Reds: The Waikato Chiefs are still the favourites to win the Super Rugby Pacific title as the season heads into its final stage this weekend. This year’s playoffs include just six teams and, for the first time, one “lucky loser” will also move forward.
Fans have enjoyed closer matches and more tries this season, leading to bigger crowds and better TV ratings. Organizers hope the excitement continues with three big knockout games, including two matches between Australian and New Zealand teams.
However, things might get awkward if the second-ranked Canterbury Crusaders beat the Queensland Reds on Friday, and the top-seeded Chiefs defeat the Auckland Blues on Saturday. That would mean the final match between the third-placed ACT Brumbies and fourth-ranked Wellington Hurricanes won’t matter much, as both teams would already be through to the semi-finals—one of them as the “lucky loser.”
The Chiefs, who finished second the last two years, are in strong form after three big wins and are expected to beat the Blues, who only just made it into the playoffs in sixth place.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan will be without key midfielders Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown due to injuries. Still, his team has a dangerous backline led by star player Damian McKenzie.
The Blues started the season poorly but have recently found their rhythm again. Last week, they crushed the Waratahs 46-6 at Eden Park. Coach Vern Cotter has kept nearly the same team for this week’s game in Hamilton.
“We think they’ll come in with confidence and some good form,” said McMillan. “We’ll treat this game like any other—respecting our opponents and expecting a tough match.”
The Queensland Reds are heading to Christchurch to face the Crusaders, who have won the Super Rugby title 12 times. No Australian team has ever beaten a New Zealand team in a Super Rugby playoff.
However, the Reds did beat the Crusaders in Christchurch during the regular season last year. They’ll also have captain Harry Wilson back from injury, as they aim to give the Crusaders their first playoff loss since 2016.
The Crusaders will be stronger too, with All Blacks stars Will Jordan, David Havili, and Braydon Ennor all returning to the team. The Crusaders have never lost a home playoff match.
“Our players are really excited for finals rugby,” said Reds coach Les Kiss. “Winning in Christchurch last year was a big moment for us. It showed us what’s possible and gives us the belief to give it our best on Friday.”
The Hurricanes are heading to cold Canberra feeling confident, after beating the Brumbies 35-29 there in late April. That win started a five-game winning streak for them.
Brumbies’ star player, Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa, is back to strengthen the team. Coach Stephen Larkham said he’s telling his players not to think about getting through as the best-ranked losing team.
“We’re the last game of the weekend, but we’ve been clear that we want a strong result,” he said.
“No matter what happens in other games, we need to focus on playing our best. We’re going out there to win.”
