Reds Steal Victory in Canberra: Super Rugby Round 4

Edward Briggs

Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific delivered another weekend of attacking rugby, with two teams bouncing back strongly from defeat and several games producing dramatic momentum swings. The Hurricanes produced the most dominant display of the round in Sydney, while the Chiefs and Blues both returned to winning form.

Chiefs 57 – Moana Pasifika 24

The Chiefs returned to the winner’s circle in emphatic fashion in Hamilton, piling on points in a high-scoring win over Moana Pasifika.

Leroy Carter starred with a hat-trick, with the winger first helping create the opening try before finishing several of the Chiefs’ best attacking movements. Quinn Tupaea also crossed early, while Liam Coombes-Fabling and Emoni Narawa added tries as the Chiefs built a commanding 31–14 halftime lead.

Moana Pasifika had their moments, particularly through No.8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, who scored twice. But the Chiefs’ attacking depth proved too much, with Carter completing his hat-trick in the second half and further tries to Kyle Brown and Tyrone Thompson sealing a convincing victory.

Hurricanes 59 – Waratahs 19

The Hurricanes bounced back from their previous defeat in ruthless style, overwhelming the Waratahs in Sydney.

Despite trailing only 17–12 at halftime, the Waratahs struggled after the break as the Hurricanes’ forward pack took control. Billy Proctor thrived in the attacking opportunities created, finishing with a hat-trick, while the visitors’ pace and support play repeatedly exposed the home defence.

Two yellow cards during the second half did little to help the Waratahs’ cause, and the Hurricanes finished strongly with late tries — including the third for Proctor — to cap a dominant performance that underlined their attacking power.

Highlanders 39 – Western Force 31

The Highlanders held off a spirited Western Force challenge in Dunedin to secure a hard-fought victory.

Veveni Lasaqa opened the scoring before the Force responded through Vaiolini Ekuasi from a lineout maul. Jonah Lowe then produced a powerful 40-metre run to score, but the visitors fought back to lead 21–17 at halftime thanks to tries from Jeremy Williams and Hamish Stewart.

The second half swung back in the Highlanders’ favour. Lowe added another try, Caleb Tangitau crossed after collecting a long pass, and despite finishing the match with 14 men, the hosts held firm. Tangitau’s second try from a cross-kick proved decisive before a late penalty from Reesian Pasitoa secured the result.

Blues 29 – Crusaders 13

The Blues produced an impressive performance at Eden Park to defeat the Crusaders, only the second time they have done so there in ten meetings.

Caleb Clarke led the way with a hat-trick, finishing two well-worked backline moves early before adding the only try of the second half. Dalton Papali’i was outstanding in defence and at the breakdown, while Beauden Barrett controlled the match effectively after returning at first five-eighths.

The Blues overcame a heavy penalty count to secure the win, with strong defence and key moments — including a late 50:22 from AJ Lam — ensuring the Crusaders never found their rhythm.

Reds 34 – Brumbies 31

The Reds edged a thrilling contest in Canberra, scoring in injury time to snatch victory from the Brumbies.

The home side started fast with early tries to Lachie Shaw and Charlie Cale, but the Reds fought back through Lachie Anderson and Josh Flook to take a narrow halftime lead.

The Brumbies regained control midway through the second half with tries from Andy Muirhead and Luke Reimer, only for the Reds to produce a late surge. Filipo Daugunu scored to bring the visitors back into contention before a break from Jock Campbell sparked the decisive play. Deep into stoppage time, Carter Gordon worked over on the blindside to seal a dramatic win.

With several rounds now complete, the table is beginning to take shape. The Hurricanes and Chiefs showcased their attacking firepower, the Blues tightened their grip at Eden Park, and the Reds’ late comeback in Canberra showed just how little margin for error exists in Super Rugby Pacific this season.