It's all on the line this Friday night: Semi-Final Team Naming v Blues

11 Jun 2025

It's time for two of the greatest rivals in Super Rugby history to battle it out for a spot in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final.

The Crusaders will host the Blues this Friday night at Apollo Projects Stadium in the first Semi-Final of the weekend.

"It's wonderful to have the Blues at home - it's just one of those great occasions. A long history between the two teams that goes deep," says Head Coach Rob Penney.

"You look through history – home advantage for any sports team is just that. We'll hopefully get a great crowd this week, it always gives the boys a real impetus and a lot of energy and there's none better than Crusaders crowds."

There is only one change to the Crusaders starting lineup this week.

Tamaiti Williams has been replaced by George Bower at loosehead prop, while Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell remain in the front row.

"George has been magnificent for us and he's had a few longer stints on the park so I've got no doubt he'll do a great job," says Penney.

The strong duo of Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon will remain paired at lock while Ethan Blackadder and Tom Christie keep their starting spots in the flanker positions.

After back-to-back standout performances, Christian Lio-Willie will remain at Number 8.

Noah Hotham will look to display more brilliance at halfback, with support from Rivez Reihana at 10.

Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki will look to show some flair on the wings, while Captain David Havili and Braydon Ennor will provide strength in the centre. Will Jordan will again start at fullback.

"Even if you go back before Super Rugby- Canterbury Auckland the rivalry has always been deeply engrained in both regions, and it went to a new level once Smithy took the team up there in 98 and won the Crusaders first Super season up there and ever since the rivalry has been intense," says Penney.

Scott Barrett says the team is excited for finals footy.

"In a semi-final, the intensity steps up to another level, and Friday night is going to be fierce," Barrett says.

"It's do or die stages – we know there's no second chances this week, and it's all on the line for the Blues and they're certainly going to throw everything at us and we're preparing for that."

Kickoff is at 7.05pm at Apollo Projects Stadium on Friday June 13.

Tickets are available HERE