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RNZ News
5 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Highlanders v Chiefs: what you need to know
Highlanders v Chiefs Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 30 May Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Live blog updates on RNZ Sport It's top v bottom in the last regular season round for this year, but there's still plenty to play for here. The Chiefs are looking to lock in first spot on the table with a bonus point win, while the Highlanders can avoid last place with an upset in front of their home crowd. The Chiefs are coming off the biggest win of the season after they thumped Moana Pasifika 85-7, while the Highlanders have had two heartbreaking losses in the last fortnight. Both results, against the Hurricanes and Crusaders, came down to the last play and the Highlanders were on the wrong side of both. Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Tai Cribb, 6. TK Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Sean Withy, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Cam Millar, 11. Taniela Filimone, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Tanielu Tele'a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Sosefo Kautai, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Michael Loft, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Thomas Umaga-Jensen Chiefs: 1. Jared Proffit, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Reuben O'Neill, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. George Dyer, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Manasa Mataele Cam Millar was brilliant with the boot. Photo: Cam Millar comes back in at first five with Taine Robinson injured, also Tai Cribb comes into the second row for his first start. Other than that it's a settled side that Jamie Joseph has named, with a lot of ball set to end up in the hands of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Tanielu Tele'a. Samipeni Finau on the charge. Photo: Photosport A couple of changes have been made, with Xavier Roe starting at halfback and Cortez Ratima moving back to the bench. Samipeni Finau starts ahead of Simon Parker, while Josh Lord comes back in at lock and Naitoa Ah Kuoi gets a break on the bench too. Timoci Tavatavanawai during the Highlanders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress The Chiefs have lost three of their last five Super Rugby Pacific matches after scoring 50+ points in the game prior, including a 17-35 loss against the Hurricanes the last time that happened. The Highlanders have lost their last five Super Rugby Pacific matches, though each of their last three defeats by come by margins no greater than five points. The last time they recorded a longer losing run in a single season was an eight-match span in 2013. Timoci Tavatavanawai (64) and Damian McKenzie (49) have beaten more defenders than any other players in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Tavatavanawai's 161 carries are the most of any back in the campaign and the third most of any player overall. "They only get access to the ball if we're sloppy on the carry and clean. We've drawn a line in the sand about how we want to operate in that space, the challenge is to keep getting there." Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan. "I haven't lost confidence in the team. I feel sorry for our team because they work hellishly hard. But that's footy. There's kind of no fairy tales in sport. The lessons that we're learning and how to close games and how to execute under pressure are costing us." - Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph. Chiefs 46 - 10 Highlanders This was actually looking pretty good for the Highlanders as they were only down 13-10 at halftime, however the Chiefs came roaring out of the sheds to score five second half tries. Leroy Carter really underlined his name as a contender for the All Blacks, while the Chiefs forwards really put the foot down when it counted. Despite the Highlanders' bad luck in their last few games, there's a reason why they're last and the Chiefs are first. They will be doing well to avoid a repeat of the last meeting, and it'll take some big games from their key players to make that happen. Given it's the last time for a while they'll play, there's no reason not to.
RNZ News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
All Blacks watch: who pressed their case over the weekend?
Leroy Carter, Fehi Fineanganofo, Billy Proctor, Brayden Ennor. Photo: PHOTOSPORT Analysis - While the results over the weekend did a bit to solidify the Super Rugby Pacific table, there was plenty to think about regarding the impending All Black squad naming on 23 June. Some are probably a bit more realistic than others, but that's the fun of trying to read Scott Robertson's no doubt unique thought process. So here's a look at whose stocks certainly went up, bearing in mind that the Blues had a bye (which to be honest was probably a good thing because it at least ensured they wouldn't lose). Moana Pasifika felt the wrath of the Chiefs in the ridiculous 85-7 result , a lot of which was finished by Carter. The wing was involved heavily in the middle of the park too and showcased his skill with a very nice kick to set up his third try. Cortez Ratima scores and is embraced by Leroy Carter. Photo: Jeremy Ward/Photosport Of course, Carter benefited from the supremely quick service Damian McKenzie was getting, which allowed the first five tons of time to unleash his backs. Ratima helped himself to a hat trick as well, which was timely considering just how tight the squeeze will be for three All Black halfbacks. Parker probably wasn't on many radars going into this season other than Clayton McMillan's, but his blue collar work ethic and Liam Squire-like physicality looks to be exactly what the loose forward mix can benefit from. It says a lot that he's been keeping incumbent All Black Samipeni Finau on the bench for much of the season. Simon Parker. Photo: Aaron Gillions/ActionPress No, it's not just because he's from the Crusaders. Rob Penney showed no hesitation in bringing the nine test centre straight back into his starting side and Ennor has repaid the faith, especially on defence against the Highlanders in a tight 15-12 win . Ennor had to do plenty of it too, as the Crusaders spent the majority of the game in their own half. Braydon Ennor tackles Timoci Tavatavanawai. Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress Another man to shine in the somewhat ugly win was Christie, who did a mountain of defensive work himself. While he's certainly been consistent throughout his career, Christie has never quite knocked on the door of test selection, however the aforementioned loose forward balance may well necessitate a surprise call up. The Hurricanes co-skipper has now officially made an art form of the defensive turnover, this time snuffing out the Reds' last possible shot at scoring in their 31-27 win in Brisbane . Kirifi is in the form of his life and in a team that is coming right at the right time, will his long journey to an All Black jersey be realised or will he be this season's Hoskins Sotutu? Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo celebrates. Photo: Patrick Hoelscher OK, this is a little left field as Carter is the former Sevens rep that is on everyone's minds right now. But Fineanganofo, who slipped into the Hurricanes relatively unheralded this season, has been the most efficient finisher over the past couple of rounds. He scored two crucial tries, including the winner against the Reds - a call up would be a surprise but at least you can say Fineanganofo is truly one of the form wingers right now. Not just a statement about being picked, Proctor's performance against the Reds was more of a demand to be the starting centre when the test season begins. The fact that the Hurricanes' fortunes have improved dramatically since he's returned from injury is no coincidence, as Proctor's a deadly range of attacking prowess has been what they were sorely missing. Billy Proctor. Photo: Patrick Hoelscher/ActionPress Despite the Highlanders' loss, Holland's lineout work was again impressive. It's that sort of set piece dependability that Robertson will be looking for while Sam Darry is recovering, and since the Highlanders only have one game left, Holland can probably put his feet up and wait for the squad announcement. The biggest midfielder in the country put in a timely reminder as to why he got everyone excited back in March, with a powerful display on both sides of the ball against the Crusaders. It wasn't quite enough to get the result, but Tavatavanawai showcased his mobility and defensive smarts, as well as his trademark attacking play. You get the feeling though that whatever the case may be, the call on his selection has already been made. You can never have too many first fives, right?
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs grab Super Rugby top spot with record-breaking Moana romp
Waikato Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan urged his rampant side to "stay grounded" after an 85-7 trouncing of Moana Pasifika put them top of the Super Rugby standings with one round to play. Scrum-half Cortez Ratima and wing Leroy Carter scored hat-tricks in a dazzling 13-try display in Hamilton on Saturday which vaulted the Chiefs into pole position for the playoffs. Mixing physicality with lightning-fast attacks, the hosts posted their biggest-ever score and winning margin. By both measures, it was the most lopsided Super Rugby game since 2017. Fly-half Damian McKenzie scored 23 points and was at the heart of numerous attacking raids. McMillan said "lots of magical tries" were scored, but he warned his players not to get carried away. "It's hard to be critical, although I still can find a few ways," he told Sky TV, highlighting a high turnover count. "On another night, that's just not gonna be good enough. "I'm not sure we saw the best Moana side today for whatever reason and while tonight was a really good performance, we've still got to stay grounded." Victory over the last-placed Otago Highlanders next week will guarantee top seeding for the Chiefs in the six-team play-offs. Any slip-up would open the door for the second-placed Canterbury Crusaders and third-placed ACT Brumbies, who meet in Canberra on Friday. Wellington Hurricanes and Queensland Reds are also assured of their places in the playoffs, but the sixth and final spot remains up for grabs. Sixth-placed Moana will probably torpedo any chance of a maiden appearance in the finals if they lose to the Hurricanes. They would then be overtaken by the winners of a match between the defending champion Auckland Blues and New South Wales Waratahs, who are in seventh and eighth places. The Waratahs kept their hopes alive with a 22-17 defeat of the Western Force in extra time on Saturday, after the scores were locked 17-17 after 80 minutes. dgi/dh
RNZ News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Chiefs v Moana Pasifika: what you need to know
Chiefs v Moana Pasifika Kickoff: 7.05pm Saturday, 24 May FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Moana Pasifika are looking for a previously unthinkable sweep of the New Zealand sides in Super Rugby Pacific. A win would also lock in a playoff spot for them, at the expense of the Blues side they memorably beat last weekend. Beating the Chiefs won't be easy, considering they have plenty of motivation to get a win too - this would shoot them back up to the top of a very tight ladder and give them an upper hand in the post-season. Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Kyren Taumoefolau, 15. Tevita Ofa Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Julian Savea, 23. Jackson Garden-Bachop Daniel Rona scores a try for the Chiefs. Photo: Photosport This is a very strong Chiefs side, especially their loose forward trio of Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker and Wallace Sititi. The only really big name missing is Anton Lienert-Brown, who is out with injury, but the midfield remains very strong, with Quinn Tupaea and Daniel Rona starting. Damian McKenzie will again be the key man to unlock the pace of Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter and Shaun Stevenson. Solomon Alaimalo gets a start on the wing for Moana Pasifika. Photo: Brett Phibbs / William Havili is out for Moana, forcing a back-three reshuffle, with Tevita Ofa moving to fullback and Solomon Alaimalo starting on the wing. Other than that, it's an unchanged side to the one that beat the Blues. Matching up to that Chiefs loose forward trio is probably the strongest unit of the Moana side, with Ardie Savea, Miracle Faiilagi and Semisi Tupou-Ta'eiloa starting. Emoni Narawa of the Chiefs scores a try during the Super Rugby Pacific round 7 match between the Chiefs and Moana Pasifika at FMG Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand on Saturday April 06, 2024. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / Photo: Aaron Gillions / The Chiefs have won all six of their Super Rugby Pacific matches against Moana Pasifika by an average margin of 35 points per game, scoring 52.8 points per game in those six meetings. Moana Pasifika have won their last three games, their best winning streak. They are ranked sixth on the competition ladder after 14 rounds and have never been ranked higher. Emoni Narawa has scored a try in three of his last four matches, he's also scored four tries across three career games against Moana. "They've taken a big step forward and have knocked over heavyweight teams, and you couldn't help but be impressed last week by their performance against the Blues. They have a good, intelligent kicking game, work hard for each other defensively and have a sound set-piece. "They can launch from all areas. They can defend the deep defensive lines and challenge you." - Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan. "Defensively, it's going to be a big, big one for us. They pose threats across the park in their pack and their backs are really smart. "We've got to turn up in all areas of our game and do that for 80 minutes." - Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea. Chiefs 50 Moana Pasifika 35 Probably the strangest game you'll see this year, the Chiefs were cruising with a 31-7 lead at halftime. It was looking grim for the Savea-less Moana, but a second-half revival, led by a huge bench impact, drew them back within striking distance of actually winning the game. A try right on fulltime to the Chiefs pushed out the score, but this ended up being very close for comfort. This one has the potential to be a tight, kick-heavy affair, as neither side will want to give the other any free visits to the 22. McKenzie and Pellegrini have already proven this year they're more than happy to send the ball high and let their forwards chase after it, so unless the game breaks open early, we'll likely see a bit of that. Savea and Sititi will be prominent, but it will probably come down to which of the two sides' very good wingers can get into space the most. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs ready for 'phenomenal' Moana Pasifika
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, left, and Chiefs' flyhalf Damian McKenzie will play a key role in their teams for the Super Rugby Pacific round 15 clash at FMG Stadium Waikato. Photo: Whether it's a mind game or genuine admiration, Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan says they respect Moana Pasika and the challenge the team presents. The Chiefs are the only New Zealand franchise that is yet to fall to Moana Pasifika. Speaking ahead of the teams' Super Rugby Pacific round 15 clash in Hamilton, McMillan said the North Harbour-based side has been impressive this season, beating some of the heavyweights in the competition. He rates last weekend's defeat of the reigning champions, the Blues, as an exciting game that proves to many that Moana Pasifika is coming of age and is a serious threat to any team. He said he was particularly impressed for the man-of-the-match performance displayed by captain Ardie Savea , who has been an inspiration for the club this season. "We've seen what Moana has done last week," he told reporters at the team's training in Hamilton. "They've been impressive all year. I reckon they've taken a big step forward, obviously, knocked down some of the heavyweight teams, and I couldn't be help but sit back last week and be impressed by their performance against the Blues. "A good, intelligent kicking game, they worked hard for each other defensively, they can launch from anywhere and have ball carriers that can break the defensive lines and really challenge you. So just a really well balanced, well coached team and getting the reward for all of their effort." He said Savea will be a tough one to handle this weekend, after last weekend's performance, adding he enjoyed watching the team get the job done against the Blues. "I thought it was a phenomenal performance," he said, referring to last Saturday's performance against the Blues. "It's hard to read a paper or jump on a phone without seeing some article written about the bloke. But yeah, it was pretty inspirational performance, one of many this year. "But that was kind of next level. To be honest, I really enjoyed it. I thought that we obviously knew that we're going to be playing Moana and see them playing that well against quality Blues outfit, it's just definitely got us on notice." He believes the Chiefs cannot make the mistake of focusing only on the All Blacks loosie, as other players in the side are also playing well. The challenge for his side, he said, is to be 100 percent accurate, leaving no room for mistakes if the Moana Pasifika tide is to be stopped. "He's not the only one that poses a threat in their team. I think if you narrow your focus around one person, then you get stinged elsewhere. "We respect what they bring to the table, the results that they've had, the ambition and they know what's on the line for them this week, just as we do. It all points towards a pretty awesome game." Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi with the Bledisloe Cup after the All Blacks beat the Australian Wallabies at Accor Stadium in Sydney. 21 September 2024. Photo: Photosport / James Gourley Number eight Wallace Sititi, who is making a comeback after sustaining an injury on All Blacks duty last year, agreed with his head coach and said Moana Pasifika will not be easy to handle. He also pointed to Savea's performance, saying his game is getting better and better. "It'll be a big challenge this weekend. Whoever gets to put on the jersey, we'll go up against the quality side in Moana," he said. "Ardie is Ardie, and he's doing some special stuff over there, and everyone's seen it. "He's had a special year and but if I know Ardie, he's he's not done yet. "So whoever gets to put on the jersey this weekend go up against quality individual, and not just him, but also the quality side. It will be exciting challenge, and hopefully we'll be able to get the job done." Sititi, who spent time with Savea during his All Black debut season said there is no stopping the man, and he is excited about going up against the player who taught him a few things while on national duty. "I guess there's no stopping Ardie," Sititi said. "Whoever gets to go out there, we'll try our best to do a job. I said it last year, just to be able to be on the same team, on the same side, it was a dream, and like, whether I'm going to get going up against him or playing with him, he's one of the best ever doing it, and that's never going to change. "He took me under his wing a little bit, not only him, but also the other loosies involved in that team, and Ardie was leading that for us. Just learnt a lot and was able to connect and relate to him a lot, I think that helped." Sititi has been named at number eight for the Chiefs and is due to collide with his 'master' during the clash. Meanwhile, former Chiefs winger Solomon Alaimalo returns to his old playing ground this weekend in the Moana Pasifika colours. He has been named to start at left wing against his former mates. Although he has not played since sustaining a foot injury during the round eight win over the Waratahs, head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga has named the former NRL player on the starting XV. This is one of only three changes Umaga has made to the team that defeated the Blues 27-21 last week. Other changes include Danny Toala, returning to the lineup at inside centre and Tevita Ofa starting at fullback. "We know that these next few games are crucial for us heading into the business end of the season, so we've got to be at the top of our game," Umaga saidm when he named his match-day 23. "The Chiefs are a quality side who have been very consistent. We're aiming to go down to Hamilton to compete, doing everything we can to finish in the top six." The Chiefs (11.1) and Moana Pasifika (10.8) have made more attacking 22m entries per game than any other teams in Super Rugby Pacific this season. Moana Pasifika is aiming to win back-to-back away games for the first time in their history, following their win over the Highlanders in their last away game three weeks ago. A win for them will also cement their spot in the top six and secure their berth in the play-offs, with the Chiefs already guaranteed a spot. Chiefs have also named a strong team for the clash, with All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, lock Tupou Va'ai, Sititi, Emoni Narawa, and Samipeni Finau being the Pasifika heritage players in the side. An interesting tussle is expected between flyhalves, Moana Pasifika's Patrick Pellegrini and the Chiefs' general Damien McKenzie. Pellegini said this week he is looking forward to playing against McKenzie. Chiefs v Moana Pasifika Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 24 May FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Solomon Alaimalo, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Kyren Taumoefolau, 15. Tevita Ofa Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Julian Savea, 23. Jackson Garden-Bachop Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Gideon Wrampling
