Ominous 32-0 stat as Super Rugby Pacific finals matchups confirmed; both Australian contenders will have to cross the Tasman Sea
Updated . First published at
The defending champion Crusaders will host the Blues in the qualifying finals, as the final piece of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs puzzle was locked in place on Saturday.
The Blues needed to upset the second-placed Chiefs in Hamilton to finish third and secure all-important home advantage against the Crusaders.
But Vern Cotter's slumping side weren't up to the challenge as Jono Gibbes' Chiefs ran out 59-34 winners despite not being able to improve their position on the final ladder.
Watch the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport
Daniel Sinkinson of the Chiefs scores a try. Getty
With All Blacks selectors Graham Henry and Neil Barnes watching on, winger Daniel Sinkinson scored two of the Chiefs' nine tries in an embarrassing Blues defensive effort.
The Crusaders will now start favourites against the Blues on June 6 after warming up for the playoffs with a 47-14 romp over the Hurricanes at One New Zealand Stadium.
The Crusaders have a scarcely believable 32-0 record in finals games in Christchurch.
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Ethan Blackadder and Fletcher Newell of the Crusaders celebrate. Getty
The minor premier Hurricanes, who rested most of their big names against the Crusaders, will kick off the finals series against the sixth-placed ACT Brumbies in Wellington on Friday night.
The Chiefs will then welcome Australia's leading side, the fifth-placed Queensland Reds, to Hamilton on June 6.
The three winning teams from the qualifying finals advancing to the semi-finals along with the highest-ranked losing side.
The Chiefs won despite resting All Blacks Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tupou Vaa'i, Luke Jacobson, Quinn Tupaea and Simon Parker.
Stars Damian McKenzie, Ollie Norris, Xavier Roe and Isaac Hutchinson were all missing through injury too.
The Blues, meanwhile, were without Test men Patrick Tuipulotu, Dalton Papali'i and Beauden Barrett.
Chiefs 59 (Tries: Sinkinson 2, Coombes-Fabling, Taumoefolau, Paul, Sititi, Finau, Ah Kuoi, Thompson; Cons: Jacomb 6, Cook-Savage) def Blues 34 (Tries: Barnes, Lam, Oudenryn, Clarke, Taele; Cons: Sullivan 3; Pens: Sullivan)
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC QUALIFYING FINALS
FRIDAY JUNE 5
Hurricanes (1) vs ACT Brumbies (6): 5.05pm kickoff AEST at Hnry Stadium, Wellington
SATURDAY JUNE 6
Crusaders (3) vs Blues (4): 2.35pm kickoff AEST at One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Chiefs (2) vs Queensland Reds (5): 5.05pm kickoff AEST at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
