Super Rugby Round 10 Wrap

Edward Briggs

Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific delivered one of the most dramatic weekends of the season so far: a Super Point thriller, a historic upset, and multiple games that swung wildly in the final stages.

Blues 47 – Highlanders 40

The Blues survived a late scare at Eden Park in a high-scoring thriller against the Highlanders.

Anton Segner led the way early with two tries, while Ben Ake’s score early in the second half looked to have put the result beyond doubt. However, the Highlanders surged back into the contest late, with Tanielu Tele’a and Xavier Tito-Harris crossing in quick succession to cut the margin to seven.

The visitors pushed hard in the closing stages, but desperate Blues defence held firm. Despite the loss, the Highlanders secured a valuable bonus point to keep their finals hopes alive.

Waratahs 29 – Moana Pasifika 14

The Waratahs overcame a halftime deficit in Sydney, using wet-weather rugby to pull away from Moana Pasifika.

Melani Matavao gave the visitors early control with two close-range tries, while Triston Reilly and Sid Harvey kept the Waratahs in touch before the break.

As the rain set in, the match shifted. The Waratahs’ forward pack took over, with Isaac Kailea powering over before Harvey added his second. Folau Fainga’a sealed the result as the hosts scored three unanswered tries in the second half.

Chiefs 22 – Hurricanes 17 (Super Point)

The Chiefs moved to the top of the ladder after edging the Hurricanes in the first Super Point game of the season.

In a tight, physical contest, the Hurricanes led 12–3 at halftime and looked in control after Asafo Aumua crossed in the second half. However, the Chiefs fought back through Daniel Sinkinson to level the scores at fulltime.

In extra time, Damian McKenzie’s drop goal attempt struck the post but fell kindly for Wallace Sititi, who reacted quickest to score the match-winning try and secure a dramatic victory.

Fijian Drua 33 – Brumbies 28

The Drua made history in Canberra, claiming their first win in Australia with a deserved victory over the Brumbies.

A dominant middle period saw the visitors surge ahead, with Manasa Mataele scoring twice as they built a commanding lead. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula’s accurate kicking also proved crucial in extending the margin.

The Brumbies mounted a late comeback through Tane Edmed and Corey Toole, but the Drua held their nerve to close out a landmark result.

Western Force 31 – Crusaders 26

The Western Force produced another impressive performance to defeat the Crusaders in Perth, completing a remarkable comeback.

The Crusaders dominated early, racing to a 19–0 lead with three tries, including a standout finish from Johnny McNicholl. However, the Force responded strongly, crossing three times to level the contest heading into the final stages.

With the match on the line, replacement prop Harry Johnson-Holmes powered over for the decisive try with 10 minutes remaining, sealing a significant win for the home side.