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Rugby Union

2025 Super Rugby Season Qualifying Final: Blues snatch last-minute win v Chiefs who will also stay on as the lucky loser but not so much by Hurricanes to ACT Brumbies

by Sports Benches June 7, 2025

Can you believe it from the Blues? They’re somehow still in it thanks to their last-gasp win over the Chiefs on the Chiefs home front at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.

Hats off to reserve second row Josh Beehre on his staunch defensive and attacking efforts at the centre of tackle that turned into a game-scoring TRY with Beauden Barrett continues to put in some crucial performances including a mix of creative & conversions at the starting 10.

Unlucky from Chiefs who got away with winning penalties but just couldn’t hold on sometimes – more about a physical game than just trying to score big. Look out for quick Daniel Rona on the outside 13 making excellent runs and threats too and Blues didn’t see that coming with Rona causing damage and he’s got another one coming up for next Saturday’s semi-final.

Off to Canberra and the returning tighthead Brumbies 3 Allan Alaalatoa churns in those performances from defense to attack and yet he’s stood tall.

Meanwhile, Andy Muirhead runs rockets on the wide right 14 that the Hurricanes weren’t able to do and what more can you say about him? Just unbelievable from someone who still continues to be ignored by the Wallabies & hopefully him taking on the Lions would surely convince Joe Schmidt to put Andy on the green & gold.

And looking on the Hurricanes when they no longer able to go any further? Their attack looks one-dimensional & don’t forget they defended poorly too with the long game. Gotta say Ruben Love knows how to pull off magic from the back with his hands, running legs and the boot of the tee – it’s a shame things didn’t work out with lost balls & errors here and there.

Now the 2 x semi-final match-up will be a bit like two years ago with the Crusaders v Blues first on Friday and then Chiefs v Brumbies next Saturday in Hamilton.

Nothing much will change and the same will go with Brumbies who will be front and centre once again for fourth straight year.

However, for the Brumbies to try and go one better assuming they advance to the Grand Final, they better dominate those ball retentions by taking advantage of the points that Chiefs would struggle to grasp like we saw earlier tonight v Blues.

They are the only side hang in there hoping to win back a championship that Australian Rugby has long wanted since way back when.

June 7, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Qualifying Final 1: Crusaders win with Reds out of the opening week for another year by 32-12

by Sports Benches June 6, 2025

Looks like the tricks he pulled off was well worth the $$$ by Crusaders 9 Noah Hotham who loves taking on individual challenges that blew everyone away while playing a crucial role with his forwards following their qualifying Final win last night & now they’re semi-finals bound.

Then you got someone clearing those decks on the second row with superior attacking and defensive ground in team captain Scott Barrett and being in sync with a group Crusaders re-built over time is paramount towards playing Finals Footy in the hope of winning trophies again.

Last but not least, tough pill to swallow going into a tough game like this and Reds can’t go any further than the 1st week Finals. But Reds is proud to have someone who used to play in Canterbury had stood out on the blindside six on its own – Joe Brial. He’s a defensive tackler, aggressive basher & all of the above; he’s got the Lions to take on soon also for Reds and gotta say, it’s perfect timing – bring it on.

All in all, Crusaders too good on what has been an A-Game performance over Queensland once again at their own stomping ground in Christchurch by 32-12.

Lots of fireworks being launched by the next group of players including experienced ones, who took a great stand for the sake of the Crusaders DNA, as coach Rob Penney will be delighted with that going into next week’s semi depending on this evening’s results.

Aside from the Reds or even any other Australian Super Rugby side that can just turn up there for an extra week of Rugby, there’s always the Brumbies you can count on who always make the semis but still short of the Grand Final over the last few years. They will have the Hurricanes to face off with later tonight in Canberra.

Will this be a dead rubber or not should the Blues defeat the Chiefs also tonight?

If Blues win, either Brumbies or Hurricanes will be the last to get out of a must-win situation, with Chiefs getting that “lucky loser” berth since they came home 1st.

Sure Australia might have been encouraged with the early season progress where no NZ team have won here over the first 10-11 weeks having gone from five teams to four after the Rebels were axed due to financial reasons.

However, then things have largely remained the same downhill since then.

That’s 1-2 things Rugby Australia will have to look in the second half of 2025.

June 6, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season Round 15 from Saturday: Chiefs too good for Moana Pasifika and Waratahs still alive in Top 6 race following their extra time win over Western Force

by Sports Benches May 27, 2025

Lots of Chiefs players submitted their own Emmy Awards of Super Rugby nominations following a turbocharged Round 15 win v Moana Pasifika.

1️⃣ Can’t enough of Leroy Carter’s hat-trick on the left 11 who loves being front and centre – going into top gear for Finals.

2️⃣ Another hat-trick display this time Cortez Ratima at half-back goes to show why winning the championship will mean beating everyone for the ABs.

3️⃣Not out of the Top 6 just yet and Ardie Savea 7 is one freakish giant who can take them all like he did the other day despite Moana’s heavy defeat – look out Canes!

Looks like we got more by the Waratahs over Force starting with the player behind that winning “Darby” at Super Point.

1️⃣ No need for an intro with Darby Lancaster as the Tahs usual outside backs sprinter & acrobatic specialist on the left.

2️⃣ Reserve 10 Jack Bowen unpacks that dynamic passage passing and wouldn’t mind taking conversions into extra points.

3️⃣ Carlo Tizzano loves scoring tries like he does every time; now may be out of reach for Finals Footy but perfect time now to Force that storm v the B & I Lions.

May 27, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season, Round 15 of 16: Crusaders lucky escape at the last minute v Highlanders while Hurricanes hold off Queensland Reds in a close high-scoring thriller

by Sports Benches May 23, 2025

What a game it was to open Super Rugby Round 15 of 16 on Friday night across both sides of the Tasman including one Australian side taking part of course.

But still, Crusaders lucky to walk away unscathed v Highlanders (15-12) while Hurricanes locked out the threatening Reds in silence away from home (27-31).

Also, there was a women’s Pacific 4 International match with the Wallaroos this time hosting Canada prior to the Reds v Hurricanes curtain raiser. Unfortunately, that didn’t go too well with Canada being oh too good and the final score was 7-44.

With the Highlanders now lost 10 out of 13 in Season 2025, safe to say their chances to reach Top 6 definitely out of reach. They’ve got the Chiefs next Friday which will be extremely difficult even if an unexpected win would put the season early to bed.

Crusaders also return on top of the table as a result of their win along with the Hurricanes just leapfrogged Reds for 4th that will no doubt shift their full attention towards Finals Footy.

Now the race continues tomorrow on Super Saturday where Moana Pasifika will want to solidify their Top 6 extended chance v Chiefs and so does Waratahs but only if they can beat Western Force that could give them one last golden shot v the Blues.

Top 3 players from both Crusaders v Highlanders and Reds v Hurricanes

Just can’t get enough of the Crusaders tough No.3 tight prop Tamaiti Williams off the back of his tries and tough tackling; same with team-mate Tom Christie on the open 7 who always contributes at every turn like he did last week v Waratahs – they finished well physically like no other.

Then there’s Timoci Tavatavanawai making a huge effort on the inside Highlanders 12 where they had their own moments but shame their “kick to comes” weren’t good – oh, they were also hesitant & being a touch isolated in return.

Meanwhile in Brisbane, outside Hurricanes 13 Billy Proctor beautifully executed his ball carries so he knows they can score tries including for himself – and look out, Fehi Fineanganofo stirs up a surprise with his tricky pace and finishing on the left 11.

At last, Harry Wilson is back as the Reds first-choice 8 where he’s got the build-up base and leadership to funnel into tries especially on the expansive (2nd half) – unlucky though with missing bits and pieces being filled in by the Hurricanes.

May 23, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

Rugby News, Brumbies took advantage of the Reds handling errors & so does Wallaroos over USA all happening on the one chilly night in Canberra

by Sports Benches May 17, 2025

Brumbies has just topped the Super Rugby table ahead of the two best NZ teams in this competition Chiefs and Crusaders thanks to their win against the other best team in Australia – Queensland Reds.

Both teams fought hard where they had to share the lead going into the break by 7-7 all but all of the other 40 towards the finish belongs to Brumbies hands down.

The way Reds slip up from ill-discipline to being willy nilly when trying to convert their attack into points allowed Brumbies to snatch the next few tries and that was something the Reds weren’t able to do by 24-14.

We also had a women’s test match as part of the Pacific Four series at the same GIO Stadium in Canberra with the Wallaroos and USA Eagles. USA weren’t bad other than some poorly timed errors with Hope Rogers cashing in a hat-trick of tries past the in-goal. However, expansive & positive rugby from the Wallaroos elevated them to the front row in cruise control by 27-19.

Top 3 players from Brumbies v Reds and Wallaroos v USA

Glad to hear that Tom “Tommy Turbo” Wright turbocharged his Brumbies attack where running rugby was in play on the front foot especially in the 2nd half. With Joe Schmidt watching on-site once again, here’s hoping Ryan Lonergan gets his chance to take on the Lions – he can do a bit of everything off the expansive and can also provide some handy kicking extras.

Reds, meanwhile, good in defense but not so much putting things together at times in attack, with Fraser McReight continuing to put in those hard yards. A good Finals run would surely help Joe choose Fraser over Tizzano with competition heating up for the Wallabies starting open No.7 shirt.

Going back earlier with the Wallaroos v USA, Ash Marsters also on the 7 continues to be at her best like it was off the bench v Black Ferns last week + Charlotte Caslick with her pace and little cross kicks gave us every reason why she wants to play at the World Cup later this year in England.

And on the Eagles, Hope Rogers’ hat-trick of tries at loosehead 1 lights up their confidence along the way. Bummer they made the wrong calls where Wallaroos took great care of the ball than USA, that’s all I can say & also shoutout to IIona Maher who has been everywhere from helping USA achieve Olympic bronze in the 7s last year in Paris to ABC’s DWTS.

May 17, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season Week 14 of 16: Waratahs catch up late but Crusaders hold the cards with the lead from start to finish at Allianz Stadum

by Sports Benches May 16, 2025

It was a fantastic night watching Super Rugby this time on-site at Allianz Stadium although I know there’s another game that was happening at the same time next door at the SCG but that’s to do with AFL between the Sydney Swans v Carlton.

Back to Super Rugby with Crusaders ticking off as many dot point tries and full points as they can earlier on while Waratahs were blown away until they have other ideas playing catch-up after the half-time break. However, those flashes of late brilliances by Waratahs was unfortunately not enough to hunt down the clear victors from Christchurch on time by 33-48.

Bitter pill to swallow where Waratahs even without the injured Joseph should’ve been brave enough to have a few key players on from the start like Taniela Tupou on the front row and even Jack Bowen being the starting 10 over Tane Edmed. Not 100% sure if having Tupou waiting to come on was an injury management thing. Also nothing against Edmed who just reached 50 Super Rugby games but if I was Dan McKellar deciding to do things differently with selection and 1st half tactics – who knows?

Waratahs would have dominated the whole 80 instead of the 2nd half alone & now time is running against them with Top 6 getting tougher than ever when you’ve got Western Force and Auckland Blues currently standing in their way.

Finally, great to see the Saders rebound following their loss at home v the Chiefs last Saturday. Some mistakes were here and there especially in the latter stages but the good news is that their attacking placement continues to be good as ever being enjoyed by the fans. If they can stay alert by not slipping away those silly mistakes, then sure they will win the championship.

Top 3 players from Waratahs v Crusaders

If Crusaders win the Super Rugby title this year, can we have a honorary statue or portrait at that new Te Kaha stadium for Sevu Reece? The who never stops scoring tries with outstanding pace from out of nowhere as if he’s on bullet trains to rocket ships by breaking Super Rugby records.

Hello also to James O’Connor where he always makes a big difference every time off the bench – doesn’t matter he’s 10 or 15 as long as his creative output and conversion kicks continues to help them extend their lead & finish games strong.

One word of fine-tuning for the Crusaders to work on is their discipline as well as defending on restarts – all they have to do now is to spin and they will win.

Waratahs not their night tonight off the back of their improved 2nd half where some reserve players deserve better but gonna miss the brute force of Langi Gleeson smashing it against pieces of dominos & bowling pins hoping he will come back from France (Montpellier) just in time for the 2027 home World Cup.

May 16, 2025 0 comment

Rugby Other Sports

Black Ferns too good yet again for the Wallaroos in women’s rugby while Central Pulse well clear past Magic in Netball to kickstart the 2025 ANZ Premiership Season

by Sports Benches May 10, 2025

Hats off to the Black Ferns first of all with yet another Trans-Tasman win v the Wallaroos this afternoon in Newcastle.

That’s the team every other top rugby nation wants to emulate which does takes time but hopefully by the home World Cup in 2029, Wallaroos can be sure enough to blow World Rugby away by surprise.

The end goal in the meantime going into this year’s next Women’s RWC later this September is to make the Quarter-Final again at least with the bonus point being an occasional semis run.

They have proved they can win that isn’t against the Black Ferns and sure with the dominant 7s girls looking to help them out but in the XVs, they could achieve that objective after all – we’ll wait and see.

And maybe they could spur up more amazing moments here and there including that cross kick cut that could’ve been any sensational than that in the last minute, even though we know they didn’t win.

For now, lots of additions from the women’s side of the game here like the Trans-Tasman domestic club Super Final, which we could see them play more often like the men currently do in Super Rugby.

More women’s sport? The ANZ Premiership Netball comp in NZ also started today to write the first page of 2025. Gotta say Central Pulse steered well clear off the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic by 55-44 in front of their home supporters – so far, so good. Don’t know what else to say from Magic other than making good use of the new super shots in this comp but they better start planning for the future, that’s all.

There will be an Auckland rivalry going on early tomorrow afternoon with the Mystics and Stars. Interesting to see how the Mystics get on without Nweke but so does the Stars who has a new-look line-up & a new coach.

And of course, Tactix will take on Steel also tomorrow but during the night time in Christchurch. Can’t wait for that and with the Steel also new-look that features a strong group of players coming through, looks like they could be up to either finish 3rd or even split up the Pulse and Mystics.

Steel were champions in the past remember back in 2017 and 2018 although they haven’t been at their best over the past two years but sometimes a new direction has to make sense than continuing as it is & they’ve chosen to go with the latter.

Now it’s up for them to game on all along right from centre pass over the next 10 weeks plus two more if they possibly can.

May 10, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season Week 13 of 16: Blues too good for the Fijian Drua in Suva and Reds delivered Waratahs a crushing blow once again at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium

by Sports Benches May 9, 2025

Blues were absolutely too good for the Fijian Drua even when they were playing away in front of the Drua’s passionate home fortress in Suva by 0-34. On the same night going south at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, we did see a much tighter contest following another state v state clash between Waratahs and Reds.

But again, Reds’ attacking backline were key to outshine the Waratahs in one particular area to close out the game, and they did so too in fine fashion by 21-28.

While Blues stay on track inside 5th alongside Reds holding on clear 4th just ahead by a single point, it’s looking tough and tougher by the week from the Waratahs unfortunately as of late.

Having seen Joseph Suaalii hauled off due to injury along with a lack of ideas to stop the Reds from walking out 1st towards full-time, those next three games – the last three to finish off 2025 – by the Waratahs will be the toughest one yet again if they want to end up being Top 6 by the end of this month.

Don’t know what to say other than being clueless based on their recent form with their away results not a good pill to swallow.

And yes, Drua’s 2025 ain’t the same when Mick Byrne took the Fijian National team job post-season last year. They are unlikely taste Finals compared to 2023 and 2024 but they will do whatever it can to finish on a high.

There’s two games to come tomorrow night across the Trans-Tasman with the Crusaders v Chiefs and Western Force v Brumbies.

Top 3 players of the night

Drua v Blues

Corey Evans is right on the money every time he clears out those decks being the Blues’ resident speed demon that also shows excellent team-work at 15.

Taufa Funaki doesn’t disappoint as the Blues’ starting 9 lately that is vital to stay Top 6 who continues to put these fine performances so he knows they’re ahead like last week v Western Force.

Drua could’ve used a trick or two especially when they had less ball but their young 4 Mesake Vocevoce was the Drua’s hit song tonight – like how he outmuscled the Blues defense including one that almost led to a TRY.

Waratahs v Reds

From Suva to the Sydney Allianz, Tim Ryan on the left 11 provided his junkyard dog push that turned into a number of rewarding tries. Filipo Daugunu, unbelievably creative on the outside 13 – take note of that Joe, seems we’ve got a surprise right here this July v the Lions.

And unlucky from Waratahs with Joseph knocked out in the head and their attack just difficult to match that spark, Langi Gleeson took no prisoners at the heart of their back row & he won’t give up with the last three games tough inc. last two away to see out 2025.

May 9, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

2025 Super Rugby Season, Round 12 of 16: Blues sign off full-time as clear victors plus the bonus point over Western Force

by Sports Benches May 2, 2025

Yes, Force had a painfully difficult night against the Auckland Blues at Eden Park even though their first half wasn’t bad (12-7) + the early 10-20 mins of the 2nd part.

Unfortunately, Force were simply blown away by the Blues stronghold bench where the margin gets bigger and bigger over time and there was no stopping Blues towards the end – not even winning a losing bonus point would add a bit more suffering when it comes to the Top 6 Finals race. The final score was 40-19.

Going into the weekend with four games still to play including the rare Sunday afternoon outing, Force now sit 7th and Blues back in the zone just one place ahead in 6th as of Round 12 out of 16.

Here are the games that are coming up between tomorrow and Sunday:

Fijian Drua v Reds in Suva tomorrow at 12pm AEST
Hurricanes v Chiefs in Wellington tomorrow at 5pm AEST
Brumbies v Waratahs in Canberra tomorrow at 7.30pm
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika in Dunedin at 1.30pm Sunday

For Force, they have the last three being difficult with the Brumbies first next Saturday night, Drua away in Fiji and the Waratahs later this month for Round 15.

All they could to is bring that home crowd noise and who knows? They could bring up a surprise and have an extended shot in the Finals come next month for Force.

Plus, Blues got back-to-back Pasifika opponents in Drua next Friday and Moana Saturday week. Then they will take the week off on the second last round before they finish the regular run off v Waratahs.

Top 3 players of the night

AJ Lam – what a difference he’s made as the Blues reserve 15 in the 2nd half who can also play in other positions within the backline. He deserves a deeper run so Blues could make Finals once again & if he can do that, then Scott Robertson should consider him as his back-ups for the ABs.

There’s Cole Forbes has International suitors following his two-try haul on the outside back right. Cole had success in the past in Scotland likewise with coach Vern Cotter whose tactics got the better of his running rugby and now he’s ready to put his International standing on the map.

Bummer for Force whose good start with Carlo Tizzano still scoring were slipped away later where Blues got the better bench than them. But one player who’s still got it was Kurtley Beale following his long lay-off from Achilles injury.

He knows where to funnel around & cash in whose contribution in the remaining rounds would hopefully give Joe Schmidt food for thought v the Lions – probably as back-up in the green and gold again.

May 2, 2025 0 comment

Rugby

Super Rugby 2025 Round 11 of 16: Hurricanes def. Brumbies 29-35 as NZ drought now over in Aussie soil at GIO Stadium

by Sports Benches April 26, 2025

It’s been a while but a NZ team has finally tasted victory on Aussie soil for the first time in 2025 after 11 rounds with five to go before Finals time with thanks to the Hurricanes who got away with the win over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra 35-29.

Both had their moments and struggles too along the way but again, Hurricanes have the upper hand this time where they got some good players coming back along with a functional attacking backline – particularly the starting left & right wingers where tries were made there.

For Brumbies, they’re still sitting 3rd behind the winning weekend teams Chiefs and Crusaders on the ladder which is good news. Chiefs won early last night v Force who were too good and so does the Crusaders earlier tonight v Highlanders.

But it’s going to be tough road from here when Brumbies will take on Dan McKellar’s Waratahs as the home side now back here at GIO Stadium next Saturday under the lights and they’ve lost the previous one last time in Moore Park.

The Race for Top 6 Finals: First four seems certain with 4-5 teams fighting so hard for places five and six

At least the road for the Top 6 is gonna be extremely tight especially the last two spots and you’ve got four if not five teams gunning for it before it closes after Week 16 and then the second lot of rides go from there with the lucky loser for semis.

Safe bets would be the Western Force and Waratahs over Hurricanes.

Then you’ve got Moana Pasifika also back on track at the right time thanks to Ardie Savea’s return to selection following their Pacific derby afternoon win over the 11th-placed Fijian Drua by 34-15.

Meanwhile, defending champions Blues?

Still a possibility who have the still flying Force next up at Eden Park on Friday after they were battered and bruised by the Reds last night.

And safe to say not so much for Highlanders unfortunately looking at their remaining matches of 2025.

Top players to watch tonight

Looks like we’ve got a World Heavyweight Championship contender Super Rugby version v ten others for that one prestigious belt representing the Hurricanes – Kini Naholo, brilliant stuff with two tries tonight on the left 11.

Xavier Numia made a big difference when he helped the Canes increase their lead on the reserve front row and great to see Billy Proctor back with a bang at 13.

Still more work to do but hey, Canes now back in Top 6 firing all cylinders from the wings as the first team to win on Aussie shores this season.

Brumbies, meanwhile, couldn’t do much defensively while they’ve lacked ball (should’ve gone all-in expansive) other than some quick plays and solid late momentum.

Nick Frost gave them a fighting chance (second row 4) where Brumbies could’ve done any better had the Canes continued to slip up more often like last Saturday v Force – bonus point better than nothing.

April 26, 2025 0 comment