REIGNING SUPER RUGBY champions, the Chiefs are still alive and dreaming of an unprecedented three-in-a-row after defeating Auckland Blues in Eden Park.
Liam Messam’s intercept try in the second-half proved crucial for the Chiefs on the final weekend of regular season fixtures. The victory sees the Chiefs finish fifth. They will face a possible semi-final away to Brumbies.
The Canberra side ran riot against Western Force, with out-half Matt Toomua scoring a hat-trick and winger Henry Speight, who looked impressive throughout, adding a try of his own in the second-half.
Crusaders minced Highlanders up front and secured a likely home semi-final, and a rest week, after winning 34-8. Openside Matt Todd, starting in place of Richie McCaw, scored twice and Dan Carter kicked 11 points.
Crusaders will claim their home semi if the Sharks do not claim a bonus point away to struggling Stormers. The highlight [go to 1:10 in the video below] of an extremely physical match-up at AMI Stadium, were the consecutive Israel Dagg and Kieran Read offloads, which set Nemani Nadolo up for his 10th try of the season.
With their Super Rugby season coming to an end, the Bulls offered supporters a glimpse of the future by fielding a youthful XV. South Africa U20 star Handre Pollard followed up his Springbok senior debut, against Scotland, by kicking 18 points in a convincing 40-7 home win over Melbourne Rebels. Paul Willemse scored a brace, Francois Hougaard danced in for a nice try and captain Victor Matfield insisted he was not going anywhere. Yet.
Kurtley Beale may not have signed a new contract with the Waratahs, or the ARU, but his two-try performance in the centre today will have done his negotiating position no harm. Beale scored twice and set teammate Jono Lance up for another as Michael Cheika’s side confirmed the top ranking by thrashing Queensland Reds 34-3.
Lions will take on Cheetahs this afternoon to round out the regular season action.
Super Rugby Week 19 results
- Blues 8-11 Chiefs
- Brumbies 47-25 Western Force
- Bulls 40-7 Melbourne Rebels
- Crusaders 34-8 Highlanders
- Reds 3-34 Waratahs
- Lions v Cheetahs
- Stormers v Sharks
