Crusaders player ratings vs Chiefs | Super Rugby Pacific

The 18th and final match of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season promised to be an absolute belter, with the two form teams of the competition squaring off in Hamilton.

The Chiefs promised to come out of the gates with intensity to match what the Crusaders showed in the quarter and semi-finals, and they somewhat delivered on that promise.

The Crusaders started with the energy and execution that we've come to expect from Scott Robertson's side and the Chiefs' ill-discipline put themselves under pressure.

Some incredible play from the Chiefs' backs broke the Crusaders' defence and momentum was wrestled back and forth until the final minute.

Codie Taylor's post-match interview summed up the Crusaders' season and final match: "We talked about going to heaven this year, but we had to go through hell first."

The Canterbury team yet again prevailed. Razor danced. Will we ever see another run like this again?

Here's how the Crusaders rated:

1. Tamaiti Williams - 9

Great physicality in the first two runs of the game, shows how important and valued his role is. Won his side a turnover and was generally involved all over the park, impressive for a prop. The Crusaders' scrum had some strong moments, the ball was cleared before it could be called either way. Williams was one of the best players on the park under the bright lights in Hamilton.

2. Codie Taylor - 8

Taylor's experience and composure allowed the Crusaders to get rolling early through a tonne of well-executed line-out throws under pressure. The hooker threw one stray pass off a lineout move which led to a turnover and was called for two penalties in the opening 40 for not rolling. The All Black scored the classic hooker try off a rolling maul. In testing moments, Taylor missed a lineout throw as the Chiefs were starting to find their rhythm in the game. His overall influence on the game was very positive though as he anchored a resolute set piece which the Crusaders used to great effect.

3. Oliver Jager - 7

Jager had just one scrum to lend his craftwork to in the first half and only a couple of interactions on the defensive end, in each of which he made his presence felt. The Irishman's frame was well utilised in the Crusaders' dominant rolling maul attacks.

4. Scott Barrett (c) - 9

Barrett is as reliable of a defender as you'll find, his work in tackling the dangerous Chiefs backs and putting in multiple efforts to keep on the right side of the ruck and get up and go again are remarkable. Barrett's lineout work, similar to how it did in last year's final, was excellent. Unsurprisingly, the captain led his team in tackles and led from the front all match.

5. Sam Whitelock - 8.5

Considering Whitelock was questionable to even play in the match, his shift was immense. The lineout work had the Chiefs fumbling and was a crucial factor when the home side was gathering momentum and confidence. Whitelock's final game of a legendary and storied career in red and black came to a fitting end, with a Man of the Match award and the Super Rugby Pacific trophy.

6. Sione Havili Talitui - 6

It was an incredibly testing night for the loose forward trio, the Chiefs were physical and as the game wore on, they were relentlessly strong around the breakdown, winning numerous penalties and piling through the Crusaders' rucks. Havili Talitui has been a workhorse throughout the season but was a step behind the pace of the final.

7. Tom Christie - 6.5

Christie wasn't able to have his usual imprint on the final. He had some touches early that stifled momentum and was uncharacteristically quiet on defence - by his standards. That being said, the tackles that were made were crucial, most notably in the dying minutes.

8. Christian Lio-Willie - 8

Lio-Willie makes great winning plays, whether it's finding that perfect running angle to hit the defender's shoulder and make the extra meter or wrestling the ball loose in contact or fighting through defenders in the rolling maul. The No 8 has been a real unsung hero of the Crusaders' season in the absence of Cullen Grace.

9. Mitchell Drummond - 7.5

The Crusaders had a plan to go to the box kick early and had minimal success. The kicks landed in traffic which didn't help Will Jordan's chances of gathering but they were well-placed for the fullback to chase. Drummond was composed under the pressure of the final and kept the Crusaders' game rolling under the pressure of the Chiefs' forwards at the breakdown.

10. Richie Mo’unga - 8

Mo'unga's championship pedigree was there when it was needed in the final. The dazzling form of the Chiefs' backs saw Mo'unga miss some tackles he usually makes look easy. Mo'unga's decision-making was strong and his kicking was good enough, including a couple of clutch kicks to put his team in front.

11. Leicester Fainga’anuku - 8

Fainga'anuku tried to outmuscle the Chiefs early but didn't have his way in the contact and couldn't find the space. The All Black was left in the dust by his opposite Emoni Narawa as the Chiefs winger ran away for his second try.

Fainga'anuku stepped up when the Crusaders needed him and stole a ball from the ruck before putting in some tireless carries as the Crusaders racked up the phases and put the Chiefs under pressure. His work at the breakdown ultimately sealed the game.

12. Jack Goodhue (vc) - 7.5

Goodhue's defence was superb. Whether it was burying a shoulder into a ribcage or hanging on to a jersey with his fingertips, he stuck to the Chiefs like glue. This Crusaders side hasn't asked much of Goodhue on attack this season and he was again limited to a facilitator role in the final. The match will likely be Goodhue's last in a Crusaders jersey, with France calling, and the All Black deservedly goes out with a smile on his face.

13. Braydon Ennor - 7

Ennor's first play of the final was an excellent tackle on Emoni Narawa when the newly named All Black was looking dangerous. His pace was an influence on some Chiefs plays but he also got caught up in traffic and left a hole in the defensive line which the Chiefs profited from. It wasn't a smooth game for the All Black but his effort was tireless and his class was evident.

14. Dallas McLeod - N/A

McLeod was hit hard and hit early by the Chiefs, including one hit which saw Anton Lienert-Brown sin-binned. His first kick of the game went straight into the arms of Damian McKenzie who had plenty of time to land a superb touch-finder and win that particular kicking duel. Failed an HIA shortly after.

15. Will Jordan - 7.5

Jordan was strong and courageous during the Crusaders' many early contests in the air. Was dropped by Luke Jacobson who ripped the ball and initiated the play which led to the opening try of the game. Jordan's kicking game wasn't as productive as the Crusaders perhaps needed when the game hung in the balance but his vision elsewhere was a game-changer.

Coach: Scott Robertson - 10

Seven titles in seven years. Unreal.

Replacements:

George Bell - N/A

Kershawl Sykes-Martin - 8

Came on and landed some heavy hits.

Reuben O’Neill - 7

Quinten Strange - N/A

Dominic Gardiner - 8

Willi Heinz - 6.5

Fergus Burke - 7

Chay Fihaki - 8

Came on early for the injured Dallas McLeod and didn't look out of place in the final.Stood up on defence.