Super Rugby Round 2 Wrap

Edward Briggs

Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific delivered another entertaining weekend, with big attacking performances, a couple of tight contests, and one result that sent a major early-season message. The Hurricanes bounced back emphatically, the Waratahs kept their strong start rolling, and the Brumbies produced a statement win in Christchurch.

Hurricanes 52 – Moana Pasifika 10

The Hurricanes brushed aside Moana Pasifika in Wellington, running in eight tries in a dominant display after conceding the opening score.

Wing Josh Moorby led the way with a hat-trick, while fellow wing Fehi Fineanganofo and No.8 Brayden Iose each added two tries. Centre Billy Proctor also crossed as the Hurricanes took control early, building a 24–5 halftime lead before pulling further clear in the second half.

Their control at the set piece, particularly in the lineout where newcomer Warner Dearns impressed, helped maintain steady pressure throughout the match. The only sour note for the home side was the loss of first five-eighths Brett Cameron to an apparent knee injury.

Waratahs 36 – Drua 13

The Waratahs backed up their opening-round win with another convincing performance, pulling away from the Drua in the second half in Sydney.

Charlie Gamble opened the scoring for the hosts before the Drua responded through wing Taniela Rakuro. Max Jorgensen’s try just before halftime gave the Waratahs a narrow 14–10 lead at the break.

From there the home side took control. Debutant hooker Ioane Moananu scored twice, lock Angus Blyth added another after a Drua error, and Jorgensen finished the match with his second try late on to seal the result.

Chiefs 26 – Highlanders 23

The Chiefs edged the Highlanders in a tight contest in Dunedin, overturning an early deficit to secure the win.

The Highlanders struck first through Jona Nareki after slick work from Lucas Casey and Caleb Tangitau, but hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho responded from a lineout maul for the visitors. A remarkable play before halftime saw Quinn Tupaea recover a quick dropout and release Leroy Carter for a 50-metre try to give the Chiefs the lead.

Taukei’aho added a second try in the second half and replacement flanker Kaylum Boshier also crossed as the Chiefs built a cushion. Tangitau later produced a brilliant long-range try to keep the Highlanders close, while Veveni Lasaqa scored after the hooter to secure a losing bonus point.

Blues 42 – Western Force 32

The Blues survived a spirited challenge from the Western Force in Perth, eventually pulling away in a high-scoring clash.

Prop Josh Fusitu’a opened the scoring for the visitors before Harry Johnson-Holmes responded for the Force. Stephen Perofeta and Carlo Tizzano traded tries before halftime, leaving the match finely balanced.

The Blues then found another gear after the break. Zarn Sullivan crossed from a blindside move, Torian Barnes powered over after strong carries from AJ Lam and Josh Beehre, and Cole Forbes added another after a break from Caleb Clarke. A late try from Beehre helped the Blues close out the game despite late Force scores from Bayley Kuenzle and Ben Donaldson.

Brumbies 50 – Crusaders 24

The Brumbies produced the most eye-catching performance of the round, storming to a dominant win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.

David Havili gave the hosts an early lead, but the Brumbies steadily took control. Andy Muirhead scored after patient build-up, while James Slipper marked his 200th Super Rugby appearance with a try. Charlie Cale added another from a five-metre scrum to give the visitors the halftime advantage.

Although Sevu Reece and Leicester Fainga’anuku crossed for the Crusaders in the second half, the Brumbies finished strongly. Replacement hooker Liam Bowron, flanker Rob Valetini and wing Corey Toole all scored late to seal an emphatic victory.

Two rounds into the season and several teams are already finding momentum. The Waratahs and Brumbies look sharp early, the Hurricanes reminded everyone of their attacking power, and the Chiefs continue to grind out tight wins — setting up an intriguing start to the Super Rugby Pacific campaign.