Super Rugby Finals Set

Edward Briggs

Super Rugby Round 16 wrapped up the regular season and locked in the finals picture. The Crusaders surged into third place with a statement win over the Hurricanes, the Chiefs demolished the Blues to secure second, and the Reds held onto fifth after overcoming the Drua. Elsewhere, Moana Pasifika signed off with a memorable upset of the Brumbies, while the Force finished their campaign on a high by denying the Waratahs in Perth.

Round 16 of Super Rugby Pacific brought the regular season to a close, finalising the playoff matchups and providing plenty of drama across the competition. The Crusaders protected their perfect record at One NZ Stadium, the Chiefs stormed into the finals with momentum, and Moana Pasifika produced one of the upsets of the season in what may prove to be their final match.

Crusaders 47 – Hurricanes 14

The Crusaders kept their hopes of a home qualifying final alive with a dominant victory over the top-ranked Hurricanes in Christchurch.

Sevu Reece celebrated his 100th Super Rugby appearance in style, scoring twice to extend his all-time competition try-scoring record. David Havili was instrumental throughout, creating opportunities with several incisive breaks and helping spark a decisive first-half surge.

The Hurricanes briefly levelled through Brad Shields, but the Crusaders responded with three tries in an 11-minute burst to take complete control. Noah Hotham, Johnny McNicholl and Christian Lio-Willie all crossed before halftime as the hosts built a commanding lead.

Despite concerns over injuries to Fletcher Newell, Ethan Blackadder and Rivez Reihana, the Crusaders never looked threatened after the break, sealing an emphatic victory and maintaining their unbeaten record at One NZ Stadium.

Reds 45 – Fijian Drua 24

The Reds survived a second-half scare to finish their regular season campaign with a bonus-point win over the Drua in Brisbane.

Former Force winger Manasa Mataele threatened to spoil the evening, scoring a remarkable hat-trick after initially opening the scoring with a long-range intercept. His three tries helped the Drua briefly overturn a 21-5 deficit and take the lead early in the second half.

Queensland responded through the strength of their set-piece. Harry Wilson crossed from a dominant scrum, while Matt Faessler completed a double from rolling mauls as the Reds regained control.

Further tries to Seru Uru and Richie Asiata completed a strong finish for the hosts, although concerns remain over a knee injury suffered by centre Hunter Paisami.

Moana Pasifika 21 – Brumbies 19

Moana Pasifika delivered an emotional upset in Canberra, ending a 12-game losing streak and potentially signing off with one of the club’s most memorable victories.

The Brumbies appeared on course for victory after early tries from Rory Scott and Tom Wright established control. Patrick Pellegrini responded with two tries to keep Moana in the contest before halftime.

Luke Reimer restored the Brumbies’ advantage after the break, and the hosts looked favourites when Moana centre Faletoi Peni was sent off following a second yellow card.

Instead, Moana dug deep. A late attacking movement created the opening for replacement Melani Matavao to score the decisive try, sealing a famous win and leaving the Brumbies to settle for sixth place heading into the finals.

Chiefs 59 – Blues 34

The Chiefs sent a powerful warning to the rest of the competition with a high-scoring victory over the Blues in Hamilton.

The visitors started strongly and opened up an early lead, but the Chiefs responded with a relentless attacking display. Kyren Taumoefolau, Tyrone Thompson and Daniel Sinkinson all crossed as the hosts took control before halftime.

Wallace Sititi and Sinkinson added further tries after the break before the Chiefs blew the game open with a three-try burst that effectively ended the contest. Reon Paul, Liam Coombes-Fabling and Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi all joined the scoring.

The Blues managed several late consolation tries, but the result confirmed they would travel to Christchurch for a qualifying final against the Crusaders.

Force 31 – Waratahs 25

The Western Force finished their season on a positive note, fighting back from an early deficit to defeat the Waratahs in Perth.

NSW appeared in control after opening up a 20-7 lead, with Ione Moananu and Harry Potter helping establish a healthy advantage. However, a yellow card to Joey Walton shifted momentum and allowed the Force back into the game.

Dylan Pietsch scored twice as the home side clawed their way back into contention, while Carlo Tizzano proved decisive with two second-half tries.

The victory secured a winning season for the Force, while the Waratahs were left reflecting on a disappointing campaign that failed to deliver on preseason expectations.

With the regular season complete, the Hurricanes finish as minor premiers ahead of the Chiefs. The qualifying finals are now set, with the Crusaders hosting the Blues in Christchurch, the Chiefs welcoming the Reds to Hamilton, and the Hurricanes taking on the Brumbies in Wellington. The road to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific title now begins.