The opening week of the Super Rugby Pacific finals produced two emphatic New Zealand victories and officially extended Australian rugby’s long wait for a finals win across the Tasman. The Hurricanes delivered one of the most dominant postseason performances in competition history, the Crusaders continued their unbeaten run at One NZ Stadium, and the Chiefs booked a semi-final showdown with their old rivals after ending the Reds’ campaign.

Super Rugby Round 16 wrapped up the regular season and locked in the finals picture. The Crusaders surged into third place with a statement win over the Hurricanes, the Chiefs demolished the Blues to secure second, and the Reds held onto fifth after overcoming the Drua. Elsewhere, Moana Pasifika signed off with a memorable upset of the Brumbies, while the Force finished their campaign on a high by denying the Waratahs in Perth.

The Hurricanes locked up top spot, the Crusaders and Brumbies secured their playoff places, and the Reds survived a major scare to edge closer to qualification. Meanwhile, the Western Force were officially eliminated despite another brave late-season effort.