Super Rugby Round 12 Wrap

Edward Briggs

Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific further clarified the finals picture, with the top sides consolidating their positions and the gap between contenders and chasers becoming more pronounced. Close contests at the top contrasted with decisive wins elsewhere, as the race for the top six continues to tighten.

Hurricanes 38 – Crusaders 31

The Hurricanes strengthened their hold on top spot with a high-quality win over the Crusaders in a clash between two genuine contenders.

Leicester Fainga’anuku opened the scoring for the Crusaders, but the Hurricanes responded through Du’Plessis Kirifi before taking control late in the first half. Tries to Josh Moorby and Cam Roigard gave the visitors a 24–10 halftime lead.

The Crusaders fought back strongly after the break, with Noah Hotham and Dom Gardiner crossing, while Rivez Reihana’s impact off the bench brought them within striking distance. However, Fehi Fineanganofo’s crucial try — his 15th of the season — proved decisive, as the Hurricanes held on despite late pressure to secure a statement win.

Force 20 – Waratahs 17

The Western Force kept their finals hopes alive with a narrow victory over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

Ben Donaldson controlled the contest early with the boot, while Lawson Creighton eventually opened the try-scoring for the Waratahs after sustained pressure. The Force responded through Dylan Pietsch, who crossed on the stroke of halftime before adding a second early in the second half following a Donaldson break.

Late drama followed when Folau Faiinga crossed to bring the Waratahs within reach, but the Force held firm in the closing stages to secure a crucial win that keeps them within touching distance of the top six.

Drua 24 – Highlanders 14

The Fijian Drua maintained their strong home form with a composed victory over the Highlanders in Ba.

Early tries were exchanged between Virimi Vakatava and Jonah Lowe before the Drua edged ahead through fullback Isikeli Rabitu. The Highlanders briefly reclaimed the lead through Veveni Lasaqa just before halftime, but the hosts responded immediately after the break.

Rabitu’s second try and a crucial score from Elia Canakaivata extended the advantage, while the Drua’s defensive resilience — particularly during a yellow-card period — proved key in denying the Highlanders any route back into the match.

Blues 45 – Moana Pasifika 19

The Blues surged back into form with a dominant second-half performance to defeat Moana Pasifika.

Moana Pasifika started strongly, with Millennium Sanerivi scoring twice to give the hosts early momentum. However, the Blues steadied before halftime through Marcel Renata and Kade Banks to take a narrow lead into the break.

From there, the Blues took control. Patrick Tuipulotu and James Mullan crossed early in the second half, before Stephen Perofeta and Beauden Barrett added further tries as intensity and depth proved decisive. A late debut try to Terrell Peita capped a convincing win.

Reds 30 – Brumbies 21

The Queensland Reds continued their strong run with a significant win over the ACT Brumbies in Brisbane, completing a season double over their rivals.

Early tries from Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Lachlan Shaw set the tone, while Harry McLaughlin-Phillips’ accurate goal-kicking proved the difference in a tightly contested match. Josh Flook’s try on halftime extended the Reds’ advantage, though the Brumbies fought back through Rob Valetini and David Feliuai to briefly take the lead.

The Reds responded through Seru Uru before another McLaughlin-Phillips penalty sealed the result, denying the Brumbies even a bonus point and lifting Queensland into the top four.