This final was a brilliant showcase of the next generation of New Zealand rugby talent. The Chiefs had standout performances from Dylan Eti at lock and Aidan Spratley off the bench, while Burra’s control at halfback and Kaloudau’s explosive running were key for the Crusaders. In the end, the Crusaders proved just too strong, securing back-to-back Super Rugby U20 titles in a thrilling match. For now, that rounds things out in this one. Thanks for tuning into Tribe.

With everything on the line, the Crusaders turned to their forwards to grind out the victory. After relentless phase play near the line, Angus Prouting crashed over next to the posts in the sixth minute of extra time, sealing the title for the defending champions. The Chiefs' defence threw everything at them in the dying moments, but the Crusaders’ held firm and maintained possession to see out a remarkable win.

The second half saw a relentless back-and-forth battle, with the Chiefs quickly closing the gap when Dane Johnston powered over in the 49th minute. The Crusaders responded just three minutes later as Burra darted over from close range, but the Chiefs stayed in the fight, with Wesley Curulala and Eti crossing in quick succession. The rolling maul became a key weapon for both sides, as Crusaders hooker Eli Oudenryn and Chiefs lock Bradley Tocker both added crucial tries. With time running out, Johnston’s second try in the 76th minute, followed by a clutch sideline conversion from Boyle-Tiatia, saw the game locked at 36-36, forcing extra time.

The Crusaders struck first in the fourth minute when Cooper Roberts made a brilliant defensive read, intercepting a pass from Boyle-Tiatia and racing 50 metres to score under the sticks. The Chiefs responded in the 16th minute through Taniela Maisiri, who finished off a well-worked passage of play to level the scores after Boyle-Tiatia's sideline conversion. However, the Crusaders continued to find success out wide, with Maloni Kunawave and Maretino Kaloudau making damaging runs, before Kaloudau crossed in the 18th minute. A late penalty goal from Oliver Burra gave the Crusaders a 10-point buffer at the break.

In a thrilling Super Rugby U20 final at Owen Delany Park, the Crusaders U20 edged out the Chiefs U20 by 5 points after extra time to claim back-to-back titles. The match was a spectacle of attacking rugby, with both teams showcasing their immense talent and determination. The Crusaders held a 10-point lead at half-time after a strong opening 40 minutes, capitalising on space out wide and taking advantage of turnover opportunities. The Chiefs, however, refused to go away, mounting a sensational second-half comeback to send the game into extra time.

WHAT A FINISH! CRUSADERS STEAL IT! The Crusaders pick and go towards the try line as Takapu is just short. To midfield it goes for Roberts and he goes very close. Prouting then powers over at pace, scoring the winning try next to the sticks!

Steady scrum for the Crusaders as Saumaki peels off the back, stopped 4m short...

Pick and goes for the Crusaders as they are stopped just short. The ball is trapped in the ruck and cannot be released, with the Crusaders awarded the scrum feed 5m from the try line.