Super Rugby Round 14 Wrap

Edward Briggs

In round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific, the Hurricanes and Chiefs tightened their grip on the top two while the finals race beneath them became increasingly desperate. The Waratahs kept their season alive in Fiji, the Force stunned the Reds in Perth, and the Highlanders’ campaign moved to the brink of elimination.

Chiefs 42 – Highlanders 12

The Chiefs kept pace in the race for the minor premiership with a commanding win over the Highlanders in Hamilton.

Despite a strong opening from the visitors, who dominated early scrums and opened the scoring through Lucas Casey, the Chiefs remained composed and gradually overwhelmed the Highlanders through power and efficiency. Wallace Sititi sparked the turnaround before Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Samisoni Taukei’aho extended the advantage.

Xavier Roe’s sharp try from the base of the ruck pushed the hosts clear, while Brodie McAlister added another from the maul as the Chiefs’ forward dominance took over. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens briefly kept the Highlanders in touch, but the visitors struggled to break through the Chiefs’ defence despite extended periods in attacking territory.

The result was overshadowed late by injuries to both Caleb Tangitau and Damian McKenzie. Tangitau suffered a worrying knee injury after the siren, while McKenzie was knocked unconscious in the second half and is expected to miss next week’s clash with the Crusaders.

Waratahs 50 – Fijian Drua 35

The Waratahs snapped their long losing streak outside Australia with an important bonus-point victory over the Drua in Suva.

NSW were clinical in the opening half, racing to a 36-7 lead through tries to Harry Potter, Ioane Moananu, Max Jorgensen, Teddy Wilson, Sid Harvey and Angus Scott-Young. Teddy Wilson controlled the tempo superbly, while Jack Bowen impressed in his first start of the season.

The Drua were punished repeatedly for turnovers and defensive lapses, leaving themselves far too much work after halftime. Although they rallied through Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa and late consolation tries, the deficit proved too large to overcome.

Moananu finished with a double for the Waratahs, while Apolosi Ranawai’s try pushed the visitors past fifty points and kept their finals hopes alive heading into the closing rounds.

Hurricanes 47 – Blues 24

The Hurricanes moved a step closer to securing the minor premiership with an impressive win over the Blues at Eden Park.

Without Cam Roigard, the Hurricanes still controlled the contest thanks largely to Eretara Enari, whose service around the ruck created constant momentum. Warner Dearns opened the scoring after charging down a Beauden Barrett clearance before Jordie Barrett crossed after excellent work from Fehi Fineanganofo and Enari.

The Hurricanes’ back three proved devastating throughout the night. Kini Naholo crossed after halftime, while Fineanganofo scored his 16th try of the season to equal the all-time Super Rugby record held by Joe Roff and Ben Lam.

The Blues stayed within reach through Malachi Wrampling-Alec and a late AJ Lam hat-trick, but the Hurricanes always looked the sharper side. A final rolling maul try to Peter Lakai after the siren secured a valuable bonus point and restored their advantage at the top of the ladder.

Force 19 – Reds 14

The Western Force kept their slim finals hopes alive with a tense win over the Reds in Perth.

Carlo Tizzano was outstanding for the Force, scoring twice from close range and leading a defensive performance that repeatedly frustrated Queensland. Mac Grealy also crossed after pressure from Zac Lomax under the high ball forced an error.

The Reds had their opportunities but continued to struggle at the lineout and with discipline. Joe Brial and Tim Ryan scored to keep them in the contest, while several missed chances - including a crucial late counterattack - ultimately proved costly.

The defining moment came in the final minutes when Max Burey disrupted a potential match-winning break involving Treyvon Pritchard and Jock Campbell. Queensland believed a penalty try or yellow card should have followed, but officials ruled the play legal, allowing the Force to survive.

The defeat leaves the Reds clinging to sixth place, while the Force remain mathematically alive in the finals race.