Super Rugby: Chiefs determined not to waste lifeline against Brumbies
Photo:
© Photosport Ltd 2025 www.photosport.nz
Chiefs v Brumbies
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 June
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
The Chiefs admit it's a "weird one" entering a Super Rugby semi-final on the back of a loss.
The Waikato based side, who finished top of the standings, were upset 20-19 by the Blues in last week's qualifying playoffs.
Lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi concedes they got it wrong against the Blues, but he doesn't think it was the home side's attitude that let them down.
"I think we prepared really well. If we look back at our week, we did everything right, but finals footy is a different kettle of fish and those guys were a desperate team," Ah Kuoi said.
"We didn't plan to lose or we didn't think about losing we thought about gaining momentum for three games and hopefully making the finals. We didn't think for once that we had a lifeline in terms of a loss so our mindset was still right.
"The Blues came firing for 80 minutes. There's definitely a few learnings on the field, but it's just understanding that it's finals footy."
Naitoa Ah Kuoi.
Photo:
Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Chiefs received entry into this week's semi-finals by virtue of being the highest ranked loser from the opening round of the playoffs.
They host the Brumbies in Hamilton on Saturday night and Ah Kuoi is adamant they've learnt the lessons from the Blues defeat.
"We've been here before [the finals], it's just making sure we're clear and understanding on what it takes.
"For us there's no motivation needed besides the fact that it's a semi final," Ah Kuoi said.
"We know what's going to be coming, we know they're going to be coming hard for us at home.
"We're trying to make sure our home field is a fortress and that didn't happen last week. We're trying to make amends and also do one better than the previous years."
The Chiefs, beaten finalists the last two seasons, haven't wont a title since 2013, while the Brumbies drought goes back to 2004.
The Chiefs will host the Brumbies in the Super Rugby semi-finals.
Photo:
Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
The Brumbies have also lost four straight semi-finals in New Zealand, including a 2023 defeat to the Chiefs.
The visitors will have the added motivation of trying to send Wallabies first-five, Noah Lolesio, off as a Super Rugby champion.
Lolesio is heading to Japan at the end of the year having made his debut for the Brumbies in 2020.
Ah Kuoi knows the Chiefs will come up against a determined opponent on Saturday night.
"Yeah, 100 percent. I think when you get to the semi-finals and finals the motivation is always going to be there.
"They're the last Australian team in the playoffs and they're standing for something bigger than just themselves.
"They'll be coming down to New Zealand and trying to stake their claim."
Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Photo:
Photosport
Ah Kuoi is confident the Chiefs can bounce back from last week's defeat and book their place in the Super Rugby final.
"We're always going to be confident in our abilities, but we've got to make sure we don't skip over anything. We leave no stone unturned."
Though he concedes it's an odd feeling heading into a semi-final having lost the week before.
"It's a weird one, coming into semi-finals after a defeat. You usually come into the semis with a win in the quarter-finals and you've got that energy.
"It was a weird Monday for me personally, but coach (Clayton McMillan) came in and just reminded us that we were top of the table coming into the finals which gave us a lifeline and we can't waste it.
"Let's just be grateful that we're here. We could be having a loss and celebrating the season that was after bowing out in the quarters like other teams. We've got to be grateful that we're here and make sure we nail that opportunity now that we've been given this extra week."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero
,
a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
8 hours ago
- RNZ News
Australian league poaches New Zealand netballer Whitney Souness
Whitney Souness Photo: Aaron Gillions / Former Silver Ferns midcourter Whitney Souness has become the eighth New Zealand netballer to join the Australian league, after signing with the Sydney-based Giants. Karin Burger on Monday became the fifth Silver Fern to be granted an exemption to play in the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball league, in the wake of Netball New Zealand loosening its eligibility rules. Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon and Kate Heffernan will also play across the Tasman, as well as Grace Nweke who is returning for her second season. Former Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson will also play in Australia next year, but as they didn't make themselves available for New Zealand selection, the pair did not need any exemption. Souness, who just missed out on the recent 2025/26 Silver Ferns squad, is in that same camp. Earlier on Tuesday, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic announced that former Silver Fern captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio would be leaving the franchise. It remains to be seen what Ekenasio plans to do next, but a move to the Australian league could be on the cards. The Lightning still have one spot left to fill - a third goal shooter spot. Australian-born Ekenasio grew up in Queensland. Souness, 29, said she jumped at the opportunity to fulfil a long-held dream. "I want to keep playing for a long time but the age I am now for this type of opportunity, I wasn't sure how much longer I've got so, when it came along, I just had to do it," Souness said. "Obviously, playing in the SSN, you get to play against some of the best-of-the-best and it's a really great comp, so for me personally I just want to expand my skillset and grow my game with it. "And I feel like with a fresh perspective on my netball, a fresh environment and getting exposed to the big Aussie comp is a really good place to be able to do that." Apart from a brief stint at the Magic in 2020, the fleet-footed Souness has been an integral part of the Pulse since 2015. Between Jackson, Gordon and Souness, the Pulse have now lost three players to Australian league. Pulse shooter Tiana Metuarau is also leaving the Wellington based franchise after a number of seasons. RNZ understands the former Silver Fern is heading to the United Kingdom. Souness said it would be a big step up into the rigours of the Australian league. "I'm very nervous but also very excited... it's not just the netball, it's also a life experience and getting that time away from what I'm used to and what I'm comfortable with, you can only grow from being in uncomfortable places." Giants head coach Nerida Stewart said Souness would be a major asset. "Whitney is an incredibly smart and dynamic athlete who brings with her a high level of international experience and a real calmness in pressure moments," Stewart said. "She's someone who can seamlessly link attack and defence, and her ability to control tempo and deliver with precision is exactly what we need to strengthen our midcourt. "We're really looking forward to seeing how she thrives in the Super Netball environment and what she can bring to our group both on and off the court." Souness, who has played 136 national league matches, said the Pulse felt like another home to her. "So, this is kind of bittersweet because the yellow dress has meant everything to me. "It's hard but at the end of the day, it's our job and if we want to grow and get better, sometimes we have to do things we're not too comfortable with all the time." Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola paid tribute to the midcourter. "Beyond her athletic brilliance, Whitney's connection to our community runs deep. "She's been more than a player, she's been a role model, a mentor and a familiar face who's inspired countless young athletes throughout the Central Zone and especially her local Porirua community." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
8 hours ago
- RNZ News
Warriors forward handed three month ban for dangerous tackle
Despite making their way back into the win column the Warriors have one less thing to be happy about. Warriors forward Jackson Ford has been handed a three match ban after he was sighted for a dangerous tackle last week. It means the side will play out the rest of the regular season without one of its more consistent players as the race for the playoffs tightens up. Sports reporter Bridget Tunnicliffe spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
9 hours ago
- RNZ News
Football: 'Physical' striker joins Auckland FC's attack
Auckland FC player Sam Cosgrove Photo: Supplied English striker Sam Cosgrove has moved from League One Barnsley FC to the A-League with Auckland FC. The 28-year-old will boost coach Steve Corica's attacking options as the team look to continue the form that saw them become the fastest A-League team to score 50 goals, and the first New Zealand team to win A-League silverware. At Barnsley, Cosgrove scored seven goals and registered six assists across 60 games. In total he has scored 70 goals and registered 20 assists across 297 professional games with stints at Plymouth Argyle, Aberdeen FC, Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City. "Sam is going to be a great acquisition and will provide firepower to the front line. He's a proven goal scorer and we're pleased to have secured his signature," Corica said. "He is a big, physical striker who I think will be well-suited to the league. He's also got a great deal of experience. We're looking forward to having him as part of the group." Cosgrove's arrival means Corica has a full complement of attackers to call on with recent arrival Lachlan Brook joining Logan Rogerson, Guillermo May, Marlee François, Jonty Bidois, Liam Gillion, plus the inform Jesse Randall. "We're an ambitious group keen to improve on last year's performance, so right now, we're focused on building a squad to do that. "That requires depth in every position and a team that fights for the right to play each week." Cosgrove arrived in Auckland over the weekend. "I've had a couple of training sessions now and spent some time with the team. The culture and togetherness are outstanding. Being from overseas, I'm still adjusting, but everyone has been so supportive and friendly," Cosgrove said. "I spent a lot of time researching the club before I made the move, and the more I heard, the more I wanted to join. "What the club has achieved, the way the city has got behind the team, I was eager to be a part of it." The team leave for Sydney on Thursday ahead of Saturday's Australia Cup quarter-final clash against Sydney FC. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
