

The Brumbies have plenty of work to do if they are to make an impact in the Super Rugby Pacific finals with their chances of a top-two finish over after a 31-21 loss to the Chiefs.
Two weeks out from the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs and interest should, in theory at least, ratchet up several notches from here. But the competition, and its stewards, are playing supporters for fools -- Liam Napier writes.
The Queensland Reds have broken their New Zealand hoodoo and ended the Chiefs' unbeaten season with a stunning Super Rugby Pacific upset in New Plymouth.
Sunday afternoon footy comes back with a bang with Noah Lolesio and Carter Gordon putting on a show in Melbourne, meanwhile Moana came within a whisker of their first victory and the Waratahs earned their first win over the Reds in four matches.
Flyhalf Damian McKenzie and fullback Shaun Stevenson led the Chiefs counter-attacking game as the Hamilton-based team beat the Dunedin-based Highlanders 52-28 to extend their winning start to the season in Super Rugby Pacific to 10 matches.
In stories you may have missed this week, Hamish McLennan considers a role with World Rugby, the idea of a Super Rugby draft is kicked around and Israel Folau is set to return to Twickenham.
From their lowest ebb to a nine game unbeaten run, the Chiefs hold an ironclad grip on favouritism for this year's title. For good reason. A dynamic backline with an imposing forward pack bolstered by incredible depth, few would bet against the Chiefs.
Ten rounds in and the battle for the top 8 is starting to heat up. Returning to a full complement of matches, we were treated to a box office display from Damian McKenzie and a game worth the price of admission in Waikato.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan couldn't help but send another barb NRL's way after announcing the code's $8.2 million surplus, while Scott Robertson said he's open to overseas selection when he takes over as All Blacks coach.
Just eight teams remain in Super Rugby Pacific as we arrive at quarterfinal week, where all but one game looks like a one-way traffic. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
The race for the finals is heating up with plenty of teams jostling for a position in the top 8. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
It's finally here, the final round of the Super Rugby Pacific season and there's still plenty on the line as we begin to prepare for the finals series. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
After three bye weekends we're finally back to a full slate of match-ups in Round 10 as the fight for a top eight spot truly begins. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
The race for the finals is heating up with plenty of teams jostling for a position in the top 8. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
The race for the finals is heating up with plenty of teams jostling for a position in the top 8. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
The race for the finals is heating up with plenty of teams jostling for a position in the top 8. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
The Hamilton-based Chiefs have showcased their handling skills in teeming rain to beat the Fijian Drua 50-17 and stretch their winning start in Super Rugby Pacific to eight games.
The code wars have erupted again with Rugby Australia reportedly plotting an audacious bid for NRL's Payne Haas, while the Western Force are still fuming following Lachie Swinton's no-call reckless hit on Jake Strachan.
In our final round of bye weeks we are again treated to just four matches across Friday and Saturday nights as teams begin to prepare for the backend of the season. Stay across all the weekend's line-ups, team news and odds here.
In another truncated week of Super Rugby Pacific, Damian McKenzie is putting the pressure on All Blacks selectors, while another brain fade from a Waratahs star will prove costly.
The Chiefs have rallied from 17-8 down at halftime to beat the Hurricanes 33-17 and return to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
World Rugby are considering implementing the successful Super Rugby Pacific TMO referral system with the introduction of orange cards, while Angus Bell is on track to be ready for the World Cup. This and more in our Friday Rugby Five.
Super Rugby Pacific | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
R | Team | GP | PD | P |
1 | Chiefs | 14 | +226 | 59 |
2 | Crusaders | 14 | +179 | 48 |
3 | Blues | 14 | +154 | 46 |
4 | Brumbies | 14 | +81 | 46 |
5 | Hurricanes | 14 | +142 | 41 |
6 | New South Wales Waratahs | 14 | -21 | 31 |
7 | Fijian Drua | 14 | -122 | 26 |
8 | Queensland Reds | 14 | -60 | 24 |
9 | Highlanders | 14 | -97 | 24 |
10 | Western Force | 14 | -148 | 22 |
11 | Melbourne Rebels | 14 | -78 | 21 |
12 | Moana Pasifika | 14 | -256 | 8 |