Super Rugby Round 7 Wrap

Edward Briggs

Round 7 of Super Rugby Pacific saw the Hurricanes and Blues again flexing their attacking power, while the Waratahs edged a tight derby and the Highlanders produced one of their most complete performances of the season.

Highlanders 39 – Moana Pasifika 19

The Highlanders put together a dominant first-half performance in Albany to set up a comfortable win over Moana Pasifika.

Caleb Tangitau was outstanding, scoring twice early and constantly troubling the defence, while Jona Nareki added a try after his own 50:22 helped create the opportunity. Hooker Jack Taylor capped a strong opening period with a maul try as the visitors surged to a 32–0 halftime lead.

The second half saw Moana Pasifika respond despite adversity, with Niko Jones, Millennium Sanerivi and Allan Craig all crossing: two of those coming while reduced to 13 men. However, the Highlanders had already done the damage, with Veveni Lasaqa also scoring to ensure a convincing result.

Waratahs 30 – Brumbies 28

The Waratahs held their nerve in Canberra to edge the Brumbies in a tightly contested derby.

Clem Halaholo opened the scoring early, and the Waratahs’ backline combined well to produce further tries for Andrew Kellaway and Joey Walton. The Brumbies responded through Lachie Shaw and Charlie Cale to stay within reach at halftime.

Shaw’s second try early in the second half brought the scores level, but the difference came from the boot of Sid Harvey, who slotted three crucial penalty goals to give the Waratahs breathing room. A late try to Luke Reimer ensured a tense finish, but the visitors held on.

Hurricanes 52 – Reds 14

The Hurricanes continued their strong form with a commanding win over the Reds in Wellington.

They struck early through Cam Roigard after a sweeping counterattack, with Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo also heavily involved in the opening exchanges. Billy Proctor and Bailyn Sullivan added first-half tries as the Hurricanes built a solid lead.

Although the Reds stayed in touch briefly through Jock Campbell and Isaac Henry, they were overwhelmed after the break. Fineanganofo completed a hat-trick, while Warner Dearns and Vernon Basson also crossed as the Hurricanes made the most of their opportunities despite having less possession and territory.

Blues 40 – Drua 15

The Blues pulled away in the second half to defeat the Drua at Eden Park, showcasing their forward dominance and clinical finishing.

Early tries were traded, with Malachi Wrampling scoring for the Blues and Etonia Waqa responding for the Drua. Bradley Slater’s first try from a driving maul gave the hosts control before Mesake Vocevoce crossed to keep the visitors in the contest.

However, the Blues took over after halftime. Slater added a second, Codemeru Vai finished a sharp attacking move, and Payton Spencer scored after a sweeping counterattack. Superior work at the breakdown and set piece allowed the Blues to dominate the closing stages.

Chiefs 24 – Western Force 14

The Chiefs secured a hard-fought win in Perth, overcoming a resilient Western Force side.

After a tight opening, Luke Jacobson broke the deadlock for the visitors following a sustained attacking phase. The Force responded through Max Burey, but a brilliant individual effort from Josh Jacomb - featuring a long-range run - restored the Chiefs’ lead before halftime.

The Force drew level early in the second half through Jeremy Williams, but the Chiefs regained control as Samisoni Taukei’aho scored from close range. Damian McKenzie’s accurate kicking helped seal the result, with the visitors’ dominance in possession and territory ultimately proving decisive.

Seven rounds in, the competition’s hierarchy is becoming clearer. The Hurricanes and Blues continue to look like genuine benchmarks, the Chiefs remain dangerous despite inconsistencies, and the race for finals spots is already tightening across the middle of the table.