The Super Rugby Pacific playoffs are underway, featuring three qualifying finals scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. The outcomes will determine which teams advance to the semi-finals next weekend, with three winners and one ‘lucky loser’ progressing.
In a highly anticipated match, the second-seeded Crusaders will take on the fifth-seeded Reds in Christchurch on Friday night. Following this clash, the top-ranked Chiefs will host the sixth-placed Blues in Hamilton on Saturday night. The action culminates with the third-placed Brumbies facing off against the fourth-placed Hurricanes in Canberra. Depending on earlier results, both the Brumbies and Hurricanes could secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Should either the Blues or Reds pull off a surprise victory, it would complicate the playoff structure, with either the Chiefs or Crusaders becoming the ‘lucky loser’ but dropping down a seed as a consequence. With various possible outcomes, the scenarios for the semi-finals are complex, leading to eight different potential match-ups.
The match schedule for this playoff round follows the Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST):
– On Friday at 5:05 PM, the Crusaders host the Queensland Reds at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. Historical data indicates that home advantage plays a significant role in Super Rugby playoffs. The Reds achieved a notable win in Christchurch last year; however, they faced a heavy defeat in their visit earlier this season. Reds coach Les Kiss acknowledges the challenge ahead, noting the quality present in the Crusaders’ lineup.
– On Saturday at 5:05 PM, the Chiefs will play against the Blues in a repeat of last year’s grand final, where the Blues emerged victorious. The Chiefs, currently top of the table, are heavily favoured this time around. The Blues surged into playoff contention following a dominant 46-6 win over the Waratahs in the last round. Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan anticipates a competitive match and respects the momentum the Blues have built.
– The final matchup on Saturday at 7:35 PM features the Brumbies and Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Canberra. This season marks the Brumbies’ continuous playoff appearances, with only one miss in the last nine tournaments. Despite their solid performance, a recent controversial loss to the Crusaders prevented them from claiming the second seed. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham reflects on the missed opportunities to secure a top-two finish.
As the playoff series unfolds, rugby enthusiasts eagerly await the outcomes that will determine which teams will advance in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.