Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific delivered another weekend of high-intensity rugby, dramatic finishes, and standout performances. Teams are starting to find their rhythm, and the competition is heating up with thrilling comebacks, dominant displays, and nail-biting encounters. From last-minute heroics to statement wins, this round had everything rugby fans love.
Here’s a full breakdown of all the Round 2 results, key moments, and match highlights:
CHIEFS DOMINATE SECOND HALF TO DISMANTLE CRUSADERS IN RECORD VICTORY
Chiefs 49 – 24 Crusaders (HT 17-14)
The Chiefs delivered a commanding second-half performance to secure a 49-24 victory over the Crusaders at FMG Stadium Waikato, marking their highest-ever points total against their New Zealand rivals. Emoni Narawa opened the scoring early, but the Crusaders responded through Kyle Preston and Ethan Blackadder, keeping the game tight at 17-14 at halftime. The visitors briefly leveled the score with a James O’Connor penalty, but the Chiefs’ bench proved decisive. Leroy Carter, Samipeni Finau, and Josh Jacomb all crossed in quick succession before Quinn Tupaea capped his 50th appearance with a brilliant late double. Antonio Shalfoon’s late try was only a consolation as the Chiefs’ relentless attack and Damian McKenzie’s pinpoint kicking sealed a dominant win.
CHIEFS
- Tries: Narawa (5’), Roe (31’), Carter (51’), Finau (53’), Jacomb (66’), Tupaea (72’, 74’)
- Conversions: McKenzie (6’, 32’, 54’, 73’)
- Penalties: McKenzie (11’, 80’)
CRUSADERS
- Tries: Preston (21’), Blackadder (35’), Shalfoon (76’)
- Conversions: Fihaki (22’), Kemara (36’), O’Connor (77’)
- Penalties: O’Connor (48’)
REDS OUTGUN MOANA PASIFIKA IN HIGH-SCORING BRISBANE CLASH
Reds 56 – 36 Moana Pasifika (HT 28-19)
The Queensland Reds launched their Super Rugby Pacific campaign in electrifying fashion, securing a 56-36 win over Moana Pasifika in a free-flowing contest at Suncorp Stadium. Despite playing their first match of the season, the Reds hit the ground running with a blistering 21-0 start in just 13 minutes. Their attacking prowess was on full display as they ran in eight tries, with Tom Lynagh converting seven. Flanker Fraser McReight was a standout, while Moana Pasifika refused to go down quietly, with Kyren Taumoefolau bagging a second-half double. However, Queensland’s superior execution and relentless counter-punching ensured a bonus-point victory, despite three first-half yellow cards.
QUEENSLAND REDS
- Tries: Uru (3’), Daugunu (8’), Ryan (12’), Faessler (44’), Blyth (58’), Smith (60’), McReight (71’), McLaughlin-Phillips (77’)
- Conversions: Lynagh (4’, 9’, 13’, 45’, 59’, 61’, 72’), McLaughlin-Phillips (78’)
MOANA PASIFIKA
- Tries: Savea (20’), Aiaimalo (50’), Taumoefolau (53’, 67’), Craig (80’)
- Conversions: Havili (51’, 54’, 68’, 80’)
- Penalties: Havili (40’)
HURRICANES EDGE DRUA IN THRILLING NAPIER CONTEST
Hurricanes 38 – 34 Drua (HT 21-24)
The Hurricanes secured their first win of the Super Rugby Pacific season with a dramatic 38-34 victory over the Fijian Drua at McLean Park. In a high-paced contest featuring ten tries, the Drua briefly stole the lead with five minutes remaining, only for Harry Godfrey to hit back immediately with the game-winning try. The Hurricanes opened the match with an early Du’Plessis Kirifi try, but the Drua responded with attacking flair, scoring through Iliesa Ratuva, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, and Frank Lomani to take a narrow halftime lead. The second half remained tightly contested, with Isoa Nasilasila crossing for the Drua before Cam Roigard and Bailyn Sullivan hit back for the hosts. A late try from Elia Canakaivata set up a thrilling finale, but Peter Lakai’s crucial turnover in the dying seconds sealed the Hurricanes’ hard-fought victory.
HURRICANES
- Tries: Kirifi (1’), Iose (19’) Fineanganofo (40’), Roigard (59’), Sullivan (68’), Godfrey (76’)
- Conversions: Godfrey (20’, 40’, 60’, 77’)
FIJIAN DRUA
- Tries: Ratuva (7’), Armstrong-Ravula (25’), Lomani (36’), Nasilasila (43’), Canakaivata (74’)
- Conversions: Armstrong-Ravula (26’, 37’, 75’)
- Penalties: Armstrong-Ravula (14’)
HIGHLANDERS STUN BLUES IN TAVATAVANAWAI-INSPIRED UPSET
Highlanders 29 – 21 Blues (HT 13-14)
The Highlanders delivered an inspired performance at Forsyth Barr Stadium, overcoming a red card and a dominant Blues pack to claim a gritty 29-21 victory. After an emotional pre-game haka in tribute to the late Connor Garden-Bachop, the Highlanders started strong, with Finn Hurley’s brilliant chip-and-chase try and Sam Gilbert’s finish giving them momentum. The Blues led 14-13 at halftime thanks to tries from Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett, but the second half belonged to the Highlanders. Despite Daniel Lienert-Brown’s red card, co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai led the charge with crucial turnovers and a 50/22, while Gilbert’s clutch kicking and resilient defense sealed a famous win for the hosts.
HIGHLANDERS
- Tries: Hurley (30’, 55’), Gilbert (38’)
- Conversions: Gilbert (56’)
- Penalties: Gilbert (21’, 43’, 65’, 76’)
BLUES
- Tries: Christie (3’), Barrett (23’), Riccitelli (51’)
- Conversions: Barrett (4’, 24’, 53’)
FORCE STUN BRUMBIES IN HISTORIC CANBERRA UPSET
Brumbies 42 – 45 Western Force (HT 21-28)
The Western Force ended a 5060-day drought in Canberra with a dramatic 45-42 victory over the Brumbies, securing one of the biggest wins in club history. The Force stormed to a 28-7 lead inside 32 minutes, with Dylan Pietsch’s double and dominant forward play putting the Brumbies on the back foot. However, the home side clawed their way back, taking the lead in the 75th minute before the Force—down to 13 men—produced a stunning last-minute try through Brandon Paenga-Amosa. The victory, their first in Canberra since 2011, also ended a 15-game road losing streak, with Ben Donaldson’s precision kicking proving decisive in a match filled with yellow cards and attacking brilliance.
BRUMBIES
- Tries: Muirhead (29’), Meredith (39’), Cale (42’, 62’), Saumaisue (47’), Toole (54’)
- Conversions: Lonergan (30’, 40’, 43’, 48’, 55’, 63’)
WESTERN FORCE
- Tries: Dolly (4’), Potter (10’), Pietsch (19’, 59’), Tizzano (32’), Paenga-Amosa (75’)
- Conversions: Donaldson (5’, 11’, 20’, 34’, 60’), Burey (76’)
- Penalties: Donaldson (50’)
STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 2
That wraps up Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific. With teams finding their rhythm, the competition is heating up, and every match is proving to be a battle.
What did you think of this weekend’s action? Which team stood out the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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