Super Rugby Round 13 Wrap

Edward Bebendorf

Round 13 of Super Rugby Pacific tightened the race for finals positioning, with the leading New Zealand sides continuing to assert control while the battle beneath them grows increasingly desperate. The Hurricanes and Crusaders both strengthened their credentials, the Chiefs held firm in the top three, and several Australian sides now find themselves running out of margin for error.

Crusaders 36 – Blues 20

The Crusaders maintained their perfect record at One NZ Stadium with an impressive win over the Blues.

Leicester Fainga’anuku dominated the opening stages, producing a brilliant all-round display to set up multiple tries. George Bower scored the first in his 100th Super Rugby appearance after a clever lineout move, before Jamie Hannah capitalised on Fainga’anuku’s chip ahead to extend the lead.

The Blues fought back strongly before halftime through AJ Lam and Sam Nock to briefly take the lead, but the Crusaders regained control after the break. Rivez Reihana and Kyle Preston crossed before Sevu Reece finished off another Fainga’anuku kick to seemingly put the match beyond doubt.

Late yellow and red cards reduced the Crusaders to 13 men and gave the Blues brief hope through Hoskins Sotutu, but George Bell’s late try sealed the bonus-point victory.

Chiefs 31 – Reds 21

The Chiefs strengthened their hold on a top-three position with a hard-fought win over the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

Lachie Anderson marked his return with an early Reds try, but the Chiefs responded quickly through Wallace Sititi before their forward pressure and set-piece strength began to tell. Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed twice from rolling mauls, while the Chiefs also benefited from Queensland ill-discipline and a heavily one-sided penalty count.

The Reds mounted a late comeback through Joe Brial and youngster Treyvon Pritchard, reducing the margin to three points inside the final minutes. However, with the Reds down a man following Jeff Toomaga-Allen’s yellow card, Sititi crashed over from a late scrum to seal the result.

Highlanders 31 – Waratahs 26

The Highlanders dealt a major blow to the NSW Waratahs finals hopes with a chaotic victory in Dunedin.

The Highlanders exploded out of the blocks, racing to a 21-0 lead inside 20 minutes through Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Tangitau was especially electric, breaking multiple defenders to score one of the tries of the round.

Despite playing much of the match with reduced numbers after cards to Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jona Nareki, the Highlanders held firm. The Waratahs rallied late through Apolosi Ranawai and Sid Harvey, while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii had a try disallowed, but too many penalties and early defensive lapses proved costly once again for the visitors.

Hurricanes 36 – Moana Pasifika 5

The Hurricanes continued their march toward the minor premiership with a comfortable victory over Moana Pasifika in wet conditions at North Harbour Stadium.

Josh Moorby starred with four tries, while returning winger Kini Naholo scored twice in the second half after coming back from injury. The Hurricanes controlled the match through superior support play and relentless attacking pressure, building a 19-5 halftime lead before blowing the game open after the break.

Moana Pasifika showed occasional attacking spark through Tuna Tuitama and Israel Leota, but repeated missed opportunities and handling errors prevented them from building sustained pressure against the competition leaders.

Brumbies 32 – Force 15

The ACT Brumbies revived their finals campaign with a much-needed win over the Western Force in Canberra.

Ryan Lonergan controlled the contest superbly from halfback, scoring a try, kicking key penalty goals and directing the Brumbies around the field with authority. Lachie Shaw opened the scoring after barely a minute, while Ollie Sapsford and debutant Chris Mickelson also crossed for the hosts.

The Force stayed competitive through Harry Johnson-Holmes and Carlo Tizzano, but too many penalties and lost collisions prevented them from maintaining pressure. The defeat leaves their finals hopes hanging by a thread with only a handful of matches remaining.