The ACT Brumbies were defeated 66-12 by the Hurricanes in Wellington, setting unwanted records for most points conceded (66) and largest loss (54 points) by an Australian side in a Super Rugby finals match.
Australian teams Brumbies and Reds must overcome a 0-21 playoff record against NZ teams to keep their Super Rugby Pacific seasons alive, facing the Hurricanes and Chiefs respectively.
Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss, set to become Wallabies coach, aims to extend his tenure by beating the Chiefs in a must-win final. Despite past playoff exits, Kiss is proud of squad depth and culture, aiming to cause an upset.
NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley faces a tough decision between Dylan Edwards and James Tedesco for fullback, while Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt must choose between Tom Wright, Max Jorgensen, and Jock Campbell for the same position amid Super Rugby Pacific developments.
Wallabies centre Len Ikitau indicated he may return to play in England after the 2027 Rugby World Cup, highlighting Rugby Australia's challenge in retaining talent. Meanwhile, New Zealand Rugby faces scrutiny over its strict overseas player selection policy.
It is feared soft-power politics and a $240m war-chest could leave Samoa and Tonga uniquely vulnerableThere’s a new war in the Pacific brewing, with the Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika collapsing and rugby league on a new signing spree in union’s traditional heartlands.The conflict spells trouble for Rugby Australia (RA), whose federal government is funding a $600m NRL franchise in Papua New Guinea, $240m of which will go into poaching talent and creating pathways throughout Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Continue reading...
Thinking outside the square has previously served Australian rugby well, which is why there are lessons it can take away from at least one of New Zealand's teams in Super Rugby Pacific.
