Super Rugby 2025 Thread

[Gumboot]

Sean Stevenson has shown what a loss he will be.

And the PA has been turned right up for this game

Yeah, the loathsome PA creatures are still off the leash.

[Kiwias]

Chiefs at their scintillating best

[Biffer]

That’s a gorgeous try from the chiefs

[Gumboot]

Great try!

[Hugo]

This'll be a great 15 mins.

[Hugo]

Looked like he was going to curl that round.

[Kiwias]

Holy shit. What a stunning finale to the match, though I do wonder why teams kick in the last 60 secs.

[Gumboot]

Chiefs win it 32-31.

Terrific game!

[Hugo]

Another absolute classic.

[Hugo]

Holy shit. What a stunning finale to the match, though I do wonder why teams kick in the last 60 secs.

I know. Stupid kick by Finlay Christie when the Blues were gifted one last chance.

[Firewater]

Holy shit. What a stunning finale to the match, though I do wonder why teams kick in the last 60 secs.

Agree.

But another excellent SR game

[Kiwias]

Roigard, Ratima, Loe, Preston -- maybe the ABs won't have to go to Christie again

[Gumboot]

Wonder why the newbie Taele took the Blues' last conversion attempt when Perofeta was on the field.

[Dan54]

Roigard, Ratima, Loe, Preston -- maybe the ABs won't have to go to Christie again

By Loe, I gather you mean Roe. And Preston has had a couple of games in super, and think Hotham when fit will put him back on bench for Crusaders, and will make ABs ahead of him. Though see your point on whether he will make ABs again, though I will be surprised if Roe get's a test.

[Dan54]

Wonder why the newbie Taele took the Blues' last conversion attempt when Perofeta was on the field.

Wouldn't that because he not a bad kicker, and also Perofeta having first run after a calf injury? Perhaps wanting to not let him kick just yet, and not in anyway convinced he would of got as close as Taele anyway.

[Hugo]

Wonder why the newbie Taele took the Blues' last conversion attempt when Perofeta was on the field.

Wouldn't that because he not a bad kicker, and also Perofeta having first run after a calf injury? Perhaps wanting to not let him kick just yet, and not in anyway convinced he would of got as close as Taele anyway.

He had also already slotted a kick, albeit a much easier conversion. But I see Gumboots point - he was given a lot of responsibility for a debutant, I was actually very surprised that Lam was dropped to make way for him since I thought Lam had a decent game v the Brumbies.

[Gumboot]

Wonder why the newbie Taele took the Blues' last conversion attempt when Perofeta was on the field.

Wouldn't that because he not a bad kicker, and also Perofeta having first run after a calf injury? Perhaps wanting to not let him kick just yet, and not in anyway convinced he would of got as close as Taele anyway.

He had also already slotted a kick, albeit a much easier conversion. But I see Gumboots point - he was given a lot of responsibility for a debutant, I was actually very surprised that Lam was dropped to make way for him since I thought Lam had a decent game v the Brumbies.

Yep, that was my point. He had a strong game and is clearly very talented, but handing him the last-minute deciding kick was asking a lot, imho. Especially with other, more experienced kickers on the park.

No doubt he's a player to keep an close eye on. Impressed with his confidence and composure, and his ability to create play for his teammates.

[Dan54]

Wonder why the newbie Taele took the Blues' last conversion attempt when Perofeta was on the field.

Wouldn't that because he not a bad kicker, and also Perofeta having first run after a calf injury? Perhaps wanting to not let him kick just yet, and not in anyway convinced he would of got as close as Taele anyway.

He had also already slotted a kick, albeit a much easier conversion. But I see Gumboots point - he was given a lot of responsibility for a debutant, I was actually very surprised that Lam was dropped to make way for him since I thought Lam had a decent game v the Brumbies.

Lam wasn't dropped, he played on wing, where he's played a lot of his rugby. I think it was fairly late in week when Clarke pulled out. I actually was real impressed with the kid at 12, looked probably to have the makings of a good one there, very much a playmaking 2nd five rather than the crash and bash inside centre style.
I think I still believe he was better option to take kick, as perhaps after watching Perofeta over the years for the Naki etc, I not sure he would of got that close ?

[Hugo]

Wouldn't that because he not a bad kicker, and also Perofeta having first run after a calf injury? Perhaps wanting to not let him kick just yet, and not in anyway convinced he would of got as close as Taele anyway.

He had also already slotted a kick, albeit a much easier conversion. But I see Gumboots point - he was given a lot of responsibility for a debutant, I was actually very surprised that Lam was dropped to make way for him since I thought Lam had a decent game v the Brumbies.

Lam wasn't dropped, he played on wing, where he's played a lot of his rugby. I think it was fairly late in week when Clarke pulled out. I actually was real impressed with the kid at 12, looked probably to have the makings of a good one there, very much a playmaking 2nd five rather than the crash and bash inside centre style.
I think I still believe he was better option to take kick, as perhaps after watching Perofeta over the years for the Naki etc, I not sure he would of got that close ?

I said dropped in the sense that when the Blues announced their team earlier in the week he was on the bench in favour of Taele. Then when Clarke was declared injured he was moved from the bench onto the wing. I agree I think he looked decent and that was the best 80 minutes that the Blues have put together (attacking wise) this season imo.

[Guy Smiley]

Hotham named on the bench for the Saders this week and they've stuck by Kemara to start after a bit of a forgettable game last weekend which, I think, is a good thing. Back your players.

[Guy Smiley]

[Hugo]

Hotham named on the bench for the Saders this week and they've stuck by Kemara to start after a bit of a forgettable game last weekend which, I think, is a good thing. Back your players.

Agreed. He was probably the only player in that Saders backline that had a sub par game but sticking with him is the right call.

Reece is one try away from equalling the SR record so there's every chance he can match or surpass that at Eden Park if he keeps up his current form.

[Enzedder]

Gallagher Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has named a new-look front row to take on Moana Pasifika this Friday night, while off the bench a club debut looms for Counties Manukau forward James Thompson.

Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater and Reuben O’Neill form the engine room after all sitting out last week’s thrilling 32-31 victory over the Blues in Hamilton, with Kaylum Boshier and Thompson the other new faces added to the group from last week.

Twenty-five-year-old Thompson, who attended St Peter’s College in Cambridge, joined the Gallagher Chiefs wider squad this past off-season after a prior stint with the Blues.

Originally set to be played in Tonga, the away match against Moana Pasifika will instead be held in Chiefs Country at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe, with tickets available here.

Veteran midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown will miss the match after being a late withdrawal in Round 5 due to a minor leg injury, while forward Simon Parker is also laid up with a knee issue.

Gallagher Chiefs v Moana Pasifika, Friday March 21, 7.05pm kick-off at Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
1. Jared Proffit
2. Bradley Slater
3. Reuben O’Neill
4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
5. Tupou Vai’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Kaylum Boshier
8. Luke Jacobson (c)
9. Xavier Roe
10. Damian McKenzie
11. Leroy Carter
12. Gideon Wrampling
13. Daniel Rona
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Shaun Stevenson

Bench
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Aidan Ross
18. Sione Ahio
19. James Thompson (Gallagher Chiefs debut)
20. Jahrome Brown
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Quinn Tupaea

Gallagher Chiefs injury update ahead of Round 6
Simon Parker, Knee, Short-term
Anton Lienert-Brown, Leg, Short-term
Josh Lord, Knee, Mid-term
Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
Kaleb Trask, Hamstring, Mid-term
Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, Long-term
Liam Coombes-Fabling, Knee, Mid-term
Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term
Wallace Sititi, Knee, Long-term
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shoulder, Short-term

[Guy Smiley]

The Chiefs have been fined for cheating.

I reckon they should have to forfeit the result. Twice in one game ( a one pointer ) is clearly premeditated.

They need to get over the inferiority complex, playing wonderful sparkling rugby and still thinking in the gutter.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/ ... GHVGXDZWY/

The Chiefs have been hit with a fine after a member of their medical team interfered with the allotted time for a conversion in their one-point Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Blues in Hamilton last weekend.

The Herald has viewed footage of a Chiefs staff member, wearing a red medical bib, booting the ball away after Blues wing Mark Tele’a scored in the corner in the 39th minute. Blues playmaker Harry Plummer missed the subsequent sideline conversion.

The same member of the Chiefs medical team is understood to have kicked the ball away again after Blues utility Corey Evans scored in the 50th minute. Despite the interference, Plummer successfully converted Evans’ try.

In an effort to minimise stoppages, goal kickers in Super Rugby Pacific are allocated 60 seconds from the time the referee awards the try to complete the conversion. The same timeframe is allocated for penalty kicks.

A Super Rugby Pacific spokesperson confirmed the Chiefs were punished for the interference. The Herald understands that sanction has resulted in an undisclosed fine.

“Super Rugby Pacific management has sanctioned the Chiefs following their round 5 match against the Blues for a breach of the World Rugby technical zone and water carriers protocol, as detailed in section 4.2 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific tournament manual,” A Super Rugby Pacific spokesperson said.

“Specifically, the Chiefs were found to have contravened clause 4.2.2.h: Medical personnel or water runners may enter the field of play in accordance with the law. They must not obstruct, interfere or make contact with any player from an opposing team, match officials or interfere with play.

“The matter has been finalised and no further comment will be made.”

The Chiefs have trumped the Blues twice this season – 25-14 in round one at Eden Park and in last Saturday’s knife-edge 32-21 victory.

Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis acknowledged the incidents in Hamilton, which are sure to stoke neighbouring tensions should the rivals meet again in this year’s playoffs.

“We have co-operated fully with Sanzaar on this matter and accept responsibility for the technical breach and the outcome of this process,” Graafhuis said. “As this is an employment matter, we will not be making any further comment.”

Blues chief executive Andrew Hore said: “The Blues were aware of this situation occurring and have noted that Sanzaar has dealt with it accordingly.”

Piss weak from Super Rugby Pacific too... swept under the carpet and slam the door behind it.

[Dan54]

He had also already slotted a kick, albeit a much easier conversion. But I see Gumboots point - he was given a lot of responsibility for a debutant, I was actually very surprised that Lam was dropped to make way for him since I thought Lam had a decent game v the Brumbies.

Lam wasn't dropped, he played on wing, where he's played a lot of his rugby. I think it was fairly late in week when Clarke pulled out. I actually was real impressed with the kid at 12, looked probably to have the makings of a good one there, very much a playmaking 2nd five rather than the crash and bash inside centre style.
I think I still believe he was better option to take kick, as perhaps after watching Perofeta over the years for the Naki etc, I not sure he would of got that close ?

I said dropped in the sense that when the Blues announced their team earlier in the week he was on the bench in favour of Taele. Then when Clarke was declared injured he was moved from the bench onto the wing. I agree I think he looked decent and that was the best 80 minutes that the Blues have put together (attacking wise) this season imo.

Ok I understand what you meant Hugo, I think it was in general just rotation etc. Gathered that Cotter had been looking at giving Taele a start.

[Dan54]

The Chiefs have been fined for cheating.

I reckon they should have to forfeit the result. Twice in one game ( a one pointer ) is clearly premeditated.

They need to get over the inferiority complex, playing wonderful sparkling rugby and still thinking in the gutter.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/ ... GHVGXDZWY/

The Chiefs have been hit with a fine after a member of their medical team interfered with the allotted time for a conversion in their one-point Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Blues in Hamilton last weekend.

The Herald has viewed footage of a Chiefs staff member, wearing a red medical bib, booting the ball away after Blues wing Mark Tele’a scored in the corner in the 39th minute. Blues playmaker Harry Plummer missed the subsequent sideline conversion.

The same member of the Chiefs medical team is understood to have kicked the ball away again after Blues utility Corey Evans scored in the 50th minute. Despite the interference, Plummer successfully converted Evans’ try.

In an effort to minimise stoppages, goal kickers in Super Rugby Pacific are allocated 60 seconds from the time the referee awards the try to complete the conversion. The same timeframe is allocated for penalty kicks.

A Super Rugby Pacific spokesperson confirmed the Chiefs were punished for the interference. The Herald understands that sanction has resulted in an undisclosed fine.

“Super Rugby Pacific management has sanctioned the Chiefs following their round 5 match against the Blues for a breach of the World Rugby technical zone and water carriers protocol, as detailed in section 4.2 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific tournament manual,” A Super Rugby Pacific spokesperson said.

“Specifically, the Chiefs were found to have contravened clause 4.2.2.h: Medical personnel or water runners may enter the field of play in accordance with the law. They must not obstruct, interfere or make contact with any player from an opposing team, match officials or interfere with play.

“The matter has been finalised and no further comment will be made.”

The Chiefs have trumped the Blues twice this season – 25-14 in round one at Eden Park and in last Saturday’s knife-edge 32-21 victory.

Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis acknowledged the incidents in Hamilton, which are sure to stoke neighbouring tensions should the rivals meet again in this year’s playoffs.

“We have co-operated fully with Sanzaar on this matter and accept responsibility for the technical breach and the outcome of this process,” Graafhuis said. “As this is an employment matter, we will not be making any further comment.”

Blues chief executive Andrew Hore said: “The Blues were aware of this situation occurring and have noted that Sanzaar has dealt with it accordingly.”

Piss weak from Super Rugby Pacific too... swept under the carpet and slam the door behind it.

Interesting that, a bit like someone getting in way and touching ball to prevent quick throw in, that used to happen a bit, and I think have still seen it in couple of club games from up north this year.

[Gumboot]

The weather's looking good in Pukekohe. Should be about 20 at kickoff, so hopefully no dew.

Shame that MP's talisman Ardie is out. It'll be interesting to see if they can lift without him.

Chiefs pack should be too strong, though.

[Hugo]

The weather's looking good in Pukekohe. Should be about 20 at kickoff, so hopefully no dew.

This game was originally planned to be played in Tonga right? Is the reason it is in Pukekohe because it is halfway between Albany and Hamilton or just so it can be played elsewhere in the region?

Must admit I like it when they play matches outside of the five cities because it has the vibe of the game being taken to the people. I loved the look of that stadium in Napier, it was pretty idyllic, lovely view of Hawkes Bay in the background.

[Hugo]

Lam wasn't dropped, he played on wing, where he's played a lot of his rugby. I think it was fairly late in week when Clarke pulled out. I actually was real impressed with the kid at 12, looked probably to have the makings of a good one there, very much a playmaking 2nd five rather than the crash and bash inside centre style.
I think I still believe he was better option to take kick, as perhaps after watching Perofeta over the years for the Naki etc, I not sure he would of got that close ?

I said dropped in the sense that when the Blues announced their team earlier in the week he was on the bench in favour of Taele. Then when Clarke was declared injured he was moved from the bench onto the wing. I agree I think he looked decent and that was the best 80 minutes that the Blues have put together (attacking wise) this season imo.

Ok I understand what you meant Hugo, I think it was in general just rotation etc. Gathered that Cotter had been looking at giving Taele a start.

He's got another start this week, hopefully he does well again.

[Hugo]

Pelligrinis errant kick punished.

[Gumboot]

Has anyone found a working stream?

[Gumboot]

Chiefs ahead 43-7 at HT.

Nice try by DMac just before the break, but MP looks pretty shot already.

[Kiwias]

Has anyone found a working stream?

This is not too bad, on Safari but not working on Brave

https://www.vipbox.lc/rugby/moana-pasif ... efs-3-live

[Torquemada 1420]

The Chiefs have been fined for cheating.

I reckon they should have to forfeit the result. Twice in one game ( a one pointer ) is clearly premeditated.

They need to get over the inferiority complex, playing wonderful sparkling rugby and still thinking in the gutter.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/ ... GHVGXDZWY/

The Chiefs have been hit with a fine after a member of their medical team interfered with the allotted time for a conversion in their one-point Super Rugby Pacific victory over the Blues in Hamilton last weekend.

The Herald has viewed footage of a Chiefs staff member, wearing a red medical bib, booting the ball away after Blues wing Mark Tele’a scored in the corner in the 39th minute. Blues playmaker Harry Plummer missed the subsequent sideline conversion.

The same member of the Chiefs medical team is understood to have kicked the ball away again after Blues utility Corey Evans scored in the 50th minute. Despite the interference, Plummer successfully converted Evans’ try.

In an effort to minimise stoppages, goal kickers in Super Rugby Pacific are allocated 60 seconds from the time the referee awards the try to complete the conversion. The same timeframe is allocated for penalty kicks.

A Super Rugby Pacific spokesperson confirmed the Chiefs were punished for the interference. The Herald understands that sanction has resulted in an undisclosed fine.

“Super Rugby Pacific management has sanctioned the Chiefs following their round 5 match against the Blues for a breach of the World Rugby technical zone and water carriers protocol, as detailed in section 4.2 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific tournament manual,” A Super Rugby Pacific spokesperson said.

“Specifically, the Chiefs were found to have contravened clause 4.2.2.h: Medical personnel or water runners may enter the field of play in accordance with the law. They must not obstruct, interfere or make contact with any player from an opposing team, match officials or interfere with play.

“The matter has been finalised and no further comment will be made.”

The Chiefs have trumped the Blues twice this season – 25-14 in round one at Eden Park and in last Saturday’s knife-edge 32-21 victory.

Chiefs chief executive Simon Graafhuis acknowledged the incidents in Hamilton, which are sure to stoke neighbouring tensions should the rivals meet again in this year’s playoffs.

“We have co-operated fully with Sanzaar on this matter and accept responsibility for the technical breach and the outcome of this process,” Graafhuis said. “As this is an employment matter, we will not be making any further comment.”

Blues chief executive Andrew Hore said: “The Blues were aware of this situation occurring and have noted that Sanzaar has dealt with it accordingly.”

Piss weak from Super Rugby Pacific too... swept under the carpet and slam the door behind it.

Rugby continues to do itself no favours. Better than football.....

[Torquemada 1420]

Has anyone found a working stream?

https://www.vipbox.lc/rugby/moana-pasif ... efs-1-live
But you need adblockers.

[Gumboot]

Has anyone found a working stream?

https://www.vipbox.lc/rugby/moana-pasif ... efs-1-live
But you need adblockers.

Cheers, but I found a stable one at HT.

Chiefs scoreless this half. Moana Pasifika are well in this now...

[Torquemada 1420]

Chiefs

[Kiwias]

MP staging an amazing comeback. Down 35 - 43 with five mins left

[Gumboot]

C'mon Chiefs, dig in!

[Gumboot]

Thank fuck for that.

Good effort by MP to rattle on the points while keeping the Chiefs from cutting loose.