Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown between the Crusaders and Chiefs quickly turned sour for the home side in Christchurch, who not only lost star fullback Will Jordan to a troubling knee injury but also surrendered 32 unanswered points in a 35-19 loss.
Jordan, who had scored seven tries in 10 matches for the Crusaders this season, had made a strong comeback following his absence during the entire 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. However, doubts now hang over his availability for the remainder of 2025 after he exited in the 18th minute of the round 13 derby at Apollo Projects Stadium. Jordan received treatment before being replaced by one-Test All Black Dallas McLeod.
The Crusaders later issued an injury update, stating that Jordan had sustained a medial ligament sprain. While a precise timeline for his return remains unclear, early signs are encouraging, and the club remains optimistic he’ll be back before the season ends—a potential boost for their playoff hopes.
“At this stage, the Crusaders’ medical team can’t confirm when Will will return to play,” the club said. “They’re gathering more information and will provide a further update later this week. However, initial signs point toward a return before the end of Super Rugby Pacific.”
When Jordan left the field, the Crusaders were up 7-0 thanks to a sixth-minute try by Tom Christie. Scott Barrett and Antonio Shalfoon also crossed in the first half, giving the hosts a comfortable 19-3 advantage.
But momentum swung just before halftime with a try from Emoni Narawa, and the Chiefs capitalized immediately after the break with quick tries from Damian McKenzie and Leroy Carter. The Crusaders suddenly found themselves trailing by a point—and the Chiefs weren’t done yet. McKenzie added two penalties, and Wallace Sititi sealed the comeback with a try in the 73rd minute.
The Chiefs’ 16-point comeback win on Crusaders turf keeps them atop the standings, with matches against Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders (away) still to come. The Crusaders now head to Sydney to face the Waratahs, followed by a home game against the Highlanders and a high-stakes clash with the Brumbies in Canberra on May 30.
Post-match, Crusaders coach Rob Penney acknowledged the Chiefs’ performance.
“They fully deserved the win,” Penney said. “They controlled key parts of the game and put us under real pressure.
“What matters now is how we respond. We were taught a few tough lessons, and our reaction will be critical.
“We’re not thinking beyond next week yet—we have a huge task ahead against the Waratahs. If we can handle that, we’re still in control of our destiny.”
