Crusaders and Chiefs excel with thrilling Super Rugby victories
On March 15, 2025, rugby fans were treated to dramatic matches as the Crusaders, Chiefs, and Reds pulled off impressive wins, showcasing the fierce competition of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Crusaders surged to victory over the Western Force with a staggering score of 55-33, marking one of the most electrifying matches of the day. The star of the show was undoubtedly Macca Springer, who became just the second player in Super Rugby history to score five tries in one game; he tied the record previously set by the late Sean Wainui. Springer’s remarkable performance included tries at the 12th, 15th, 52nd, 55th, and 60th minutes, signaling his incredible pace and skill.
The Crusaders initially led by just 20-18 at halftime, but the second half saw them ramp up their offensive strategy to pull away decisively. Alongside Springer, Sevu Reece contributed significantly with three tries of his own, rounding off the team’s collective effort to secure their second win against Australian opposition. With this win, the Crusaders improved their record to 3-1, currently placing them second on the ladder.
“It was pretty quick out there, and we let them in our half with some penalties, unforced errors, and our defensive line being too narrow,” commented Jeremy Williams, captain of the Western Force. Despite their loss, the Force’s record stands at 2-3 following this match.
The Chiefs also put on a show with their narrow 32-31 win against the Blues, held at Hamilton. This thrilling encounter came down to the wire, with both teams displaying grit and resilience. The Chiefs' Daniel Rona opened the scoring, finding the try line early on, but the Blues quickly responded with their own efforts, including tries from AJ Lam and Mark Tele’a. The competitive back-and-forth seen throughout the match held the crowd in anticipation until the final moments.
Damian McKenzie played a pivotal role for the Chiefs, contributing with two tries and adding to the score through penalties, including a decisive goal at the 71-minute mark which proved to be the difference. The Chiefs pulled through, maintaining their spot at the top of the table.
Slightly marred by injury, the Reds’ 35-15 victory over the Waratahs saw standout player Fraser McReight suffer what could potentially be a serious shoulder injury. The Reds barraged through the match with five tries, showcasing the depth of their squad. Tom Lynagh's kicking game proved effective as he connected for five conversions, sealing the win after dominating play throughout the match.
The victory allowed the Reds to stay firmly in contention among the top teams, establishing formidable performances early on. “It was good to get points on the board against our rivals,” reflected Lynagh post-match.
With the stage set for upcoming fixtures, these results highlight the unpredictability and excitement of the Super Rugby Pacific season. Teams are not only competing for wins but also aligning strategies amid injuries and varying player performances.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs will have to be on high alert as they face off against the powerful Crusaders next week, promising another gripping encounter between these top-tier squads. Similarly, the Western Force will regroup, determined to refine their approach as they aim to overcome recent challenges.
With Macca Springer’s record-setting performance etching another chapter in Super Rugby history, fans eagerly anticipate the next thrilling installment of this fiercely competitive rugby season.