Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes Stun Chiefs, Brumbies Close Gap

Wellington Hurricanes defeat Waikato Chiefs 35-17, while ACT Brumbies close gap to leaders with win over NSW Waratahs.

The Wellington Hurricanes bounced back with a thrilling 35-17 win over the competition-leading Waikato Chiefs, thanks to four tries from winger Bailyn Sullivan off the bench. This victory intensifies the playoff race.

The Queensland Reds suffered a shocking 36-33 defeat to the Fijian Drua in Suva. Meanwhile, the ACT Brumbies closed the gap to the leaders with a convincing 40-17 win over the NSW Waratahs in Canberra.

The Waikato Chiefs remain atop the standings despite their loss, with the Canterbury Crusaders set to host a crucial match between the two teams next week. The Brumbies narrowed the gap to three points after their win.

The Wellington Hurricanes, who had a slow start to the season, have staged a revival under a new tactical approach. Ruben Love's switch to flyhalf has paid off, and they capitalized on this change with a notable win over the Brumbies before defeating the Chiefs.

The Chiefs led 17-9 at halftime thanks to two tries from Daniel Rona. However, the Hurricanes' backline sparked to life in the second half, with Ruben Love, Callum Harkin, and Billy Proctor orchestrating the attack. Bailyn Sullivan, who replaced Kini Naholo early, capitalized on the momentum.

Hurricanes captain Du'Plessis Kirifi reflected on the team's turnaround, saying, “We're rugby players so sometimes we're a bit slow to learn and slow to take things on. But we're picking it up now and the boys are willing and eager to learn and extremely coachable. So great job this week and we're not done yet.” The win moved the Hurricanes to fifth place, two points ahead of Moana Pasifika.

🚨 Winger Bailyn Sullivan scored four tries off the bench to fire the resurgent Wellington Hurricanes to a 35-17 win over the competition-leading Waikato Chiefs as the race for the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs heated up in round 12. pic.twitter.com/4GWVyZ4LTl

— Sports Reels TV (@sportsreelstv) May 5, 2025

Moana Pasifika secured their first-ever win over the Otago Highlanders in a nail-biting match in Dunedin. The Highlanders seemed set for victory when Jack Taylor scored in the 73rd minute, but Samoa scrumhalf Melani Matavao charged down a clearance kick and touched down, giving Moana a 34-29 win.

Moana skipper Ardie Savea emphasized the team's goal, saying, “We want to win the championship, but first we've got to make the top six, which means winning every week.” Savea added, “We take the W today, we go home, hug our loved ones... reset away from footy, and then we come back next week and play the Blues at home.”

The Auckland Blues reignited their form with a dominant 40-19 bonus-point win over Western Force at Eden Park. Beauden Barrett, playing at flyhalf, orchestrated the victory with a stellar performance.

Western Force's Kurtley Beale marked his return from injury with an early try, but the Perth-based team struggled to contain the Blues' momentum in the second half, ultimately unable to match their opponents' pace.