Crusaders vs Chiefs Prediction: Narawa can inspire Chiefs to final glory

The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season reaches its conclusion on Saturday morning (08:05, Sky Sports Action), as Kiwi rivals the Crusaders and the Chiefs meet at Apollo Projects Stadium in the grand final.

Below are my Crusaders v Chiefs predictions, as well as all the essential team news and match odds for the finale in Christchurch.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell start in the front row, with locks Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon in the Crus’ engine room.

Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie complete the pack, with Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana in the half-backs.

Skipper David Havili and Braydon Ennor start in the centres, with Macca Springer, Sevu Reece and Will Jordan in the back three.

As for the Chiefs, the Hamilton outfit go with Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho and George Dyer in the front row, with Tupou Vaa’i and Naitoa Ah Kuoi in the second row.

Samipeni Finau, skipper Luke Jacobson and Wallace Sititi start in the back row, with Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie in the halves.

Quin Tupaea and Daniel Rona get the nod in the centres, while the back three is made up of Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa and Shaun Stevenson.

Crusaders vs Chiefs Odds

Despite playing at home, the Crusaders are the slight underdogs at 21/20 to claim the win in 80 minutes, while the Chiefs are 5/6 favourites.

A draw in regular time is available at 22/1, while over 49.5 total points in this grand final is currently 20/21

Chiefs -1 handicap @ 21/20

Having lost their two previous meetings with the Crusaders in grand finals, it might well be a case of third time lucky for the Chiefs on Saturday morning.

Top scorers in the Super Rugby Pacific this year, with 550 points scored in their 14 games of the regular season, the Chiefs have been outstanding in attack.

Damian McKenzie has been a key figure at fly-half, with the New Zealand star scoring 207 points in 13 regular-season games.

Seeing off the Brumbies with an impressive 37-17 victory in Hamilton, the Chiefs look capable of going to the Crusaders’ backyard and claiming the win in the showpiece event.

Emoni Narawa anytime tryscorer @ 11/8

Having bagged a brace of tries against the Brumbies in the semi-finals, Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa can help inspire a victory for the visitors on Saturday with a tryscoring performance.

Narawa has previous experience of scoring in a grand final, having crossed for a try in the 2023 finale against the Crusaders.

Clearly in form after his efforts against the Brumbies, Narawa catches the eye at 11/8 to go over for the Chiefs in Christchurch.

Click the link for all the latest Rugby Union Odds

Find more Rugby Union Betting Tips here at Betfred Insights