACTS It's possibly coincidence – but probably not – that the Crusaders and Chiefs have operated with a similar formula that has seen them cleverly blend a core of locally developed players with a healthy smattering of well-identified recruits from around New Zealand. This seems to be the right
CNA
a day ago
- Sport
- CNA
Williams back for Crusaders, Chiefs unchanged for Super Rugby final
All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams has been recalled to the Canterbury Crusaders team for Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch against an unchanged Waikato Chiefs side. The powerful tighthead missed last week's semi-final win over the Auckland Blues because of a knee problem but returns to join Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell in the front row, forcing George Bower back to the bench. "Tamaiti is ready to go, he was on the cusp of being ready last week but it's the blessing of having a great squad," coach Rob Penney said. "George Bower has done an amazing job and he's unlucky not to be starting but Tamaiti has got himself back into selection and he's going to get the opportunity." Winger Chay Fihaki has been ruled out of the match by concussion so Macca Springer, who scored five tries in one game against the Western Force earlier this season, comes in on the left wing with Sevu Reece moving to the right. "Macca has been training hard behind the scenes. You always say to your players 'an opportunity will come, be ready'. Now it's come and he's ready," Penney added. For the Chiefs, All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown has not recovered from a collar bone injury so Daniel Rona will again partner Quinn Tupaea in the midfield outside Damian McKenzie. The visitors will field their first-choice back row of Wallace Sititi, skipper Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau for what is likely to be a titanic clash up front. "We've built real continuity across the season, and that will serve us well in Christchurch," said Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan, who will take charge of the team for the final time on Saturday. "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." The Chiefs have finished runners-up for the last two seasons and will need to hand the Crusaders a first loss in 32 Christchurch playoffs going back to 1998 to win their first Super Rugby title since 2013. "History is history, it is what it is and we're not even thinking about that," said Penney.
RNZ News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific live updates: Crusaders vs Chiefs
Chay Fihaki of the Crusaders scores a try in the tackle of Xavier Roe of the Chiefs during the Super Rugby Pacific match, Crusaders Vs Chiefs, at the Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, Photo: John Davidson / Are we seeing a preview of this year's final? The Chiefs are coming off a loss to the Canes but the Crusaders are running hot, whoever wins this goes top of the table. Kick-off is at 7:05pm. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog: Crusaders : 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili, 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 16. Ioane Moananu, 17. George Bower, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Dallas McLeod Chiefs : 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neil, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Crusaders in control of their own destiny as they eye 'brutal' clash with Chiefs
Crusaders' Chay Fihaki makes a run. Photo: Derek Morrison The Crusaders are bracing for a Chiefs backlash as the race to finish as top qualifiers for the Super Rugby finals heats up. Photo: Photosport The Canterbury based franchise are level on points with the competition leading Chiefs heading into this weekend's top of the table clash in Christchurch. With just three games remaining in their regular season (against the Chiefs, Waratahs and the Highlanders before a final round bye), the hosts know a win on Saturday night would go a long way to helping them secure top spot. "We're in a position where we are a bit of a master of our own destiny, which is awesome. It's gonna be a brutal weekend and we're going to try to capitalise on that opportunity we've got, but it won't be easy," coach Rob Penney said. The Chiefs also have just three games left (against the Crusaders, Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders with a bye next week) and Penney understands the importance of Saturday's clash and is demanding his players lift their standards again. Crusaders' head coach Rob Penney. Photo: Derek Morrison "We've had a really pleasing performance and outcome over the previous rounds and we're in a position now where we've got a got an opportunity to really establish a position, at the forefront. "It's just up to us to keep delivering. So, yeah, it's important." Penney believes the Chiefs will be as motivated as ever following last week's loss to the Hurricanes. "They'll (Chiefs) be disappointed in that. They'll come here and be want to be brutal. Time and time again the Crusaders and Chiefs games have been brutal, and this will be no different. "Normally after a bit of a knock back there's a response, they're proud men. They'll come here determined."
