Super Rugby Final Set With Two Dominant Wins

Edward Briggs

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific semi-finals delivered two emphatic statements as the Chiefs and Hurricanes dismantled their opponents to set up a blockbuster Grand Final in Hamilton. Both home sides were irresistible in attack, combining for 106 points and ending the seasons of the Crusaders and Blues in devastating fashion.

Chiefs 49 – Crusaders 12

The Chiefs produced one of the most remarkable performances in franchise history, demolishing the defending champions to book their place in the Grand Final.

Last year’s runners-up exploded out of the blocks, scoring 42 first-half points in a stunning attacking display that left the Crusaders shell-shocked. It was the most points the Chiefs have ever scored in the opening half against their long-time rivals and their biggest-ever victory over the Christchurch side.

Quinn Tupaea set the tone early, helping create the opening try for Kyren Taumoefolau before the winger added a second after brilliantly soccering through a Damian McKenzie kick. Former Waratah Lalakai Foketi was outstanding in midfield, carving open the defence and laying on a try for Isaac Hutchinson before injury ended his evening.

The points continued to flow as Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed from close range, while Leroy Carter and Tupou Vaa’i added further tries to establish a scarcely believable 42-5 halftime advantage.

Chay Fihaki briefly halted the avalanche with the Crusaders’ first try, but any thoughts of a comeback vanished after Christian Lio-Willie’s early second-half effort was ruled out for a knock-on. Captain David Havili managed a late consolation for the visitors, but the result was never in doubt.

Xavier Roe’s late try capped a dominant evening and secured the Chiefs’ first finals victory over the Crusaders since 2013. The only concern for the hosts was an ankle injury to Tupaea as they turned their attention towards the decider.

Hurricanes 57 – Blues 21

The Hurricanes completed the Grand Final lineup with a commanding victory over the Blues, pulling away after a competitive first half to secure their first appearance in the championship match since 2016.

The contest began at a frantic pace. Cam Roigard ignited the home crowd with a brilliant break from a quick tap before Jordie Barrett finished the movement to open the scoring. The Blues responded impressively, with Caleb Clarke breaking the line and Patrick Tuipulotu finishing off the attack to edge the visitors ahead.

Du’Plessis Kirifi restored the Hurricanes’ advantage from a maul, but the Blues remained firmly in the contest despite losing both AJ Lam and Clarke to failed HIAs. Replacement Payton Spencer made an immediate impact, creating a try for Cole Forbes before backing up to score himself.

The match remained finely balanced until Xavier Numia powered over late in the first half to give the Hurricanes a 19-14 lead at the break. From there, the competition’s top side shifted into another gear. Roigard scored after relentless pressure near the Blues line before Josh Moorby sparked another attack and soon crossed himself. Asafo Aumua then bulldozed over as the Hurricanes scored three tries in a ten-minute burst that effectively ended the contest.

Eretara Enari joined the party, Kini Naholo pushed the score beyond fifty, and Moorby completed his double as the Hurricanes became the first team to score 100 tries in a Super Rugby season.

The victory sends Wellington into its first Grand Final in a decade and keeps alive hopes of securing only the franchise’s second Super Rugby title.

With both semi-finals ending in one-sided fashion, the stage is now set for a heavyweight Grand Final between the competition’s two best teams. The Hurricanes finished atop the ladder and possess the most explosive attack in the competition, while the Chiefs arrive with momentum after producing perhaps the performance of the season against the Crusaders. One week remains to determine who will be crowned 2026 Super Rugby Pacific champions.