WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The ACT Brumbies are set to tackle the persistent challenge faced by Australian teams in Super Rugby playoffs held in New Zealand, following their victory over the Wellington-based Hurricanes in Canberra.
Australia’s playoff track record on New Zealand soil remains grim, standing at 0-20, after the Queensland Reds suffered a 32-12 defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Looking ahead, the Brumbies will take on the Chiefs in Hamilton during the upcoming semifinals. The Chiefs narrowly lost to the Auckland-based Blues, 20-19, after the Blues scored and converted a crucial try post-fulltime siren. Despite this loss, the Chiefs advanced to the playoffs as the highest-ranked loser but forfeited their top seeding to the Crusaders.
The encounter between the Brumbies and Hurricanes might have been inconsequential if both top-seeded Crusaders and Chiefs had won their playoff games. This would have assured the Canberra teams a spot in the semifinals based on winner or highest-ranked loser status. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, their title pursuits have now faltered in Canberra three times in four years, having been ousted by the Brumbies in the 2022 and 2023 quarterfinals.
“We didn’t execute well tonight. The Brumbies showcased their caliber and why they’ve been dominant here,” remarked Hurricanes captain DuPlessis Kirifi.
Emerging as the sole Australian outfit in the playoffs, the Brumbies have reached the semifinals three consecutive times. “We have our sights set on the Chiefs in Hamilton next week,” coach Stephen Larkham stated. “We’re hopeful the Blues can topple the Crusaders, bringing us back here for a home grand final in two weeks.”
Chill in Christchurch
The Crusaders drew strength from their home conditions, overpowering the Reds with force and local advantage.
Transitioning from Brisbane’s 23-degree fine weather to Christchurch’s 4-degree, rain-swept pitch posed a challenge for the Reds. Despite preparations designed to mimic these conditions, the Reds found it hard to adjust to the setting where the Crusaders flourish.
“Classic Christchurch weather: cold, wet, and dark, and it’s our sweet spot,” said Crusaders scrumhalf Noah Hotham, whose stunning second-half try quashed the Reds’ aspirations and solidified the Crusaders’ spotless 30-0 home playoff record.
The Crusaders’ superior scrum dominated, inducing penalties that anchored them within Reds territory. Conversely, the Reds lagged in matching the Crusaders’ breakdown presence. Captain David Havili was pivotal in the collision areas, where the Crusaders reigned supreme.
“They overpowered us at the breakdown, preventing us from establishing momentum,” Reds captain Tate McDermott explained. “Their capability to disrupt and slow down our play was outstanding.”
Hotham’s standout performance might have bolstered his potential All Blacks selection thanks to his impressive display behind a commanding pack.
Blues defy expectations
After defeating the New South Wales Waratahs to secure a Super Rugby playoff berth, Blues and All Blacks center Rieko Ioane referenced famed sports history with the words: “as the saying goes, shouldn’t have let us get one.”
These words hark back to the Red Sox’s 2004 historic World Series comeback and the Boston Celtics’ 2023 NBA Eastern Conference finals rally, both starting from 0-3 deficits before formidable comebacks.
Ioane’s statement became prophetic. By “getting one” and sneaking into the playoffs in sixth position, the Blues have successfully extended their Super Rugby title defense into the semifinals.
Despite regular season losses to the Chiefs, the Blues defied odds with a match-winning converted try after the final siren on Saturday, continuing their postseason journey.
Home Brumbies Aim to End New Zealand Playoff Streak