Latest news with #LukeJacobson
1News
22-06-2025
- Sport
- 1News
'I'm at peace' - McMillan departs Chiefs after another grand final loss
Sometimes it's just not your night. After the Chiefs, the slight favourites heading into the match, lost the Super Rugby Pacific grand final to the Crusaders, skipper Luke Jacobson could not attend the post-game press conference because he was missing a tooth. Head coach Clayton McMillan delivered the news to the assembled media before things got under way. Sitting alongside lock and stand-in skipper Tupou Vaa'i, he did in the understated way in which his reign at the Chiefs became known for. 'Luke lost a tooth and he has to go and get that sorted out,' McMillan said by way of apology. McMillan now heads to Munster in Ireland after leading the Chiefs to three finals in a row. They have won none of them, which will sting enormously, especially this latest 16-12 defeat in Christchurch. 'Everyone knows we've been to the final three times and haven't got the job done,' McMillan said. 'But in a weird sort of way I'm at peace because I know how hard our people worked. ADVERTISEMENT 'It has never been a case, and it wasn't tonight, of a lack of effort. We just came up against a really good Crusaders team who squeezed us in all the right places and deserved to win.' McMillan will leave with good wishes from around New Zealand, not just within the Chiefs region. After taking over from Warren Gatland's underwhelming return to Hamilton, the franchise became one of the most consistent teams in the competition under McMillan. That was certainly true this year. They appeared to have the deepest squad and the most consistent No.10 in the country in the form of Damian McKenzie and it was apparent that everyone in the group believed it would be a case of third time lucky. Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson during his team's final loss to the Crusaders. (Source: Photosport) It may sound trite but the Crusaders had a little too much finals intelligence last night in getting to a lead and defending it superbly in the conditions they love so much. Which is not to say they vaunted pack had it easy. They gave up two early scrum penalties and a try for prop George Dyer but once they solved the set piece issue they took a grip on the game they never relinquished. ADVERTISEMENT McKenzie and the Chiefs' backs were starved of possession and could not find a way back into the game via their kicking strategy which was slightly off and dominated by the home side. 'You know what's coming,' McMillan said of the expected onslaught from the Crusaders' forwards. 'You're not surprised by anything.' McMillan said it would be up to the media and others to decide on his legacy at the Chiefs and he is right. He couldn't add to the franchise's two titles but the 50-year-old former policeman will leave it in a better place. 'He's a man with a lot of mana… he's a Chiefs man through and through and he's surely going to be missed,' Vaa'i said. Before leaving, though, McMillan could not resist a final comment on the Crusaders' controversial cowbell ban at their stadium last night. Unlike the bells, it struck the right note. 'Coming from the Bay of Plenty… I understand that they're an acquired taste,' he said. 'You give them a little bit of time and you grow to love them and the crowd could have grown to love them tonight. It would have added to the drama of the day.'
CNA
21-06-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Crusaders back on top after edging Chiefs in Super Rugby final
The Canterbury Crusaders edged the Waikato Chiefs 16-12 in an intense Super Rugby Pacific final battle in Christchurch on Saturday to claim their 15th title in 30 years of the Southern Hemisphere competition. Hooker Codie Taylor scored a try and Rivez Reihana contributed 11 points from the kicking tee as the most dominant team in Super Rugby history got back to title-winning ways after missing the playoffs last season. "We had a shocking year last year but we're back at the top," said flyhalf Reihana, who was named Player of the Match. "Just so stoked to be a part of this team... lucky we've got some world-class players that we're able to rely on in those crunch moments." The Chiefs, who were looking for a first title since 2013, scored first-half tries through George Dyer and Shaun Stevenson but were unable to register a point after the break and fell to defeat in the final for the third straight year. "I think it was a classic final, two good teams going at it, small margins," said Chiefs skipper Luke Jacobson. "I felt like we had some really good attack when we got into their half. We put some good pressure on them but we just didn't play enough footy down there." The contest between two New Zealand heavyweights was predicted to be an arm-wrestle and so it proved with big collisions, a ferocious battle at the breakdown and accurate tactical kicking. Crusaders skipper David Havili was sent to the sin bin in the 11th minute for a high tackle on Emoni Narawa and the Chiefs cashed in when prop Dyer crashed over for a converted try. The lead lasted until the 26th minute when All Black Taylor broke off maul on the 22 and raced down the touchline to open the scoring for the Crusaders. Home flyhalf Reihana converted and kicked two penalties in six minutes around the half-hour mark to delight the sellout crowd and open up a 13-7 lead. The Chiefs hit back just before the break when fullback Stevenson went over for a try in the corner but Damian McKenzie failed to nail the conversion from wide out and the Crusaders retained a 13-12 lead at halftime. The physicality was unrelenting in the second half with McKenzie coming in for particular attention from the Crusaders and the slight flyhalf missed a long-range penalty which would have put the Chiefs ahead in the 55th minute. The Chiefs then held up Christian Lio-Willie over the line to repel the Crusaders after 25 phases of attack to keep the match a one-point affair. McKenzie was caught in possession and stripped of the ball under the posts in the 66th minute but the Crusaders again came away without points as scrumhalf Noah Hotham was penalised for offside. A dominant scrum earned the Crusaders a penalty seven minutes from time and Reihana slotted home the kick to score the first points of the second half and give his team enough of a cushion to extend their perfect home playoff record to 32 matches. The Crusaders have now won 13 full editions of Super Rugby, including three in the last four years, as well as two New Zealand-only versions played in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID pandemic.
RNZ News
17-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Chiefs seek to send coach Clayton McMillan off as a Super Rugby champion
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Crusaders v Chiefs Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday, 21 June Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Live blog updates on RNZ The Chiefs would love to end a 12-year wait for a Super Rugby title and 'Do it for Donk' in the process. The Hamilton based side, beaten finalists the past two seasons, take on the Crusaders and their formidable home playoff record in Saturday night's final in Christchurch. The Crusaders are chasing a record 13th title but the Chiefs have just as many reasons to be motivated. The Chiefs haven't won a Super Rugby title since 2013. Photo: John Davidson/Photosport It will be the last game as Chiefs head coach for Clayton McMillan, who's heading to Ireland to take charge of Munster. All Blacks first-five Damian McKenzie said McMillan's impending departure was one of several factors driving the Chiefs. "Do it for Donk (McMillan). Do it for the region. Do it for our fans and our families," McKenzie said. "The support we've had throughout the year has been amazing. We've been disappointed in the last few years where we haven't quite been able to to win a final. So, it's it's not only just doing it for guys who are leaving, it's also for guys who have been here in the past. "We've got a lot to play for and a lot of motivation." Luke Jacobson (Captain) of the Chiefs. Photo: Jeremy Ward All Blacks loose forward Luke Jacobson said McMillan would never want the focus to be on him. "Donk will be the first to say it. It's not about Donk. It's about the Chiefs as a whole. It's bigger than any individual," Jacobson said. "It's better than just our players. It's our fans. It's our wider community, management, commercial team." Though Jacobson concedes McMillan's departure would leave a big hole at the Chiefs. "Donk's been a hugely influential part of the Chiefs since he's come in. First year coming in, taking us to the final and turning us around from what wasn't a great period for for the Chiefs. "I think he was able to look at us from the outside and then come in and give us some real direction and purpose and he built up a young group into what you're seeing now," Jacobson said. "We were a pretty young group back then and he was right in the centre of it making it all happen. He's been huge for this club and he's going to be missed." Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ McKenzie said McMillan should take plenty of credit for turning the Chiefs into consistent title contenders. "We're going to miss his presence around the place. "He's held in high regard and well respected. The job he's done since he's came into the Chiefs (has been great) and he's really built our culture. "You know he's the boss. When he talks, you listen. He's a guy you would definitely follow into battle. "He's going be sorely missed, so hopefully we can send him off in a good way." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
14-06-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Chiefs v Brumbies: Live updates from the Super Rugby Pacific semifinal
Follow the action as the Chiefs and Brumbies look to book their spot in next week's Super Rugby Pacific final. Chiefs team to face the Brumbies The Chiefs have made several changes to the side that lost to the Blues in Hamilton last weekend, with four players returning to the starting XV. Captain Luke Jacobson has been named at openside flanker after being a late withdrawal last week due to injury, while Wallace Sititi starts at No 8. Kaylum Boshier has been named on the bench, with Simon Parker unavailable due to an ankle injury. In the tight five, Ollie Norris will start at loosehead prop with Jared Proffit named on the bench, while Jimmy Tupou replaces Josh Lord as locking cover, with Lord ruled out under concussion protocols. There is one change in the backline, with Quinn Tupaea returning at second five-eighths, seeing Gideon Wrampling move back to the bench. 'This week is about fronting up physically, staying disciplined, and backing our style to rise to the occasion,' Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said. Chiefs: 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. Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister 17. Jared Proffit 18. Reuben O'Neill 19. Jimmy Tupou 20. Kaylum Boshier 21. Xavier Roe 22. Josh Jacomb 23. Gideon Wrampling. Unavailable: Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone), Simon Parker (ankle), Liam Coombes-Fabling (hamstring), Fiti Sa (shoulder), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (toe), Rameka Poihipi (knee, season), Kaleb Trask (ankle), Malachi Wrampling (hamstring), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (shoulder), Sione Ahio (ankle). Brumbies team to face the Chiefs Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has named an unchanged line-up from the side that eliminated the Hurricanes in Canberra last weekend. 'The boys are peaking at the right time. I thought they played really well on the weekend,' Larkham said. 'The selection is based on performance, but we also certainly want continuity going into the finals. And it's a nice to have at this stage of the season. 'We'll make sure that we keep our emotions in check this week. The boys can get a lot of confidence out of the way that we're playing. There's a lot of stats that show that we're playing very good footy and we've also shown consistency throughout the season. 'We're certainly expecting a few more people for finals footy on Saturday. We know when we get to Hamilton, they'll be very loud with the cowbells and they're very passionate about their team over there. It'll be a great atmosphere for both teams to play in front of.' Brumbies: 1. James Slipper 2. Billy Pollard 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) 4. Nick Frost 5. Tom Hooper 6. Rob Valetini 7. Rory Scott 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima 9. Ryan Lonergan 10. Noah Lolesio 11. Corey Toole 12. David Feliuai 13. Len Ikitau 14. Andy Muirhead 15. Tom Wright. Bench: 16. Lachlan Lonergan 17. Lington Ieli 18. Feao Fotuaika 19. Lachlan Shaw 20. Luke Reimer 21. Harrison Goddard 22. Jack Debreczeni 23. Ollie Sapsford. Unavailable: Charlie Cale (back), Austin Anderson (jaw), Lachie Hooper (knee), Harry Vella (knee), Blake Schoupp (Achilles, season).
Fox Sports
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Chiefs seem ready to win the Super Rugby title after losing in the final twice
Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Chiefs head into the first round of Super Rugby playoffs as top seeds and favorites, poised to win their first title since 2013 after finishing runners-up in the last two seasons. The Hamilton-based Chiefs will face the Auckland-based Blues on Saturday in a repeat of last year's final, which was won by the Blues 40-10. This year, the Blues are seeded sixth in the qualifying playoffs and the advantage — not just home advantage — seems to be with the Chiefs, who won 11 of 14 matches in the regular season. 'It's only our time if we make it our time,' Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson said. 'We have to earn everything. We've learned a bit over the last few years in coming close. I'd like to think we're in a better spot than we were last year.' The second-seeded Crusaders will host the fifth-seeded Queensland Reds in the first playoff match in Christchurch on Friday and the third-seeded Brumbies will host the Wellington-based Hurricanes in Canberra on Saturday. In a quirk of the new playoffs system, the Brumbies and Hurricanes will both progress to the semifinals if the top two seeds win their matches. The winner in Canberra would go through automatically, the other as the highest-ranked loser. Chiefs in charge The Chiefs seem fated to win their third Super Rugby title after losing in last year's final to the Blues in losing the 2023 final to the Crusaders, 25-20. The Chiefs have won the title twice before, in 2012 and 2013 under Dave Rennie, who went on to become Wallabies coach. This year under Clayton McMillan, who will leave New Zealand after the final to coach Munster in Ireland, the Chiefs have been at the top of the standings throughout the season. They have twice beaten the Blues, 25-14 in Round 1 and 32-31 in Round 5; have beaten the Crusaders 49-24 and 35-19; the Brumbies 49-34; the Reds 27-15, though they lost to the Hurricanes 35-17. The Chiefs' style, playing at high tempo and using the width of the field, is hard to counter. The Hurricanes showed the best way is to deprive the Chiefs of possession. When they have the ball, flyhalf Damian McKenzie orchestrates the Chiefs attack superbly. The Blues play much more conservatively and in the middle of the field and have been at sixes and sevens when stretched. The Crusaders have bounced back from a 2024 season in which they won only four matches to again reach the playoffs. They also have won 11 games this season but have scored fewer and conceded more points than the Chiefs. Australian prospects The Reds and Brumbies carry Australia's hopes into the finals, with the knowledge no Australian team has won a playoff match in New Zealand in 19 attempts. The Brumbies are 0-8 and the Reds 0-4 in the post-season in New Zealand. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will keep a close on the playoffs and the selection spotlight for the Australian squad will be on the Reds' backrow and flyhalf Tom Lynagh. 'We won't let the occasion really dictate but we know you've just got to play smart footy in finals. That's balance really, so you are playing in the right areas of the field," Lynagh said. "When things don't go our way, it's making sure you get little wins and stack them to get back momentum.' The Brumbies again are the top-ranked Australian team in the playoffs. They won twice against New Zealand opponents during the regular season but lost to the Hurricanes 35-29 in Canberra. 'We are the last game this weekend but we've been pretty firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field,' coach Stephen Larkham said. 'Irrespective of the other results, we need to know that we're playing well. We can't get distracted by these other games and the other results.' ___ AP rugby: recommended
