Super Rugby Pacific Round-Up
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The Crusaders ended the Queensland Reds’ 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a 37-15 win in Christchurch.
The hosts scored four tries to two in a polished quarterfinal display, although a gallant Queensland side remained in the contest for much of the clash.
Fijian flyers FIlipo Daugunu and Suliasi Vunivalu both crossed for tries as Queensland wrapped up their 2022 season.
The Chiefs have run out 39-15 winners over the Waratahs with a clinical performance at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
Darren Coleman’s side was left ruing poor handling in the second half, cruelling their changes of forcing an upset after clawing their way back into the game early in the second half.
The Chiefs were in control throughout the match, punishing Waratahs’ mistakes with a mix of brute force and clinical precision at set piece.
Waratahs captain Jake Gordon paid tribute to the Chiefs ability to capitalise on Waratahs mistakes.
"Credit to the Chiefs. They're a classy outfit and they've had the wood on us all year and were great tonight," said Waratahs captain Jake Gordon.
"They're really hard to contain when they get that front-foot ball and off turnover attack they're exceptional.
"They really punish you for your mistakes. We had opportunities in their 22 later in that game and we weren't good enough."
The Blues move on with our 14th straight win into the semi finals of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition after dispatching the Highlanders 35-6 with five tries to none at Eden Park.
It brings the Blues to a semi final as top qualifier, to play at home in front of you all at Eden Park against the Brumbies this Saturday night.
The team carried for 619 metres to 425m from the Landers, and only missed half the number of tackles as their opponents. Blues won all our lineouts and 97% of rucks with the only concerning stat being the 13-6 penalties conceded.
The Brumbies will fly the Australian flag in the Super Rugby Pacific for another week after a comeback win in their quarter-final against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium on Saturday night.
While the weekend spelled the end of the road for the NSW Waratahs and the Queensland Reds, the Brumbies recovered from a 10-point second-half deficit to win 35-25 and claim their spot in the final four.
They'll now prepare for one of the toughest tests in rugby, a trip to Eden Park to battle the Blues for a place in the final.
Semi-finals
