The ruthless Blues had too much muscle in wet conditions at Eden Park for the Chiefs, scoring five tries to triumph in the Super Rugby final in style.
Otago Highlanders back Connor Garden-Bachop, left, nephew of 1995 All Black Graeme Bachop, has died at the age of 25, New Zealand Rugby announced on Tuesday. Photo: Derek Morrison/AFP
A Waikato Chiefs side inspired by Damian McKenzie upset the Wellington Hurricanes on Saturday to set up a Super Rugby final against the Auckland Blues.
The Chiefs got off to a frenetic start, claiming four of their six tries during an electric opening 25 minutes of the quarter-final against the Reds in Hamilton.
Skipper Codie Taylor scored two tries as the Canterbury Crusaders hammered Moana Pasifika on Friday to keep their Super Rugby title defence alive.
The Brumbies earned their first win over the Crusaders in 15 years on Saturday, virtually ending the defending champions’ hopes of reaching the Super Rugby playoffs.
Wellington Hurricanes captain Brad Shields is backing teammate TJ Perenara to regain his All Blacks place after coming back this season from a ruptured Achilles.
A thrilling top-of-the-table match in Auckland was decided after the final hooter as the home side Blues repelled waves of Hurricanes attacks.
Dynamic winger Tim Ryan scored two tries as the Queensland Reds beat the Canterbury Crusaders to land their first Super Rugby win in Christchurch for 25 years.