Super Rugby U20: Crusaders beat Chiefs to win back to back titles

Owen Delany Park in Taupo played host to another thrilling Super Rugby Pacific U20 tournament, where the Crusaders have gone back to back, beating the Chiefs in a golden point nail-biter on Saturday afternoon.

The Crusaders, who also beat the Chiefs in last year’s final, had a knack of winning close encounters during the 2025 edition of the competition, beating Moana Pasifika in the QF 29-22, the semi-final against the Blues 45-43 and then the final against the Chiefs, 41-36.

Eli Oudenryn, the impressive hooker from the Crusaders, was the first hooker to ever win the DJ Graham Medal as the player of the tournament. Oudenryn scored a hat trick in the semi-final against the Blues, where not only was his try-scoring ability on show, his general in-play skills stood out from the rest.

The three-cap Tasman forward went on to score another try in the final, continuing his player of the tournament form all the way through to the last game.

Crusaders halfback Ollie Burra was constantly involved in multiple ways, scoring three tries for the champions in the tournament and often appearing at the right place at the right time. He also took on some of the goal-kicking responsibilities for the Canterbury-based side.

As the Crusaders were battle-tested in close encounters during a gruelling three games in eight day stretch, they charged their way to victory in the 85th minute, with replacement forward Angus Prouting scoring the winning try.

The extra-time golden point defeat was heartbreaking for the Chiefs U20 side, who fought hard for all 85 minutes of the game, scoring three tries in the last 20 minutes to wrestle back the momentum near the end.

Chiefs first five Pyrenees Boyle-Tiatia had an outstanding tournament, kicking efficiently from the tee, and steering the Chiefs around the park throughout the three games in Taupo.

Chiefs co-captains Charlie Sinton and Micah Fale led from the front in the tournament, while lock Dylan Eti was also a standout for the 2025 runners-up.

In the third and fourth playoff, the Blues scored 43 points for the second game in a row, sneaking past the Hurricanes U20 side, 43-38.

Blues first five and New Zealand U20 representative Rico Simpson scored a first-half double to help the Blues get to 17-17 at halftime before late tries from Hurricanes fullback Stanley Solomon and Jacob Kennedy weren’t enough to overcome a strong Blues side.

Solomon, who has made nine appearances for Wellingt0n in the Bunnings NPC competition, was impressive for the Wellington-based side throughout the tournament, scoring three tries and doing some of the goal kicking.

The Highlanders U20 side overcame a gritty second-half performance from the NZ Barbarians U21 side to take out fifth place for the 2025 tournament.

New Zealand U20 representitive halfback Dylan Pledger was strong for the Highlanders, while vice captain Josh Tengblad also impressed up front during the tournament.

The NZ Barbarians had two notable player performances in the tournament, with Auckland-based Adam Morrison running in three tries on the left wing against the Fijian Drua.

Marshall Blakely scored a late second-half double against the Highlanders in their fifth and sixth playoff, adding to his tally after a try in the first match against the Chiefs.

Moana Pasifika’s U20 team were close to making the semi finals, after a spirited performance against eventual winners the Crusaders, where they narrowly went down 29-22.

A heavy defeat to the Highlanders followed, but they bounced back to smash the Fijian Drua in the seventh and eighth-place playoff, where they scored 55 points.

Moana Pasifika forward Chris Finau had a brilliant tournament, carrying the ball tirelessly up front.

Despite finishing last in the tournament, Fiji Drua U20 midfielder Sivaniolo Lumelume was one of the tournament’s standouts, showcasing exceptional pace and strength with ball in hand, a huge bright spot in a disappointing campaign for the Fijian Drua U20’s.

Final Super Rugby U20 2025 standings:

1. Crusaders U20
2. Chiefs U20
3. Blues U20
4. Hurricanes U20
5. Highlanders U20
6. NZ Barbarians U21
7. Moana Pasifika U20
8. Fijian Drua U20