Almanac Rugby: Super Rugby Pacific Final Round

Force 48 v Moana Pasifika 28

Crusaders 28 v Reds 15

Chiefs 35 v Fijian Drua 34

Moana Pasifika 32 v Brumbies 22

Blues 20 v Waratahs 17

Force 27 v Hurricanes 22

Rebels 31 v Highlanders 30

 

 

In a whirlwind ending to the regular season, we had the two Aussie teams missing out on finals record their first wins over NZ teams. Meanwhile, our main hope, the Brumbies, looked pedestrian and the other two hardly lit the stage up. Although the ‘Tahs did show some spark in passages throughout their game.

 

The FORCE played twice to make up for a lost game. Going into the weekend they were still in contention for a finals berth. After beating the HURRICANES at home on Saturday night, they had a nervous wait for the outcome of the Sunday game.

 

The CRUSADERS despatched the REDS easily on Friday night. There will be a rematch this Friday night in the first quarter-final. Only the most optimistic Queenslander would be expecting anything other than a repeat performance from the hosts.

 

It was a good day for the Pacific teams on Saturday. The DRUA came within a whisker of beating the CHIEFS, thrilling their fans in Lautoka with great passages of champagne rugby. MOANA PASIFIKA then upset the BRUMBIES in Auckland.

 

At Leichhardt Oval, the scene of that great win over the Crusaders, the WARATAHS coughed up the chance to grab the other big scalp of NZ rugby. Rather than shut the game down in the dying moments, they allowed the visitors to get into a position to slot home a winning field goal. Beaden Barrett was again the man for the job.

 

The last game of the round on Sunday saw the REBELS in the hot seat. If they beat the HIGHLANDERS by more than seven points, the Force would go through. Their one-point win allowed them to salvage something from an ordinary season, but it then meant all five NZ teams went through to the finals.

 

 

Next week, the quarter-final matchups are:

 

Crusaders v Reds

Chiefs v Waratahs

Blues v Highlanders

Brumbies v Hurricanes

 

I’m expecting all four home teams to win and thereby have the Blues and Crusaders host the two semi-finals. It’s hard to see anything other than a final between the two juggernauts but, hey, I’m always open to surprises.

 

 

 

To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.

 

 

Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.

 

 

Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?

And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.

 

 

Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.

One-off financial contribution – CLICK HERE.

Regular financial contribution (monthly EFT) – CLICK HERE.