Otago won the Ranfurly Shield after beating Canterbury in a huge upset. Although sitting in 2nd place coming into the game, beating the undefeated Canterbury at home was a huge task that not many would have though doable.
Bower started on the bench as he has done in all 3 games this season since returning from All-Blacks duties.
George Bower made his All-Blacks return in their final test of their 3 match series against France.
The loosehead Prop who played his last test match in November 2022, was months out from eligibility for Fiji but his return to the Black jersey puts an end to the suggestions that he would represent the Flying Fijians.
The Crusaders are once again the Super Rugby Champions after defeating the Chiefs in the final 16-12.
Bower started on the bench and entered the game in the 54th minute.
Its the Crusaders 32 straight home win in a finals match and 13th overall title.
Competition | Club | Games | Tries | Points | Conversions | Penalty Kicks | Drop Goals |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NPC | Otago | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Super Rugby | Crusaders | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Competition | Years | Club | Games | Tries | Conv | Pen Kicks | Drop Goals | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Super Rugby | 2019-2025 | Crusaders | 88 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NPC | 2014-2024 | Otago | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
Years | Team | Games | Tries | Conversions | Penalty Kicks | Drop Goals | Points |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-2025 | All-Blacks | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2024 | All-Blacks XV | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
George Bower scored his first try for the All-Blacks the final minute of their win over the Wallabies 28-14.
Starting on the bench and entering the game in the 65th minute, the Crusaders and Otago Prop picked up from the base of the ruck and powered over to seal the win for New Zealand.
It was his 23rd test and his first try at all senior level competitions.
The Crusaders have returned to the top of the Super Rugby mountain, winning the 2025 title after beating the Chiefs 16-12 in a tense and exciting match.
They led 13-12 at halftime and both sides failed to score any points until a 72nd minute penalty gave the home side a 4 point buffer which they maintained until the final whistle. The win gives the Crusaders their 13th title in combined competition.
Sevu Reece started at Wing while George Bower came off the bench in the 54th minute.
The Chiefs heartbroken after their 3rd straight Grand Final defeat. Emoni Narawa started on the wing.