Brumbies go top, Moana Pasifika celebrate
The Brumbies, who have played a game more than the teams around them near the top of the table, have 43 points from 13 matches, ahead of the Waikato-based Chiefs and Crusaders (Canterbury), who both have 41.
There are two regular season rounds left to play.
Tries from Alan Alaalatoa, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright, the latter two early in the second half, secured a fifth successive victory for the Brumbies over the Reds in Canberra on Saturday night.
The game had been level at 7-7 at halftime following Tim Ryan's early score for the visitors. Replacement hooker Josh Nasser also crossed for the Reds.
The Crusaders dished out a 48-33 defeat to the New South Wales Waratahs that hit the beleaguered Australian side's hopes of reaching the knockout stage and prompted coach Dan McKellar to question his team's commitment.
The defeat on Friday at Sydney Football Stadium leaves the Waratahs in eighth on 22 points, six adrift of the final berth available for the post-season competition, which is currently filled by Moana Pasifika.
"A pretty passive display," said McKellar. "Didn't want to fold around the corner, guys loping on the short side, losing collisions and they took advantage of it.
"We've just got to run hard, tackle hard and show that we actually care."
The Crusaders' dominance in the opening 40 minutes saw them storm clear, with the visitors establishing a healthy 31-7 lead before tries from forwards Langi Gleeson and Miles Amatosero saw the Waratahs reduce the deficit early in the second half.
However, a record-equalling try from Sevu Reece allowed them to regain their composure, the centre sprinting almost half the length of the field to touch down for the 65th time in Super Rugby and tie the mark held by TJ Perenara.
"Feels good to get that try, it got to a point this season where I didn't think I was going to score a try," Reece said.
The Blues slipped out of the qualification places for the knockout rounds as captain Ardie Savea inspired Moana Pasifika to a 27-21 win over the Auckland-based side on Saturday night at North Harbour Stadium.
Centre Kyren Taumoefolau scored a hat-trick of tries, including two in the second half that swung the game in Moana's favour as Tana Umaga's team climbed into the top six with their first-ever win over the Blues.
"I'm proud of the efforts of the boys, for standing up against a quality Blues side and I'm just happy to get the win," Savea said.
Cam Roigard dived across the line after the hooter for the Wellington Hurricanes that secured the hosts a 24-20 win over the Otago Highlanders on Friday.
The win takes the Hurricanes to 30 points and fifth place, while the Highlanders dropped to the bottom of the standings after the Fijian Drua won 38-7 against the Western Force.
Forward Elia Canakaivata scored two tries at Churchill Park in Lautoka to take Glen Jackson's side above the Highlanders.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
7 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Lienert-Brown latest to look to Japan
Anton Lienert-Brown has had an interrupted season due to injury, but chalked up his 86th cap for the All Blacks last weekend. Veteran All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown will miss Super Rugby next year as part of a sabbatical to play in Japan. It is allowed for in his current contract, which is valid until the end of 2026. His new contract announced today will see him available for the All Blacks, the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Waikato in the NPC until the end of 2028. The 30-year-old chalked up his 86th cap for the All Blacks in their third test against France in Hamilton last Saturday. He will team up with Ardie Savea at the Kobe Steelers for Japan's League One competition, where his former mentor at the Chiefs, Dave Rennie, is coach and former All Blacks and Chiefs teammate Brodie Retallick is captain. Lienert-Brown and Savea will return home after their stints in Japan and be available for the All Blacks' July series. Lienert-Brown has had an interrupted season, after a month out with a leg injury followed by a few months recuperating from a broken collarbone suffered against Perth-based Western Force in April. "I'm excited to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028. This year's been frustrating with injuries outside of my control but pulling on the black jersey again last Saturday reminded me just how special this journey really is. "Representing Waikato, the Chiefs, and my country is something I never take for granted. My decision to stay reflects my commitment - not just to the teams I play for, but to giving everything I've got to the work that lies ahead." Lienert-Brown has played 126 games through 12 Super Rugby campaigns and 22 matches for Waikato. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said Lienert-Brown was a player who embodied the values of the All Blacks jersey. "His experience, composure, and clarity in the midfield are hugely valuable. He's overcome injury setbacks in recent years and has shown real resilience. "We're thrilled to have him locked in through to 2028, and the experience he'll gain in Japan will only enhance his game and leadership."
1News
10 hours ago
- 1News
All Blacks midfielder re-commits to NZ Rugby, confirms sabbatical
All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2028 and has confirmed he will take a sabbatical in Japan next year. Lienert-Brown, who has played 86 Tests and scored a try in the recent win over France in Hamilton, said this year had been a tough one due to injuries and he was pleased to secure his short-term future. A broken collarbone suffered while playing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific meant he was out of the game for nearly three months – his comeback match was a start for the All Blacks in their 29-19 victory over France in the third Test. "I'm excited to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028," Lienert-Brown, 30, said in a statement. "This year's been frustrating with injuries outside of my control but pulling on the black jersey again last Saturday reminded me just how special this journey really is." ADVERTISEMENT As revealed by 1News in April, Lienert-Brown will activate a sabbatical clause in his contract and play for Kobe Steelers next year. Fellow senior All Black Ardie Savea, who captained the team in the absence of Scott Barrett during the past two Tests, has since announced he will also play a sabbatical season at Kobe next year alongside former All Black Brodie Retallick. Anton Lienert-Brown scores a crucial try for the All Blacks before halftime against France. (Source: Photosport) Leinert-Brown and Savea will return to New Zealand in time to be available for next July's home internationals. Fellow midfielder or wing Rieko Ioane will also take a sabbatical next year to play for Leinster with a view to returning in time to play for the All Blacks. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said: "Anton is a true professional and a player who embodies the values of the All Blacks jersey. "His experience, composure, and clarity in the midfield are hugely valuable. He's overcome injury setbacks in recent years and has shown real resilience. We're thrilled to have him locked in through to 2028. The experience he'll gain in Japan will only enhance his game and leadership." ADVERTISEMENT Robertson will hope Lienert-Brown returns with the same sort of form as Jordie Barrett after the midfielder's own recent sabbatical at Leinster in Ireland. NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said: 'Anton's loyalty, work ethic and consistency have been hallmarks of his career at every level and we are delighted he has chosen to extend through to a potential third Rugby World Cup campaign." Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said: "Anton is a massive asset to the Gallagher Chiefs, and this sabbatical is a great opportunity for him to experience a different rugby environment and learn from a new playing style. I look forward to seeing how this experience shapes him as a player and what he brings back to the team."
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- RNZ News
Anton Lienert-Brown to play in Japan, signs on again with NZ Rugby
Anton Lienert-Brown looks to pass for the All Blacks against France in the third test at Hamilton, Saturday 19 July 2025. Photo: Photosport Veteran All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown will miss Super Rugby next year as part of a sabbatical to play in Japan. The sabbatical is allowed for in his current contract, which is valid until the end of 2026. His new contract announced today will see him available for the All Blacks, the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Waikato in NPC until the end of 2028. The 30-year-old chalked up his 86th cap for the All Blacks against France in Hamilton on Saturday. He will team up with Ardie Savea at the Kobe Steelers for Japan's League One competition , where his former mentor at the Chiefs, Dave Rennie, is coach and former All Blacks and Chiefs team-mate Brodie Retallick is captain. Lienert-Brown and Savea will return home after their stints in Japan and be available for the All Blacks' July series. Lienert-Brown has had an interrupted season, after a month out with a leg injury followed by a few months recuperating from a broken collarbone suffered against the Force in April. "I'm excited to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028. This year's been frustrating with injuries outside of my control but pulling on the black jersey again last Saturday reminded me just how special this journey really is. "Representing Waikato, the Chiefs, and my country is something I never take for granted. My decision to stay reflects my commitment, not just to the teams I play for, but to giving everything I've got to the work that lies ahead." Lienert-Brown has played 126 games through 12 Super Rugby campaigns and 22 matches for Waikato. All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Lienert-Brown was a player who embodied the values of the All Blacks jersey. "His experience, composure, and clarity in the midfield are hugely valuable. He's overcome injury setbacks in recent years and has shown real resilience. We're thrilled to have him locked in through to 2028, and the experience he'll gain in Japan will only enhance his game and leadership."
