2024 Quarter Finals

[Burgs]

Super Rugby Pacific 2024 Teams: All the team news for Quarter-Finals

Wed, Jun 5, 2024, 11:57 AM
Nathan Williamson

The quarter-finals of Super Rugby Pacific are here as the eight remaining teams battle it out for the title.

It begins in Hamilton with a rematch from last year as the Queensland Reds take on the Chiefs.

Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.

There is a triple-header of action on Saturday, beginning with the Melbourne Rebels travelling to Wellington to face the Hurricanes.

The Blues will host the Fijian Drua in Auckland whilst the ACT Brumbies face the Highlanders in Canberra.

Check out all the details for the Super Rugby Pacific teams for round 15 as they drop

NOTE: ALL TEAMS WILL BE CONFIRMED AT WEDNESDAY 2PM AEDT IN 2024

Friday 7 June 5:05 PM AEST – Chiefs v Queensland Reds at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona

REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (co-c), Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Sef Fa'agase, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Taj Annan

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw

Saturday 8 June 2:35 PM AEST – Hurricanes v Melbourne Rebels at SKY Stadium, Wellington, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love

RESERVES: James O'Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo

REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feiluai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway

RESERVES: Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon

Saturday 8 June 5:05 PM AEST – Blues v Fijian Drua at Eden Park, Auckland, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele'a, Stephen Perofeta

RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta'avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes

DRUA (1-15): Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Waqa Nalaga, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Reuben Keane

Saturday 8 June 7:35 PM AEST – ACT Brumbies v Highlanders at GIO Stadium, Canberra, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport and the Nine Network

BRUMBIES (1-15): Harry Vella, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

RESERVES: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Max Hicks, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Jake Te Hiwi, Finn Hurley

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan

[Burgs]

All the Home teams for mine.

[Burgs]

The 0-16 hoodoo facing Reds and Rebels as New Zealand finals loom

Thu, Jun 6, 2024, 11:00 AM
Lachlan Grey and Nathan Williamson

Australia's struggles across the pond are well documented (so let's go over them all again...) but even the staunchest Super Rugby fan would wince at our 0-16 record in NZ-hosted finals.

The Brumbies (0-7), Waratahs (0-6) and Reds (0-3) are all yet to taste knockout victory on Kiwi soil since Super Rugby went professional with the hoodoo dating back to ACT's 23-7 grand final loss to Auckland in 1997.

Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.

The statistic isn't lost on Reds coach Les Kiss, who admitted his fair share of defeat touring New Zealand with the Waratahs and Irish national teams

"It’s hard to win in New Zealand," Kiss told media on Monday.

"All we can do is be our best and put on the table how we play and go at this game with the plan we’ve designed and give it our best shot

"Things are possible but we’re going to have to be our best to break that hoodoo."

For his part, Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan is determined to extend his country's winning ways.

"I don’t know what’s more daunting, Australian teams potentially never having won finals in New Zealand or being the first team that loses to an Australian team in the finals," McMillan told media on Monday.

"Equally as daunting I think but we try not to think about those things. You hope for the best and prepare for the worst."

Queensland will launch this year's first offensive in Friday night's clash with the Chiefs while Melbourne Rebels get their maiden finals chance against the Hurricanes

The opportunity isn't lost on Rebels coach Kevin Foote, who told media a finals win in New Zealand would be the "ultimate in rugby".

"It'd mean everything, because you give people hope and rugby is about hope," Foote said.

"If we're to go on to play in the top four, that would just be another step...History tells you that the Australian teams haven't done well but you're only one result away from doing something special.

"I’ve got the utmost respect to travel into New Zealand and win, doesn’t matter if it’s finals or not. It’s the ultimate in rugby to get over there and be successful."

2023 (Semi Final) - Chiefs 19 def Brumbies 6

Look away, Brumbies fans - this one's still raw.

ACT were well in this one and trailed 9-6 after 70 bruising minutes with Noah Lolesio and Damian McKenzie trading penalties.

But it was McKenzie who emerged on top, nailing a long-range penalty to skip clear before setting up Brodie Retallick for the match-sealing try.

2023 (Quarter Final) - Chiefs 29 def Reds 20

Last year, the Reds pushed the Chiefs all the way in Hamilton, leading with ten minutes to go.

They outscored the hosts three tries to two but the boot of Damian McKenzie allowed the Chiefs to tick over the scoreboard.

A late try to Pita Gus Sowakula sealed the win for the Chiefs as the Reds return to Hamilton looking for revenge

2023 (Quarter Final) - Blues 41 def Waratahs 12

The Waratahs were blown off the park against the Blues.

They scored 38 unanswered points as they showcased the form that got them into the Trans-Tasman final.

Tries on either side of the break helped take the contest away from the Waratahs, once again eliminated in the quarter-finals by a Kiwi side in New Zealand

2022 (Semi Final) - Blues 20 def Brumbies 19

The closest a team has come to an elusive playoff win in NZ.

The Blues looked certain to close out the Brumbies when they took a 20-7 half-time lead, only for a double to Lachlan Lonergan giving the visitors life.

Noah Lolesio’s last minute drop goal was blocked whilst they were desperately unlucky not to win a penalty that would’ve given them a long-range attempt to clinch the game.

2022 (Quarter Final) - Crusaders 37 def Reds 15

The Crusaders overpowered the Reds to secure their second win in consecutive weeks over Brad Thorn’s men.

Like in 2023, the Reds started strong and narrowly trailed with 30 minutes to go.

However, two quick tries ended any hope of a comeback as Will Jordan sealed the win and the start of their march to the title.

2022 (Quarter Final) - Chiefs 39 def Waratahs 15

The Chiefs punished the Waratahs in Hamilton to end their rapid revival.

It was built off the back of a dominant first half as the hosts took a 27-10 lead into the break.

Brad Weber scored a double as they cruised to victory with a controlled second half.

2015 (Semi Final) - Hurricanes 29 def Brumbies 9

The 2015 All Black-laden Hurricanes were always going to be tough at home and the Brumbies never really got going in this one.

Christian Lealiifano and Jesse Mogg banked penalties either side of halftime but the Canes were rarely troubled with the Savea brothers and prime Beauden Barrett pulling strings in a four-try win.

TJ Perenara and current Rebels centre Matt Proctor also scored for the hosts in a one-sided affair.

2013 (Final) - Chiefs 27 def Brumbies 22

Another one that got away from the Brumbies.

Jake White’s side took a 16-9 lead into the break and two further penalties to Christian Lealiifano had Canberra fans dreaming of a title.

However, man-of-the-match Liam Messam turned the tide with a try, followed over by Robbie Robinson to take an unlikely lead, holding on for dear life to claim their second straight championship.

2013 (Qualifying Final) - Crusaders 38 def Reds 9

The Crusaders got revenge for 2011 with a near-perfect performance against the Reds.

Ryan Crotty set the tempo early as their defence stood up, with the visitors’ points coming from a trio of Quade Cooper penalty goals.

Meanwhile, Dan Carter scored 20 points as Crotty’s second sealed the win for the hosts.

2011 (Qualifying Final) - Blues 26 def Waratahs 13

The Blues outgunned the Waratahs in a tense encounter.

The visitors started strong through Tom Cater for an early lead before Lachie Munro took over the game.

He scored six minutes after Carter’s effort before nailing a trio of penalties as they kicked clear for the victory.

2008 (Final) - Crusaders 20 def Waratahs 12

The Waratahs had their dream of a maiden title crushed once again by the Crusaders.

A double to Lachie Turner gave them a 12-6 lead before Mose Tuiali’i crossed right before the break.

The boot of Dan Carter extended the lead for the hosts, with the Waratahs unable to capitalise on a yellow card to outgoing Reds coach Brad Thorn.

2006 (Semi Final) - Hurricanes 16 def Waratahs 14

The Waratahs pushed the Hurricanes all the way in front of a packed Sky Stadium.

Having lost their clash a week earlier, the ‘Tahs looked set for a famous victory when they hit the front with ten minutes to go.

However, a late penalty from Jimmy Gopperth from halfway proved the difference and denied back-to-back finals for the NSW side.

2005 (Final) - Crusaders 35 def Waratahs 25

The Crusaders continued their stranglehold on Super Rugby, claiming yet another title.

An early try to Scott Hamilton and the boot of Dan Carter gave the hosts an early lead before they kicked clear.

21 unanswered points put the game out the reach for the Waratahs despite a couple of late tries to Matt Rogers

2003 (Semi Final) - Blues 42 def Brumbies 21

The Blues took advantage of a depleted Brumbies side to cruise into the finals.

The Brumbies snuck into the finals and with backline trio Stephen Larkham, Andrew Walker and Matt Giteau going down with injury, struggled to handle the Blues’ firepower.

The Blues were ruthless as they took a 22-0 half-time lead, kicking clear in the second half for victory.

2002 (Final) - Crusaders 31 def Brumbies 13

The Brumbies couldn’t repeat their magic after thumping semi-final over the Waratahs, dominated by the Crusaders.

Marika Vunibaka’s storming effort gave the hosts an 11-3 ahead the break before Andrew Walker’s 13 points got the visitors back in the contest

Caleb Ralph then blew the Brumbies away in the last ten minutes, scoring a quick double to seal the title.

1997 (Final) - Blues 23 def Brumbies 7

The drought started in the 1997 final as the Blues claimed back-to-back titles.

Tries to Craig Dowd and Michael Jones allowed the hosts to build a commanding lead.

Fullback Adrian Cashmore contributed 13 points as they controlled the contest for the win.

[GIGS20]

Yeah big deal.

Winning finals in New Zealand is hard.

I suspect the number will be extended by 2 this year.

It's hardly news is it?

[Burgs]

Yeah big deal.

Winning finals in New Zealand is hard.

I suspect the number will be extended by 2 this year.

It's hardly news is it?

Maybe the bigger headline should be "Australian Teams have only played 16 Finals in New Zealand in 27 years".

[Burgs]

Yeah big deal.

Winning finals in New Zealand is hard.

I suspect the number will be extended by 2 this year.

It's hardly news is it?

Probably should have clarified at the time, was a RA article, which I found a peculiar way to celebrate our chances...

Anyway, now 17...