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ABC News
12 hours ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Why Brumbies can meet challenge of beating Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific semifinal
Defeating the Chiefs in Hamilton is always a tough ask, but it's not mission impossible for the ACT Brumbies in next Saturday night's Super Rugby Pacific semifinal. And this isn't simply because the Blues found a formula to beating the top-ranked Chiefs in enemy territory, when they came away with an upset 20-19 victory in the first week of the finals. The Brumbies showed they could compete with the Chiefs 'on the road' back in round three. The final 49-34 scoreline masked how close the contest was in Hamilton, with the Brumbies trailing by five points with just over four minutes left in the match. Each side scored six tries and it was the Chiefs' superior goal kicking — via the boots of Damian McKenzie and Josh Jacomb — that proved the difference on the scoreboard. The Brumbies' fortunes turned after the loss in Hamilton, as only a week later they posted their first win over the Blues (21-20) at Eden Park in 12 years. They also regained the services of arguably their most influential player, Rob Valetini, a few weeks later following his return from a hamstring injury that saw him miss the start of the season. However, an area of concern the Brumbies need to address in the sudden-death encounter against the Chiefs is their defence. Four tries were conceded in the 35-28 defeat of the Hurricanes in Saturday night's qualifying final at Canberra Stadium. The Chiefs can exploit even the slightest of defensive lapses with the array of attacking threats they possess in their line-up. Conquering the mental demons that come from losing three consecutive semifinals on New Zealand soil is another challenge the Brumbies must face. But an encouraging sign is the fact they haven't appeared intimidated in any of their matches against New Zealand opposition this season. This can't be said about every performance from an Australian team when they've faced a trans-Tasman rival. The Brumbies' victory over the Hurricanes was far from perfect, but it did illustrate they can adapt their game to the cut-throat atmosphere of finals rugby. With no bonus points up for grabs, Stephen Larkham's side knew all they had to do was win to keep their season alive and they achieved this through old-fashioned grit. There was nothing pretty about four of their five tries, scored via conservative — but effective — tactics. Billy Pollard's brace came from driving mauls from line-outs, while fellow front-rowers Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper crossed the chalk after the patient use of one-out runners and the 'pick and go' ploy. Tom Wright's second-half try was the only score managed from brilliance in attack, with the Wallabies fullback running into open space via a breathtaking inside ball from Valetini, deftly executed in contact. This is a strength of the Brumbies: they can score tries with style and flair, as well as through 'blue-collar' methods. Winning in Christchurch was already an uphill battle for the Queensland Reds before they took the field against the Crusaders. The hosts held a 29-0 win-loss record in home finals prior to playing the Reds last Friday night. The Reds made the task more difficult for themselves with an inept display in the first half of the qualifying final, conceding two tries, giving away six penalties to one and barely laying a glove on the home side in attack. The final penalty count finished 11-6 against the Reds, with five of those coming in scrums. The Crusaders fed off the Reds' poor discipline and misfiring set-piece to complete a comprehensive 32-12 victory and move through to the semifinals, where they will play the Crusaders at home on Friday night. No positive spin can be applied to the Reds' performance, who were outclassed by a more talented, aggressive and hungrier opponent. It brought an end to a Reds' campaign that saw them lead the standings earlier in the competition, only to fall away with a 3-5 win-loss return from their last eight regular-season matches. Even with the blooding of several players in 2024 and the addition of some ex-Melbourne Rebels, the Reds' depth was stretched this season when injuries took their toll. Ahead of their clash with the Crusaders, the Reds had six Wallabies — including Liam Wright, Matt Faessler and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto — sitting in the casualty ward. Among those who took the field in Christchurch, Test players Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook had all spent time on the sidelines due injury or concussion protocols. The Reds used 38 players across the season, although head coach Les Kiss didn't advance injuries as an excuse for why his side exited in the first week of the finals. While financial reasons underpinned the Rebels' axing last year, the move helped consolidate Australia's player pool among the remaining four teams. When there were five clubs, the talent was spread too thinly and this showed in the results, especially after the competition was rebranded as Super Rugby Pacific in 2022. But player depth remains an issue for Australian teams, even within a condensed environment. Still, the Reds can be buoyed by the progress Joe Brial made in his second year at Ballymore, as well as Richie Asiata's breakout season. Both could find themselves members of the Wallabies' wider squad during the British and Irish Lions series and Rugby Championship. The Brumbies may be the last Australian team standing, but there is still much interest — from a Wallabies point of view — in how the finals play out in regard to the Crusaders. As he has done throughout the season, James O'Connor featured off the bench in the Crusaders' win over the Reds. O'Connor didn't have much to do across his two stints on the field, with his output restricted to six passes, one carry and four tackles. He did slip up on the stroke of half-time with a mistimed kick for touch — from a penalty — going dead, but only the harshest judge would hold that against the 34-year-old when weighing up his Wallabies' selection chances. O'Connor has played well enough for the Crusaders to be considered a contender to face the Lions, with a role off the bench suiting him at this point of his career. His experience, which includes starting at fly-half in all three Tests against the Lions in 2013, would be invaluable, given the sparse play-making options available to the Wallabies.
RNZ News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Super Rugby Team Namings: Canes and Chiefs headline weekend's action
The Hurricanes and Chiefs headline this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific action, with the Canes naming a similar side to the one that beat the Brumbies in Canberra last weekend. Meanwhile, Wallace Sititi's return to play is again managed through the reserves, while the Chiefs are once again missing Damian McKenzie. Josh Jacomb starts at first five but with Clayton McMillan going for a six forward/two back bench, there's not a lot of back up available if something goes wrong. Other selection news: Finlay Christie and Zarn Sullivan have paid the price for the Blues' disastrous loss in Brisbane last weekend, dropped from the squad to play the Force completely. Taufa Funaki is back from injury and takes over at halfback, while Mark Tele'a's suspension sees AJ Lam moved out to the wing and youngster Xavi Taele getting a recall at 12. Moana have named a strong side for their intriguing visit to Dunedin, with a super-charged loose forward trio of Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa the most obvious threat. It's a homecoming for Tupou-Ta'eiloa, who went to school at Otago Boys High. Kyren Tamoefolau comes back from injury onto the wing. Former Wallaby prop Pone Fa'amausili will debut off the bench. The Highlanders have somewhat surprisingly swapped Nathan Hastie back into the starting line-up ahead of Folau Fakatava, however it is worth mentioning that Hastie was probably the best player on the park the last time these sides met. Timoci Tavatavanawai moves back into the midfield and Sam Gilbert goes back to the wing. Blues v Force Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 2 May Eden Park, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Blues: 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Laghlan McWhannell, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Taufa Funaki, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. AJ Lam, 12. Xavi Taele, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Cole Forbes, 15. Stephen Perofeta Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Cam Christie, 21. Adrian Choat, 22. Sam Nock, 23. Corey Evans Blues halfback Taufa Funaki celebrates his try with Corey Evans and Rieko Ioane. Photo: Photosport Hurricanes v Chiefs Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 3 May Sky Stadium, Wellington Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Hurricanes: 1. Tevita Mafileo, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brayden Iose, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Riley Higgins, 13. Billy Proctor (cc), 14. Ngatungane Punivai, 15. Callum Harkin Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Zach Gallagher, 20. Brad Shields (cc), 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Riley Hohepa, 23. Bailyn Sullivan Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. George Dyer, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Kaylum Boshier, 8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Wallace Sititi, 22. Xavier Roe, 23. Gideon Wrampling Chiefs forward Wallace Sititi in action during their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Hurricanes. Photo: photosport Highlanders v Moana Pasifika Kick-off: 3:35pm Sunday 4 May Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Soane Vikena, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Oliver Haig, 6. TK Howden, 7. Sean Withy, 8. Hugh Renton (cc), 9. Nathan Hastie, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 14. Sam Gilbert, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Mitch Dunshea, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Folau Fakatava, 22. Taine Robinson, 23. Jake Te Hiwi Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Chris Apoua, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili Bench: 16. Tomasi Maka, 17. Monu Moli, 18. Pone Fa'amausili, 19. Ofa Tauatevalu, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Julian Savea, 23. Patrick Pellegrini Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Also: Fijian Drua v Reds Kick-off: 2:05pm Saturday 3 March HFC Bank Stadium, Suva Brumbies v Waratahs Kick-off: 9:35pm Saturday 3 March GIO Stadium, Canberra Crusaders - bye
