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Chiefs primed for Crusaders redemption
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • June 12th, 2026 3:38 pm
Damian McKenzie | Photo: Photosport
Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie believes his side is primed to take the next step in their Super Rugby Pacific title push, as they prepare for a blockbuster clash against the Crusaders in Hamilton.
The Crusaders beat the Chiefs in both encounters during the 2026 regular season.
And the clash beforehand was the grand final in 2025, where the Chiefs also fell short by just four points, finishing 16-12.
Chiefs watch 2025 Super Rugby final presentation | Photo: Photosport
However in a preview of the 2026 semi-final face-off, McKenzie told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy on Thursday, “I think we’re in a good position to hopefully go one better. That would be the cherry on top for sure.
“They’ve (Crusaders) obviously got plenty of experience in finals rugby, but we couldn’t be more excited to go up against them,” he said.
The 31-year-old who will reach 150 games for the Chiefs on Friday says the team's growth over recent years has put them in a strong position to finally challenge for the title.
“I guess we’ve had a lot of experiences over the past four or five years as a playing group, building a lot of continuity at the club and a lot of depth as well.”
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That depth has been evident throughout the season, with the Chiefs embracing a “next man up” mentality when they have been presented with injury, to which they have continued to perform at a high level.
“Whoever gets the opportunity to play puts their best foot forward. I think you’ve seen that throughout the season,” he explained.
McKenzie believes those shared experiences have helped the squad mature and allowed them to adapt to the unique demands of finals rugby.
“We’ve got the ability to play different styles of footy and particularly this time of the year the ball gets a bit greasier, it’s a bit colder at night so you’ve got to be able to adapt.
"One thing I love about periods of the year and the games we've played this year has been able to weather the storm when we've needed to and stay in the game, stay in moments and sort of not be overwhelmed by the situation."
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As the tension rises in the Waikato, McKenzie emphasised the importance of composure in key moments - something he believes the Chiefs have developed over the second half of the season.
"You only get a few opportunities in playoffs footy and it's about making sure you stay in those moments."
"I feel like through the last sort of half of the season this year, we've been showing glimpses of some ability to weather the storm and then get back on the horse and change the momentum again, McKenzie explained.
"So I think past experience has put us in a great position this year."
The Chiefs have not won the Super Rugby title since 2013 when they defeated the Brumbies 27-22.
Listen to the full interview below:
