Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific delivered another thrilling weekend of action, with last-minute drama, high-scoring battles, and statement wins. As teams begin to find their rhythm, the competition is heating up, and every match is proving to be a test of endurance, skill, and execution.
The Highlanders held off a furious Moana Pasifika comeback, the Waratahs edged past the Drua in a tense contest, and the Chiefs remained unbeaten with a dominant second-half surge against the Brumbies. Meanwhile, the Blues survived an error-filled thriller against the Hurricanes, and the Reds snatched victory at the death against the Force.
Here’s a full recap of all the Round 3 action, scores, and highlights from the weekend!
HIGHLANDERS SURVIVE LATE MOANA PASIFIKA COMEBACK
Moana Pasifika 29 – 31 Highlanders (HT: 10-31)
The Highlanders held off a spirited second-half fightback from Moana Pasifika to secure a narrow 31-29 win at North Harbour Stadium. Despite missing key players like Folau Fakatava and Finn Hurley, the Highlanders built a commanding 21-point halftime lead before Moana Pasifika, led by an outstanding Ardie Savea, stormed back into contention. Nathan Hastie, a late call-up at scrum-half, starred for the Highlanders with an early try and a composed kicking display. Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, and Mitch Dunshea also crossed for tries, with Sam Gilbert adding four conversions and a penalty. Savea was dominant for Moana Pasifika, scoring a brilliant solo try and winning multiple turnovers, while William Havili bagged a brace. Replacement fly-half Patrick Pellegrini nearly orchestrated a famous comeback, but the Highlanders held firm to secure their second win of the season.
MOANA PASIFIKA
- Tries: Mafileo (11’), Havili (15’, 65’), Savea (46’), Tupou Ta’eiloa (76’)
- Conversions: Pellegrini (66’, 76’)
HIGHLANDERS
- Tries: Hastie (2’), Tangitau (31’), Tele’a (34’), Dunshea (38’)
- Conversions: Gilbert (3’, 32’, 35’, 39’)
- Penalties: Gilbert (7’)
WARATAHS EDGE DRUA IN THRILLER TO REMAIN UNBEATEN
Waratahs 29 – 24 Drua (HT 14-10)
The Waratahs held off a determined Fijian Drua side to secure a hard-fought 29-24 victory at Allianz Stadium, maintaining their perfect start under new coach Dan McKellar. No.8 Langi Gleeson led the charge with two tries, while a crucial 78th-minute penalty try sealed the win after the Drua collapsed a rolling maul. The visitors, winless after three rounds, once again showcased their attacking brilliance, highlighted by Vuate Karawalevu’s stunning first-half try, turning two Wallabies defenders inside out. Despite a late push from the Drua, the Waratahs’ defense held firm to claim their second win of the season.
WARATAHS
- Tries: Gleeson (14’, 37’), Porecki (44’), Penalty Try (78’)
- Conversions: Edmed (15’, 38’)
- Penalties: Edmed (26’)
DRUA
- Tries: Loganimasi (11’, 61’), Karawalevu (17’), Dolokoto (66’)
- Conversions: Muntz (12’), Armstrong-Ravula (62’)
CHIEFS OUTLAST BRUMBIES IN HIGH-SCORING SHOWDOWN
Chiefs 49 – 34 Brumbies (HT: 15-15)
The Chiefs remain unbeaten in Super Rugby Pacific, outlasting the Brumbies 49-34 in a high-scoring clash in Hamilton. Both teams crossed for six tries, but the Chiefs’ superior goal-kicking—Damian McKenzie and Josh Jacomb slotting eight of nine—proved the difference. Tied at 15-15 at halftime and 29-29 after 62 minutes, the Chiefs surged late, with Gideon Wrampling scoring two tries off the bench. Anton Lienert-Brown also grabbed a brace, while Quinn Tupaea dazzled with a solo effort. The Brumbies, led by Andy Muirhead’s double, were dangerous in attack but struggled under the high ball and at restarts. McKenzie’s late injury raises concerns for the Chiefs ahead of next week’s Drua clash, while the Brumbies seek redemption against the Blues in Auckland.
CHIEFS
- Tries: Lienert-Brown (14’, 80’), Jacomb (17’), Tupaea (47’), Wrampling (50’, 63’)
- Conversions: McKenzie (15’, 48’, 51’, 64’), Jacomb (80’)
- Penalties: McKenzie (27’, 9’), Jacomb (76’)
BRUMBIES
- Tries: Frost (7’), Meredith (20’), Toole (30’), Lonergan (56’), Muirhead (62’, 71’)
- Conversions: Debreczeni (57’, 63’)
BLUES SURVIVE HURRICANES IN ERROR-FILLED THRILLER
Hurricanes 29 – 33 Blues (HT: 19-21)
The Blues claimed their first Super Rugby Pacific win of the season, edging the Hurricanes 33-29 in a chaotic clash in Wellington. Despite three yellow cards and a red, they sealed victory with late tries from Hoskins Sotutu and Mark Tele’a. The Hurricanes stayed in the fight through Harry Godfrey’s 24-point haul, but their ill-discipline and costly errors allowed the Blues to escape with the win. Beauden Barrett’s game management proved crucial in the dying moments as the defending champions finally got on the board.
HURRICANES
- Tries: Godfrey (29’), Naholo (60’)
- Conversions: Godfrey (30’, 61’)
- Penalties: Godfrey (10’, 23’, 36’, 40’, 63’)
BLUES
- Tries: Penalty Try (18’), Riccitelli (25’), Suafoa (31’), Sotutu (68’), Tele’a (70’)
- Conversions: Barrett (26’, 32’, 69’)
DAUGUNU SEALS LAST-GASP WIN FOR REDS
Western Force 24 – 28 Reds (HT: 17-14)
A last-minute try from Filipo Daugunu snatched victory for the Reds, breaking Force hearts in a thrilling Super Rugby Pacific clash in Perth. The Force stormed to an early 14-0 lead, with Carlo Tizzano scoring twice, but Queensland fought back, as Josh Flook’s double kept them in the contest. Ben Donaldson’s penalty had the hosts ahead late, but a crucial 79th-minute penalty led to Daugunu’s match-winning try at the death.
FORCE
- Tries: Tizzano (16’, 69’), Swain (21’)
- Conversions: Donaldson (17’, 22’, 70’)
- Penalties: Donaldson (31’)
REDS
- Tries: Flook (24’, 44’), Lynagh (26’), Daugunu (80’)
- Conversions: Lynagh (25’, 27’), McLaughlin-Phillips (45’), Thomas (80’)
STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 3
That wraps up Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific. With teams finding their form, the competition is becoming even more intense, and every match is proving to be a battle. Some teams are making strong early statements, while others are still searching for consistency.
What do you think of this weekend’s action? Which team impressed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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