Crucial Super Rugby Pacific Clash: Blues Host Chiefs in Top-of-the-Table Showdown
In a must-win contest to claim the top spot on the 2024 league table, the Blues hosted the Chiefs in a crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash. Both teams faced late lineup changes, with three All Blacks – Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa, and Shaun Stevenson – sidelined for the match.
As the clock wound down, a late try from Josh Ioane denied the Blues the top seed, securing the Hurricanes’ bragging rights and confirming the Brumbies as third-placed finishers.
Exciting Start and Tightly Contested Match
The game started with excitement as the Chiefs made a break down the middle, only to have the try disallowed after the TMO spotted an illegal hold in the initial play. The Blues then opened the scoring with a lineout drive try, before adding another through Hoskins Sotutu after the Chiefs were reduced to 14 men.
The second half saw the Blues pull away, with tries from Mark Tele’a and Sotutu’s second. However, the Chiefs kept fighting, with Quinn Tupaea crossing the line to narrow the deficit. A crucial turnover by Sam Knock and a chip-kick from Sotutu allowed the Blues to maintain their lead, but in the final seconds, Josh Ioane’s try secured the top spot for the Hurricanes, with the final score 31-17.
“The game showcased the skill and determination of both teams, with the late drama ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the encounter.”
The bbc rugby union news report highlighted the high-stakes nature of the match, with the bonus point win needed to claim the top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific table in 2024.
đź”— Source
