Crusaders Edge Blues in Intense Semi-Final to Reach Super Rugby Pacific Final

Crusaders defeat Auckland Blues 21-14 in a hard-fought Super Rugby Pacific semi-final, with Will Jordan scoring two tries. The win sets up a final showdown against the winner of the Chiefs vs. Brumbies match.

The Crusaders secured a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific final, edging out the reigning champion Auckland Blues 21-14 in an intense semi-final match. Will Jordan scored two tries, helping the Crusaders overcome an early 14-0 deficit. The team's defense proved resilient, particularly in the final moments, as the Blues relentlessly attacked the try line for over six minutes, seeking a converted try to force overtime.

Despite being out of sorts initially, the Crusaders regrouped and capitalized on the Blues' errors and indiscipline. Jordan's second try, scored with 10 minutes remaining, gave the Crusaders a crucial lead. The Blues' late surge, with Hoskins Sotutu in the sin bin, was thwarted by the Crusaders' solid defense, ensuring they wouldn't force overtime. This win extends the Crusaders' unbeaten home playoff streak to 31 games, setting the stage for their 17th Super Rugby final appearance.

 

Can’t say we didn’t fight pic.twitter.com/Qq4PcCzEd9

— The Blues (@BluesRugbyTeam) June 13, 2025

A try from Tom Christie sparked the Crusaders' comeback, helping them overcome a 14-0 deficit and secure a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific final. They will now host the winner of the Waikato Chiefs vs. ACT Brumbies match next week.

The Crusaders' victory sets up a favorable final matchup for themselves, as neither the Chiefs nor Brumbies, who face off in the second semi-final, will look forward to traveling to Christchurch. The Crusaders have maintained an unbeaten streak in 31 playoff matches at home, a dominance that spans three decades of Super Rugby. After the intense match, Crusaders' fullback Will Jordan praised the Blues, saying, “The Blues seriously hit us. Hell of a side. They were the champions and showed that tonight. We just managed to hold out.”

“We knew the Blues weren't going to come down here and give it to us easy. It's finals footy, you find yourself in a bit of adversity and that's where you just try to take a step forward and embrace it.”

The Auckland Blues signaled their intent early, adopting an expansive game plan from the third minute with Beauden Barrett's cross-kick to Caleb Clarke. Although the Crusaders initially contained the threat, the Blues quickly struck, silencing the crowd with a well-executed AJ Ram kick that set up winger Mark Tele'a for the opening try, diving over in the corner.

The Crusaders' momentum was disrupted when Braydon Ennor was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle, reducing them to 14 men. The Blues capitalized on the opportunity, with centre Rieko Ioane scoring a try under the posts to extend their lead to 14-0.

The Crusaders quickly responded after being restored to full strength, with openside flanker Tom Christie forcing his way over for a try from close range following a series of determined attacks by his teammates.

The momentum shifted further when Blues prop Joshua Fusitu'a was sin-binned for a high tackle on Scott Barrett, allowing the Crusaders to capitalize. Just before halftime, Will Jordan scored a try, which was converted, leveling the scores and energizing the home crowd.

The Blues opted not to take the points from a 51st-minute penalty, instead choosing to tap for territory. However, they knocked the ball on from the tap, and the referee awarded a scrum to the Crusaders due to the Blues' handling error.

The Crusaders launched a sustained attack on the Blues' line, opting for kicks to touch instead of attempting goal kicks. With 10 minutes remaining, Will Jordan played a tight forward pass that finally broke through the Blues' defense, forcing the ball over the line for a crucial try.

Flyhalf Rivez Reihana added to the Crusaders' lead with his third conversion, extending the score to 21-14. The Blues' late surge was further hampered when number eight Hoskins Sotutu was sin-binned, leaving them shorthanded in the final moments.

Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu reflected on the tough loss, saying, “Very tough. We started very well, we were able to play our game, then sort of let them back in and they were able to capitalise.”

“We showed a lot of courage in that last eight minutes, but it just wasn't enough today.”