Crusaders declare Tamaiti Williams 'ready' for Super Rugby Pacific final after knee injury

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

The former Wallaby's first Super Rugby final will be his last game for the red and blacks

What: Super Rugby Pacific final, Crusaders v Chiefs. Where: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch. When: 7.05pm Saturday, live on Sky Sport 1.

All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams’ rapid-fire return from injury for the Crusaders’ Super Rugby Pacific final clash is not the calculated risk it could first seem.

Williams is one of only two changes to the starting lineup for Saturday’s title decider in Christchurch against the Chiefs, who have named an unchanged team after final-game fullback Shaun Stevenson passed a concussion test.

The 140kg Williams starts at loosehead prop with fellow All Black George Bower returning to the reserves bench.

Crusaders fans may have felt the chance of Williams taking any further part in the playoffs seemed forlorn when they spotted him on crutches after injuring a knee in the qualifying final win over the Reds almost a fortnight ago.

There were initial fears from some followers that he may have had a medial ligament problem, which can result in several weeks on the sideline.

Williams missed last week’s semifinal win over the Blues, but now he is back as the Crusaders strive for a record 15th Super Rugby crown.

Tamaiti Williams on crutches with George Bower after their win over the Reds barely a fortnight ago.

“He’s ready to go,’’ Crusaders coach Rob Penney declared. “He was on the cusp of being ready last week.”

Some coaches may have been tempted to start Bower and welcome Williams back on the bench, hoping to get 20 to 30 minutes from him in the second half as an imposing impact player.

But Penney has gone with his first-choice from the outset safe in the knowledge that he has Bower in reserve in case Williams needs replacing early.

“I guess it’s the blessing of having a great squad,’’ Penney said. “Geo’s done an amazing job and he’s really unlucky not to be starting, but Tamaiti’s got himself back in the selection framework and he’s going to get the opportunity.”

The Crusaders have been managing Williams’ workload at training, but Penney said he “did a big session” early in the week which convinced his coaches he is ready to start.

Macca Springer, pictured scoring one of his five tries againt the Force, returns to the Crusaders wing for the Super Rugby final.

When Bower took over from Williams against the Reds, the scrum scarcely skipped a beat and he can also play big minutes, almost going the full distance in the away win over the Brumbies.

In the Crusaders’ only other change, Macca Springer will play on the left wing with Sevu Reece switching to the right after first-choice right wing Chay Fihaki suffered a concussion against the Blues.

Springer tied the record for most Super Rugby tries in a single match with five touch-downs against the Force in round five, but he has not started for a month.

Penney has full faith, however, in the Tasman flyer noted for his finishing ability and a powerful boot.

“Chay’s been gold for us, probably one of the standouts in a number of areas,’’ Penney said. “His competition, mid-season, as you’d remember with Macca was one of the highlights, lots of selectorial debates. Chay ended up getting the nod and proved his worth, and Macca’s just been training hard in behind the scenes.

“You always say to your players, ‘an opportunity will come, be ready’, now it’s come and he’s ready.

Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson in action against the Brumbies in his final home game in Hamilton.

“We’ve all got faith in him, and he’s hopefully got deep faith in himself.”

Penney and forwards coach Dan Perrin have retained the same backrow that has served the Crusaders well in the last few rounds, with Tom Christie getting the nod again at openside flanker and Cullen Grace remaining on the bench.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs - seeking to end the Crusaders’ run of 31 unbeaten home playoff games - named an unchanged starting XV after Stevenson was cleared to play, following a head clash with team-mate Cortez Ratima during their 37-17 semifinal win over the Brumbies.

Stevenson failed a head injury assessment on the night, but coach Clayton McMillan said this week Stevenson and Ratima had both passed the required two further HIAs.

It will be the fullback’s 110th and farewell match for the Chiefs before he returns to Japanese club Kubota.

Teams

Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Macca Springer, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.

Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (capt), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo.

TAB odds: Crusaders $1.90, Chiefs $1.90.