Brumbies Tied for First Despite Loss: Super Rugby Round 5

Edward Briggs

Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific saw several sides begin to build momentum as the competition moved deeper into the early season. The Hurricanes and Blues both controlled their matches, the Drua produced another strong home performance, and the Crusaders regained ground with a tense derby win.

Hurricanes 31 – Western Force 23

The Hurricanes eventually wore down the Western Force in Napier, overcoming an early deficit to secure the victory.

The Force struck first through wing Darby Lancaster after a well-constructed attacking move. The Hurricanes struggled to convert early opportunities, but halfback Cam Roigard finally broke through with a close-range try shortly before halftime.

After the break the home side began to take control. Brad Shields crossed after sustained goal-line pressure before Devan Flanders finished off a sweeping breakout from inside the Hurricanes’ half. Callum Harkin and Warner Dearns both added tries as the Hurricanes pulled clear, with the Force’s late efforts from Lancaster and Lopeti Faifua not enough to close the gap.

Fijian Drua 42 – Brumbies 27

The Drua produced a powerful attacking display in Ba, outscoring the Brumbies in a ten-try contest heavily influenced by the boot of Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

The Brumbies opened the scoring through Hudson Creighton, but the Drua responded quickly as Etonia Waqa crossed after a sharp attacking move. Despite briefly being reduced to 13 players after two cards, the Drua still built a halftime lead thanks to Armstrong-Ravula’s penalty and a try from Elia Canakaivata.

Second-half tries from Sairusi Ravudi and Iliasia Droasese stretched the advantage, while Armstrong-Ravula’s kicking kept the scoreboard moving. The Brumbies mounted a brief comeback through Toby McPherson and Ryan Lonergan, but Droasese’s second try sealed the win before Andy Muirhead scored a late consolation.

Crusaders 29 – Highlanders 18

The Crusaders edged the Highlanders in a physical southern derby in Christchurch, overcoming discipline issues to secure the result.

Will Jordan opened the scoring early, but the Highlanders fought back with tries from Tanielu Tele’a and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens to take a narrow lead late in the first half. Fraser Newell’s try kept the Crusaders within reach before halftime.

Despite playing large portions of the match with players in the sin bin, the Crusaders found their rhythm after the break. Flanker Johnny Lee scored twice in quick succession, first finishing a flowing move with Ethan Blackadder before adding another from a lineout maul to put the home side firmly in control.

Reds 26 – Waratahs 17

The Reds continued their strong run by defeating the Waratahs in another intense Australian derby.

Harry Wilson opened the scoring after a high kick from Carter Gordon created the opportunity, though the Waratahs responded through Jamie Adamson. The contest remained tight well into the second half.

Ioane Moananu briefly gave the Waratahs the lead from a lineout maul, but the Reds answered through Gordon before Harry Potter crossed to keep the visitors in the contest. Filipo Daugunu then sparked the decisive moment, breaking from deep to set up Isaac Henry’s try before Gordon finished the job himself with a long run late in the match.

Blues 43 – Moana Pasifika 7

The Blues produced a commanding performance at Eden Park to comfortably defeat Moana Pasifika.

Halfback Sam Nock opened the scoring early after a series of pick-and-go phases, and the Blues quickly gained the upper hand after Moana Pasifika were reduced to 14 players following a red card to Augustine Pulu. AJ Lam added another try soon after.

Although Moana Pasifika responded through Millennium Sanerivi, the Blues controlled the remainder of the contest. Second-half tries from Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Codemeru Vai and Mason Tupaea ensured the home side ran away with the match.