'Classless' Chiefs fans blasted for booing officials after Super Rugby ...

Chiefs fans voiced their frustrations after the closely fought 25-20 defeat to the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific final on Saturday.

The Chiefs were on course to win their first title since 2013 as they led the Crusaders 20-15 with just over 10 minutes to play.

However, Codie Taylor’s second try, converted by Richie Mo’unga, in the 71st minute, edged the Crusaders ahead with a late penalty from Mo’unga sealing the win for Scott Robertson’s side.

During the post-match awards ceremony, fans vented their frustrations over their perceived inconsistencies. 

This led to the presenter addressing the crowd, saying: “These men, without a doubt, have the hardest job in rugby so we should be celebrating them.”

Chiefs fans booing the match officials at the Super Rugby trophy presentation…..#SuperRugby #SuperRugbyPacificFinal #CHIvCRU pic.twitter.com/u1VbkaNEzt

— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) June 24, 2023

Onlookers on Twitter did not take kindly to the fans’ reaction.

One tweet read: “Chiefs fans booing the refs and Crusaders is so classless.” 

“Booing the ref because the Chiefs lost, a bit petty isn’t it?” another added.

The Chiefs had one of their tries in the second half chalked off after Damian McKenzie was not back the required 10 metres at the lineout. He received the ball from a purposeful overthrow and linked up with winger Emoni Nawara who sped away for a stellar score that was ultimately denied.

Clayton McMillian’s side were also down a man for 10 minutes in the first half as Anton Lienert-Brown was yellow carded for a head-on-head tackle on Crusaders’ winger Dallas McLeod.

Meanwhile, Mo’unga’s first-half try that gave the Crusaders the lead at half-time came after a missed forward pass before the lineout that led to the score.

The win secured the Crusaders’ seventh successive title and 14th overall.

It was a perfect send-off for head coach Scott Robertson in his final season with the Christchurch side before he takes charge of the All Blacks after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Meanwhile, it was a bitter end to the Chiefs’ season as they topped the Super Rugby Pacific table after winning 13 of their 14 regular season matches, racking up 59 league points – nine more than their opponents in the final.

READ MORE: Chiefs player ratings: Emoni Narawa and Damian McKenzie shine in Super Rugby Pacific final defeat