Latest news with #MoanaPasifika
1News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- 1News
Hurricanes end Moana Pasifika's fairytale season
Moana Pasifika's fairytale season has come to an abrupt end at the hands of the Hurricanes. Needing a bonus-point win to progress to the playoffs for the first time, the task proved too tall for Moana, who fell to a ruthless 'Canes outfit 64-12 on Saturday. The home side were clinical across the park, running in 10 tries at the 'Caketin' to send Moana Pasifika crashing out of the competition, while keeping the Blues' faint hopes of a title defence alive. Ardie Savea did not have a happy homecoming in his first return to the region since his move to Moana Pasifika. Despite his best efforts, with several trademark turnovers and a try, Moana barely fired a shot in their final outing of the season. Things started positively for the visitors, with Solomon Alaimalo plucking an intercept and linking with Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa to score under the sticks. ADVERTISEMENT That would be as good as it got in the first 40 for Moana, who conceded four tries before the break, including two individual stunners. First, Devan Flanders took a wide ball on the wing and sent an audacious chip over the top, gathering the perfect bounce and strolling over. Then, just on the break, Peter Umaga-Jensen took a wayward clearing kick on halfway and sliced Moana Pasifika open, shrugging off several would-be tacklers on his way to a brilliant solo try. The Hurricanes continued to pour on the points after oranges, Umaga-Jensen with another jinking run, powering past two tacklers to bag his brace. Replacement front rowers Raymond Tuputupu and Pouri Rakete-Stones both barged their way over the chalk to extend the advantage, with Matt Proctor showing his class, as he weaved around the defence to put his side into the 50s. Former Moana Pasifika halfback Ere Enari sneaked his way over from the base to rub more salt in the wound, while debutant Tjay Clarke closed things out with a 10th Hurricanes try.
Scoop
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
End Of The Road For Moana Pasifika And Fijian Drua
Article – RNZ Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua ended their campaigns in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition with big losses on Saturday night. Iliesa Tora, RNZ Pacific Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua ended their campaigns in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition with big losses on Saturday night. Fighting to consolidate their sixth spot in the competition standing against the Hurricanes at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, Moana Pasifika were well and truly beaten by the hosts 64-12. It was their second consecutive loss in two weekends, having also fallen to the Chiefs in Hamilton a weekend earlier. A few minutes later, the Fijian Drua also suffered the same fate, this time beaten 52-7 by Queensland Reds in Brisbane. The results meant Moana Pasifika finished their 2025 season at seventh on the points standing, their best finish since they made their debut in 2022. The Drua, who had made two quarterfinal appearances in the last two years, ended their campaign at 10th position, one place above wooden spoon holders, the Highlanders. Proud of the boys With over 20,000 fans on the stands, the game kicked off with alot of excitement and expectations in the air. Moana Pasifika struck first, through number eight Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, who finished off over the line. But that was all they could register on the board in the first 40 minutes, as the Hurricanes turned the pressure up and led 28-7 at the halftime break. Despite captain Ardie Savea winning a number of turnover balls, the North Harbour based side could not find their way through the tight Hurricanes defensive line. Savea scored one try in the second spell but it was not enough to make any real difference on the scoreboard. He told Stan Sports after the game he was proud of what the team was able to achieve this year, especially with over 20,000 fans turning up to watch the game. He also pointed to divine help as the team's strength. 'Obviously the score looks like it's blown out but I just want to take this time out to give glory to the man above,' he said. 'My brothers here, you know, everyone doubted us, God believed in us. 'These boys came together and we all came together. I've come home and it's a special place for me with the Hurricanes fans and the Moana fans, that means to much to me and it's close to my heart. 'For these boys to come here and do something for New Zealand Rugby and the Super Rugby competition, it's a blessing in itself.' Savea received his 2025 Super Rugby Pacific award after the game as well. Some critical moments of the game, that went against Moana in the game included an intercepted backline passing movement which Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard intercepted to dash home for a try and a kick for touch by playmaker Patrick Pellegrini that sailed over the dead ball line from a penalty. That swung the momentum back to the hosts, just as the visitors were looking like making some positive shift. Assistant coach Stephen Jones said he and the team management were proud of the team, despite the loss. He pointed to their achievements, which had included beating New Zealand clubs the Highlanders, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Blues this year, plus their first back-to-back wins against the Highlanders and the Waratahs over two consecutive weekends. In his first match this year, Moana Pasifika's Lotu Inisi came off the bench in the 51st minute and quickly made an impact with his powerful carries. The loss concludes a historic season for Moana Pasifika who finished with six wins, the most they've ever won in a single season. 'Incredibly proud, simple as that,' he told journalists at the post-match conference. 'The efforts the players had put in throughout the season, the improvements they've made,' he said. 'They've challenged themselves to grow their game and the emotion we have is one of pride. 'Obviously we wanted the last two games to finish stronger in the campaign, that's a given but we are very very proud of this group.' Jones said they had prepared well during the week, understanding what they needed to do to consolidate their top six position and the challenge that the Hurricanes posed. They needed a bonus win to secure their sixth position, after the Blues recorded a bonus point 46-6 win over the Waratahs earlier in the day. 'It didn't change anything from our preparation,' he said. 'We knew what we wanted to do, to come down and implement our game plan.' Jones said the side would only grow and get better, stating there were alot of young players who tasted Super Rugby for the first time this season, who had given their all. That, he said, would augur well for the club. 'We couldn't have asked more of the boys, they have given us everything,' the former Welsh international said. 'I think when you look at our group and the amount of guys who were having their first taste of Super Rugby, it certainly is a challenging season. 'Obviously we had a high with that Blues victory. We've asked the buys to work week in, week out and challenged them to improve their game.' Satisfied coach The Hurricanes, led by DuPlesis Kirifi, variated their game throughout, and the combination of halfback Roigard with Reuben Love proved to be a key in the team's performance. The home side were clinical across the park, running in 10 tries at the 'Caketin'. Head coach Clark Laidlaw told journalists after the game he was satisfied with the win and his team's performance, which now sends them to play the Brumbies in Canberra next weekend in one of the three elimination matches. He said they understood the threat Moana Pasifika posed for them, having lost to their visitors in Albany in an earlier round. 'Yeah, delighted with the performance,' he stated. 'We had a really solid week. We knew the threat of Moana. 'I think they have added to the competition, and the way they played have really inspired different group to be involved in the game. We had a huge amount of respect so we prepared accordingly.' Laidlaw said Ardie and older brother Julian, who played together against the Hurricanes last night, were legends, having played around 300 matches combined for the capital city franchise. He said Ardie leaving the Hurricanes gave other players the opportunity to shine, which he believes is a win-win for everyone. Drua loss Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua fell to the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, in their last game for the season. Captain Tevita Ikanivere and lock Isoa Nasilasila were playing their 50th Super Rugby games each, both having strong performances on the night. But the team could not find consistency in their game, as the Reds went to work early. Drua were playing for redemption more than anything else, having lost any hope of claiming a top six finish midway through the competition. The Drua opened the game at Suncorp Stadium strongly, going to work early on attack. However, they could not finish their moves and when the Reds turned the table on them, the visitors were found wanting. Centre Iosefo Masi was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle in the 10th minute and that gave the Reds the opportunity to get to work and register points. That they did straight away, as winger Lachie Anderson claiming the first of his four tries of the night. Anderson's performance means he has become the first Reds player to score four tries in a game since the professional era kicked off in 1996 and joins Joe Roff (1996) and Drew Mitchell (2010) as the only other Aussies to do so. Reds record show that not since the Reds' former Fijian winger Isei Nasiganiyavi scored five tries against Western Samoa in 1989 has a Queensland player crossed as often in a game. Anderson scored a hat-trick in the first half as the Reds led 33-0 at the break. Drua showed some hope at the resumption of the second half when prop Haeriti Hetet powered over for a try, converted by Isaiah Ravula. Flanker Etonia Waqa was sent to the sin bin and the Reds stormed home with tries to for Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Harry Wilson, Joe Brial and Ryan Smith. The win means the Reds, who finished fifth, will now meet the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday in their play-off game. Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere said they had a plan but just could not get their rythm right. 'We started well but then lost our way,' he said after the game. 'The Reds took control and we lost the game in the end.' Reds Head Coach Les Kiss knew the team was locked in for a trip to Christchurch before tonight's kick-off so he derived satisfaction from his players staying on task. 'It was us continuing to develop the game we are good at. It was pretty complete,' Kiss said. Skipper Tate McDermott applauded Anderson. 'I've seen Lachie's journey from our days playing sevens together and how far he's come. He's shown he's a true, class winger,' McDermott said. 'He's a rock defensively and he's quick.' The full results from the final round of regular Super Rugby Pacific matches: Chiefs 41 Highlanders 24, Crusaders 33 Brumbies 31, Blues 46 Waratahs 6, Hurricanes 64 Moana Pasifika 12, Reds 52 Fijian Drua 7. Draws for the quarterfinal: Friday – June 6: 7.05pm Crusaders (2) vs Reds (5) in Christchurch); Saturday – June 7: 7.05pm Chiefs (1) vs Blues (6) in Hamilton, 9.35pm Brumbies (3) vs Hurricanes (4) in Canberra.
Scoop
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
End Of The Road For Moana Pasifika And Fijian Drua
Article – RNZ , RNZ Pacific Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua ended their campaigns in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition with big losses on Saturday night. Fighting to consolidate their sixth spot in the competition standing against the Hurricanes at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, Moana Pasifika were well and truly beaten by the hosts 64-12. It was their second consecutive loss in two weekends, having also fallen to the Chiefs in Hamilton a weekend earlier. A few minutes later, the Fijian Drua also suffered the same fate, this time beaten 52-7 by Queensland Reds in Brisbane. The results meant Moana Pasifika finished their 2025 season at seventh on the points standing, their best finish since they made their debut in 2022. The Drua, who had made two quarterfinal appearances in the last two years, ended their campaign at 10th position, one place above wooden spoon holders, the Highlanders. Proud of the boys With over 20,000 fans on the stands, the game kicked off with alot of excitement and expectations in the air. Moana Pasifika struck first, through number eight Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, who finished off over the line. But that was all they could register on the board in the first 40 minutes, as the Hurricanes turned the pressure up and led 28-7 at the halftime break. Despite captain Ardie Savea winning a number of turnover balls, the North Harbour based side could not find their way through the tight Hurricanes defensive line. Savea scored one try in the second spell but it was not enough to make any real difference on the scoreboard. He told Stan Sports after the game he was proud of what the team was able to achieve this year, especially with over 20,000 fans turning up to watch the game. He also pointed to divine help as the team's strength. 'Obviously the score looks like it's blown out but I just want to take this time out to give glory to the man above,' he said. 'My brothers here, you know, everyone doubted us, God believed in us. 'These boys came together and we all came together. I've come home and it's a special place for me with the Hurricanes fans and the Moana fans, that means to much to me and it's close to my heart. 'For these boys to come here and do something for New Zealand Rugby and the Super Rugby competition, it's a blessing in itself.' Savea received his 2025 Super Rugby Pacific award after the game as well. Some critical moments of the game, that went against Moana in the game included an intercepted backline passing movement which Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard intercepted to dash home for a try and a kick for touch by playmaker Patrick Pellegrini that sailed over the dead ball line from a penalty. That swung the momentum back to the hosts, just as the visitors were looking like making some positive shift. Assistant coach Stephen Jones said he and the team management were proud of the team, despite the loss. He pointed to their achievements, which had included beating New Zealand clubs the Highlanders, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Blues this year, plus their first back-to-back wins against the Highlanders and the Waratahs over two consecutive weekends. In his first match this year, Moana Pasifika's Lotu Inisi came off the bench in the 51st minute and quickly made an impact with his powerful carries. The loss concludes a historic season for Moana Pasifika who finished with six wins, the most they've ever won in a single season. 'Incredibly proud, simple as that,' he told journalists at the post-match conference. 'The efforts the players had put in throughout the season, the improvements they've made,' he said. 'They've challenged themselves to grow their game and the emotion we have is one of pride. 'Obviously we wanted the last two games to finish stronger in the campaign, that's a given but we are very very proud of this group.' Jones said they had prepared well during the week, understanding what they needed to do to consolidate their top six position and the challenge that the Hurricanes posed. They needed a bonus win to secure their sixth position, after the Blues recorded a bonus point 46-6 win over the Waratahs earlier in the day. 'It didn't change anything from our preparation,' he said. 'We knew what we wanted to do, to come down and implement our game plan.' Jones said the side would only grow and get better, stating there were alot of young players who tasted Super Rugby for the first time this season, who had given their all. That, he said, would augur well for the club. 'We couldn't have asked more of the boys, they have given us everything,' the former Welsh international said. 'I think when you look at our group and the amount of guys who were having their first taste of Super Rugby, it certainly is a challenging season. 'Obviously we had a high with that Blues victory. We've asked the buys to work week in, week out and challenged them to improve their game.' Satisfied coach The Hurricanes, led by DuPlesis Kirifi, variated their game throughout, and the combination of halfback Roigard with Reuben Love proved to be a key in the team's performance. The home side were clinical across the park, running in 10 tries at the 'Caketin'. Head coach Clark Laidlaw told journalists after the game he was satisfied with the win and his team's performance, which now sends them to play the Brumbies in Canberra next weekend in one of the three elimination matches. He said they understood the threat Moana Pasifika posed for them, having lost to their visitors in Albany in an earlier round. 'Yeah, delighted with the performance,' he stated. 'We had a really solid week. We knew the threat of Moana. 'I think they have added to the competition, and the way they played have really inspired different group to be involved in the game. We had a huge amount of respect so we prepared accordingly.' Laidlaw said Ardie and older brother Julian, who played together against the Hurricanes last night, were legends, having played around 300 matches combined for the capital city franchise. He said Ardie leaving the Hurricanes gave other players the opportunity to shine, which he believes is a win-win for everyone. Drua loss Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua fell to the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, in their last game for the season. Captain Tevita Ikanivere and lock Isoa Nasilasila were playing their 50th Super Rugby games each, both having strong performances on the night. But the team could not find consistency in their game, as the Reds went to work early. Drua were playing for redemption more than anything else, having lost any hope of claiming a top six finish midway through the competition. The Drua opened the game at Suncorp Stadium strongly, going to work early on attack. However, they could not finish their moves and when the Reds turned the table on them, the visitors were found wanting. Centre Iosefo Masi was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle in the 10th minute and that gave the Reds the opportunity to get to work and register points. That they did straight away, as winger Lachie Anderson claiming the first of his four tries of the night. Anderson's performance means he has become the first Reds player to score four tries in a game since the professional era kicked off in 1996 and joins Joe Roff (1996) and Drew Mitchell (2010) as the only other Aussies to do so. Reds record show that not since the Reds' former Fijian winger Isei Nasiganiyavi scored five tries against Western Samoa in 1989 has a Queensland player crossed as often in a game. Anderson scored a hat-trick in the first half as the Reds led 33-0 at the break. Drua showed some hope at the resumption of the second half when prop Haeriti Hetet powered over for a try, converted by Isaiah Ravula. Flanker Etonia Waqa was sent to the sin bin and the Reds stormed home with tries to for Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Harry Wilson, Joe Brial and Ryan Smith. The win means the Reds, who finished fifth, will now meet the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday in their play-off game. Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere said they had a plan but just could not get their rythm right. 'We started well but then lost our way,' he said after the game. 'The Reds took control and we lost the game in the end.' Reds Head Coach Les Kiss knew the team was locked in for a trip to Christchurch before tonight's kick-off so he derived satisfaction from his players staying on task. 'It was us continuing to develop the game we are good at. It was pretty complete,' Kiss said. Skipper Tate McDermott applauded Anderson. 'I've seen Lachie's journey from our days playing sevens together and how far he's come. He's shown he's a true, class winger,' McDermott said. 'He's a rock defensively and he's quick.' The full results from the final round of regular Super Rugby Pacific matches: Chiefs 41 Highlanders 24, Crusaders 33 Brumbies 31, Blues 46 Waratahs 6, Hurricanes 64 Moana Pasifika 12, Reds 52 Fijian Drua 7. Draws for the quarterfinal: Friday – June 6: 7.05pm Crusaders (2) vs Reds (5) in Christchurch); Saturday – June 7: 7.05pm Chiefs (1) vs Blues (6) in Hamilton, 9.35pm Brumbies (3) vs Hurricanes (4) in Canberra.
Scoop
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Scoop
End Of The Road For Moana Pasifika And Fijian Drua
, RNZ Pacific Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua ended their campaigns in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition with big losses on Saturday night. Fighting to consolidate their sixth spot in the competition standing against the Hurricanes at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, Moana Pasifika were well and truly beaten by the hosts 64-12. It was their second consecutive loss in two weekends, having also fallen to the Chiefs in Hamilton a weekend earlier. A few minutes later, the Fijian Drua also suffered the same fate, this time beaten 52-7 by Queensland Reds in Brisbane. The results meant Moana Pasifika finished their 2025 season at seventh on the points standing, their best finish since they made their debut in 2022. The Drua, who had made two quarterfinal appearances in the last two years, ended their campaign at 10th position, one place above wooden spoon holders, the Highlanders. Proud of the boys With over 20,000 fans on the stands, the game kicked off with alot of excitement and expectations in the air. Moana Pasifika struck first, through number eight Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, who finished off over the line. But that was all they could register on the board in the first 40 minutes, as the Hurricanes turned the pressure up and led 28-7 at the halftime break. Despite captain Ardie Savea winning a number of turnover balls, the North Harbour based side could not find their way through the tight Hurricanes defensive line. Savea scored one try in the second spell but it was not enough to make any real difference on the scoreboard. He told Stan Sports after the game he was proud of what the team was able to achieve this year, especially with over 20,000 fans turning up to watch the game. He also pointed to divine help as the team's strength. "Obviously the score looks like it's blown out but I just want to take this time out to give glory to the man above," he said. "My brothers here, you know, everyone doubted us, God believed in us. "These boys came together and we all came together. I've come home and it's a special place for me with the Hurricanes fans and the Moana fans, that means to much to me and it's close to my heart. "For these boys to come here and do something for New Zealand Rugby and the Super Rugby competition, it's a blessing in itself." Savea received his 2025 Super Rugby Pacific award after the game as well. Some critical moments of the game, that went against Moana in the game included an intercepted backline passing movement which Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard intercepted to dash home for a try and a kick for touch by playmaker Patrick Pellegrini that sailed over the dead ball line from a penalty. That swung the momentum back to the hosts, just as the visitors were looking like making some positive shift. Assistant coach Stephen Jones said he and the team management were proud of the team, despite the loss. He pointed to their achievements, which had included beating New Zealand clubs the Highlanders, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Blues this year, plus their first back-to-back wins against the Highlanders and the Waratahs over two consecutive weekends. In his first match this year, Moana Pasifika's Lotu Inisi came off the bench in the 51st minute and quickly made an impact with his powerful carries. The loss concludes a historic season for Moana Pasifika who finished with six wins, the most they've ever won in a single season. "Incredibly proud, simple as that," he told journalists at the post-match conference. "The efforts the players had put in throughout the season, the improvements they've made," he said. "They've challenged themselves to grow their game and the emotion we have is one of pride. "Obviously we wanted the last two games to finish stronger in the campaign, that's a given but we are very very proud of this group." Jones said they had prepared well during the week, understanding what they needed to do to consolidate their top six position and the challenge that the Hurricanes posed. They needed a bonus win to secure their sixth position, after the Blues recorded a bonus point 46-6 win over the Waratahs earlier in the day. "It didn't change anything from our preparation," he said. "We knew what we wanted to do, to come down and implement our game plan." Jones said the side would only grow and get better, stating there were alot of young players who tasted Super Rugby for the first time this season, who had given their all. That, he said, would augur well for the club. "We couldn't have asked more of the boys, they have given us everything," the former Welsh international said. "I think when you look at our group and the amount of guys who were having their first taste of Super Rugby, it certainly is a challenging season. "Obviously we had a high with that Blues victory. We've asked the buys to work week in, week out and challenged them to improve their game." Satisfied coach The Hurricanes, led by DuPlesis Kirifi, variated their game throughout, and the combination of halfback Roigard with Reuben Love proved to be a key in the team's performance. The home side were clinical across the park, running in 10 tries at the 'Caketin'. Head coach Clark Laidlaw told journalists after the game he was satisfied with the win and his team's performance, which now sends them to play the Brumbies in Canberra next weekend in one of the three elimination matches. He said they understood the threat Moana Pasifika posed for them, having lost to their visitors in Albany in an earlier round. "Yeah, delighted with the performance," he stated. "We had a really solid week. We knew the threat of Moana. "I think they have added to the competition, and the way they played have really inspired different group to be involved in the game. We had a huge amount of respect so we prepared accordingly." Laidlaw said Ardie and older brother Julian, who played together against the Hurricanes last night, were legends, having played around 300 matches combined for the capital city franchise. He said Ardie leaving the Hurricanes gave other players the opportunity to shine, which he believes is a win-win for everyone. Drua loss Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua fell to the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, in their last game for the season. Captain Tevita Ikanivere and lock Isoa Nasilasila were playing their 50th Super Rugby games each, both having strong performances on the night. But the team could not find consistency in their game, as the Reds went to work early. Drua were playing for redemption more than anything else, having lost any hope of claiming a top six finish midway through the competition. The Drua opened the game at Suncorp Stadium strongly, going to work early on attack. However, they could not finish their moves and when the Reds turned the table on them, the visitors were found wanting. Centre Iosefo Masi was shown a yellow card for a tip tackle in the 10th minute and that gave the Reds the opportunity to get to work and register points. That they did straight away, as winger Lachie Anderson claiming the first of his four tries of the night. Anderson's performance means he has become the first Reds player to score four tries in a game since the professional era kicked off in 1996 and joins Joe Roff (1996) and Drew Mitchell (2010) as the only other Aussies to do so. Reds record show that not since the Reds' former Fijian winger Isei Nasiganiyavi scored five tries against Western Samoa in 1989 has a Queensland player crossed as often in a game. Anderson scored a hat-trick in the first half as the Reds led 33-0 at the break. Drua showed some hope at the resumption of the second half when prop Haeriti Hetet powered over for a try, converted by Isaiah Ravula. Flanker Etonia Waqa was sent to the sin bin and the Reds stormed home with tries to for Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Harry Wilson, Joe Brial and Ryan Smith. The win means the Reds, who finished fifth, will now meet the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday in their play-off game. Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere said they had a plan but just could not get their rythm right. "We started well but then lost our way," he said after the game. "The Reds took control and we lost the game in the end." Reds Head Coach Les Kiss knew the team was locked in for a trip to Christchurch before tonight's kick-off so he derived satisfaction from his players staying on task. "It was us continuing to develop the game we are good at. It was pretty complete," Kiss said. Skipper Tate McDermott applauded Anderson. "I've seen Lachie's journey from our days playing sevens together and how far he's come. He's shown he's a true, class winger," McDermott said. "He's a rock defensively and he's quick." The full results from the final round of regular Super Rugby Pacific matches: Chiefs 41 Highlanders 24, Crusaders 33 Brumbies 31, Blues 46 Waratahs 6, Hurricanes 64 Moana Pasifika 12, Reds 52 Fijian Drua 7. Draws for the quarterfinal: Friday - June 6: 7.05pm Crusaders (2) vs Reds (5) in Christchurch); Saturday - June 7: 7.05pm Chiefs (1) vs Blues (6) in Hamilton, 9.35pm Brumbies (3) vs Hurricanes (4) in Canberra.
Fox Sports
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Super Rugby playoffs set: Chiefs and Blues to face off again
Associated Press WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The pieces of the playoffs puzzle in Super Rugby locked into place match by match during the last round of the regular season. The Hamilton-based Chiefs sealed first place and the defending champion Blues claimed sixth while Moana Pasifika's best-ever season ended in defeat. The Chiefs and Blues will now meet next weekend in a repeat of last year's final. Matches on Friday decided the top-three places which carry home advantage in next weekend's first playoff round, while Saturday's games sorted fourth to sixth place, setting up a series of competitive semifinals. The second-placed Crusaders will meet the Queensland Reds in Christchurch on Friday; the Chiefs will host the Auckland-based Blues in a contest between neighboring teams Saturday and the ACT Brumbies will face the Wellington-based Hurricanes in Canberra. History shows home advantage is a key factor in Super Rugby playoffs. The last-placed Highlanders gave the first-placed Chiefs an unexpectedly tough time Friday before losing 41-24. The Chiefs scored three tries and rushed out to a 19-0 lead in better than even time. But a lengthy injury break around the 20th minute when Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupaea suffered a head injury broke the Chiefs' momentum and the Highlanders scored two tries to cut the lead to five points at halftime. The Highlanders trailed by 10 points with six minutes remaining and went close to scoring another try which would have made the final minutes tense. But lock Tupou Vaa'i scored his third try in the 80th minute to inflate the Chiefs' winning margin. While the Highlanders finished last, the losing margin was less than seven points in eight of its 11 defeats. Crusaders leap Brumbies The Crusaders scored a contentious late try to beat the Brumbies 33-31 in Canberra to take second place and consign the Brumbies to third. The Brumbies have now qualified for the playoffs in eight of the last nine full Super Rugby tournaments. They last qualified in first place in 2004, a year they went on to win the title. 'It's been 21 years and every year we start the season and talk about top two as a goal,' coach Stephen Larkham said. 'So yeah, we've missed an opportunity there again. 'It makes it a little bit harder for us. We're going to need a little bit of luck to get a home semifinal but that's out of our control now.' Moana Pasifika falls short The Hurricanes beat Moana Pasifika 64-12 to take fourth place. Moana Pasifika won six matches in a season for the first time, beating the Blues and Crusaders and finishing five points short of the playoffs. The Moana Pasifika players and fans celebrated the end of their season with enthusiasm, led in song by captain Ardie Savea. 'You know, everyone doubted us, God believed in us,' Savea said. 'These boys came together and we brought people together. 'We're not satisfied. Our goal was to win the thing and make the top six but that wasn't meant to be.' The Blues started the last round in seventh place and moved into the playoffs with a 46-6 win over the New South Wales Waratahs who also were in playoffs contention. Their clash with the Chiefs next weekend repeats last year's final in which the Blues beat the Chiefs 41-10. This year, the Chiefs start as firm favorites. The Reds beat the Fijian Drua 52-7 in the final match of the regular season and finished fifth. The Drua won four matches in the regular season but lacked the ability to win away from home. ___ AP rugby: recommended
