Easter Upset in Super Rugby Round 8

Edward Briggs

Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific delivered a mix of milestones, statement wins, and a genuine upset, as the Crusaders celebrated a club legend in style, the Chiefs powered into the top four, and the Western Force stunned the Reds in Brisbane.

Crusaders 69 – Drua 26

The Crusaders produced one of their most complete performances of the season, dismantling the Drua in a match that doubled as a celebration of Codie Taylor’s 150th Super Rugby appearance.

Taylor stole the show with four tries, leading a ruthless first-half effort that had the Crusaders 31–0 up inside 30 minutes. Sevu Reece also crossed early as the hosts ran riot at Apollo Projects Stadium in their final match before moving venues.

To their credit, the Drua responded after halftime through Joseva Tamani and former Crusader Manasa Mataele, but the damage had long been done. The result marked the Crusaders’ 100th win at the ground, fittingly achieved with the kind of attacking rugby that defined their success there.

Chiefs 42 – Waratahs 14

The Chiefs delivered a dominant performance in Hamilton, with their forward pack laying the platform for a comfortable win over the Waratahs.

Kyren Taumoefolau made the most of his opportunity on the wing, scoring twice, while Quinn Tupaea added a double of his own. The Chiefs’ All Blacks contingent stood out, with Samisoni Taukei’aho and Samipeni Finau both crossing, and Josh Lord influential throughout.

The Waratahs showed glimpses through a first Super Rugby try to Sid Harvey and a second-half effort from Pete Samu, but they were unable to match the physicality and cohesion of the home side.

Western Force 42 – Reds 19

The Western Force produced one of the standout results of the season, upsetting the Reds in Brisbane with a powerful all-round display.

Lock Franco Molina was the headline act, scoring a hat-trick in a dominant forward performance. Ben Donaldson continued his outstanding season, guiding the side effectively, while Mac Grealy and Brandon Paenga-Amosa also crossed.

The Reds had their moments, responding through Tim Ryan and Joe Brial, and later through a long-range effort from Filipo Daugunu. However, they were unable to contain the Force’s momentum, particularly while reduced to 14 men with Harry Wilson in the sin bin. Molina’s late try sealed both the win and the bonus point in emphatic fashion.

Eight rounds in, the competition continues to shift. The Crusaders are building ominous form, the Chiefs are finding consistency at the right time, and the Force’s breakthrough performance has thrown another layer of unpredictability into an already wide-open Super Rugby Pacific season.