On the 12th day of Pacific Super Rugby in Auckland i Blues they win the top-of-the-table clash against the Hurricanes and overtake them at the top of the rankings. It was a hard-fought match, with 7 tries all scored or allowed from the pick and go game of the forwardsnot from the airy easy-going actions to which we have become accustomed Super Rugby. A sign that when the result counts even in this tournament made up of champions and tightrope walkers, rules and refereeing adapted to improve the spectacle and speed of the game, we return to the basics of fighting and physicality to win the match.
BLUES v HURRICANES
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaiah Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee: James Doleman
Blues v Hurricanes Video Highlights:
Crusaders always at a peak
The other important result of the day in Dunedin is yet another defeat of the reigning champions Crusaders 32-29 against the Highlanders. This too was a direct clash, because in the event of a victory for the Crusaders it could lead them to overtaking their rivals and entering the play-off zone for the first time. The brace from the fast attacking midfielder Sevu Reece wasn’t enough for the Crusaders.
HIGHLANDERS v CRUSADERS
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogodo, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele ‘a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Corey Kellow, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua , Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Referee: Angus Gardner
Highlanders v Crusaders Video Highlights:
The other four challenges
In the other four matches Act Brumbies and Waikato Chiefs maintain third and fourth positions, useful for playing the quarter-finals of the play-offs at home, with opposite victories. Suffered 29-21 at home to the Waratahs in the Australian derby for the Brumbies. Historyless 43-7 for the Chiefs at Moana Pasifika (who conceded 2 tries when there were 13 of them). The final blow of the last in the standings, the Western Force:e beat the Fijian Drua 38-10 and are now following them at -2 for the last position in the play-offs. Last result Reds-Rebels 26-22.
Three days before the end of the regular season, the standings (the top eight in the play-offs):
Super Rugby Pacific standings:
Blues 45
Hurricanes 43
Act Brumbies 39
Chiefs 38
Queensland Reds 31
Melbourne Rebels 25
Highlanders 23
Fijian Drua 17
— Playoffs —
Western Force 15
Moana Pasifica 14
Crusaders 14
NSW Waratahs 12
