Super Rugby

Covid affected Chiefs cobble team together for Moana Pasifika clash

Following a thrilling victory over the Crusaders in Christchurch, the Chiefs will play Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday night, the only Super Rugby Pacific match in New Zealand this weekend.

The new fixture was announced yesterday due to COVID outbreaks in the Blues, Highlanders, and Crusaders squads which forced New Zealand Rugby to amend this weekend's schedule.

The Chiefs were originally set to play the Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika were to play the Highlanders.

Covid-19 numbers grow in Highlanders and Blues camps

In a release the Highlanders said they had cancelled today's training session, but at this point there has been no decision made on Friday's game in Dunedin.

They said there had been no change to the rest of their schedule this week.

The Highlanders have managed to play four games so far this season, losing all four of them.

However, another postponed game would be a major setback for Moana Pasifika, who have played just one game so far.

They had two games postponed at the start of the season because of Covid-19 in their camp.

Hurricanes ready to roll again in Super Rugby Pacific

Last weekend's match against Moana Pasifika was postponed as they were unable to field a side because of the virus.

There is a chance that this weekend's game against the Chiefs in Wellington will be pushed back a day until Sunday.

The game is scheduled for Saturday night, but the Hurricanes coach assistant Chris Gibbes said there are discussions about delaying it a day.

"From our perspective having an extra day with the game on Sunday would be massively beneficial for us so hopefully we can get that across the line.

Chiefs win heavyweight clash

The home side looked in control of the blockbuster encounter until a last gasp try secured an epic 24-21 win for the Chiefs.

Desperate defence from the Crusaders on their goal line as the final whistle beckoned was not enough to prevent the Waikato side prevailing.

For the Chiefs, Rameka Poihipi, scored the decider, with another two tries to Shaun Stevenson. The Waikato-side also claimed its first win since 2016 over the powerhouse Canterbury team.

Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said his players competed at the set piece and showed plenty of determination.

Blues battle past Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific

After playing on for 10 minutes beyond the final hooter, the Blues left the field as 32-20 victors and Highlanders head home still searching for a way to win this season.

Covid-19 cases impacted on who was available to take the park on Friday, with the Highlanders leaving some of their squad in Dunedin and the Blues forced into making late changes to the starting side.

Moana Pasifika's Covid postponed matches re-scheduled

Moana Pasifika were supposed to kick off the tournament last month against the Blues but the match was postponed after several players in the squad went down with Covid-19.

The match will now be played on 29 March at Mount Smart Stadium while the game against the Chiefs will be played in Hamilton on 12 April.

"It was always our intention to reschedule the matches and it's a great result for the integrity of the competition," said the NZR's Chris Lendrum.

Crusaders' Jason Ryan stoked with Fiji Drua's first win

Ryan is also assistant coach of the Flying Fijians - Fiji's national team.

His input has seen a huge improvement in Fiji's forward play.

This was put on show last year when Fiji's loose forwards embarrassed the All Blacks at the ruck in Dunedin, the All Blacks of course won the encounter 57-23 and the second test 60-13.

Ryan was called on by Fiji coach Vern Cotter in 2020 and will stay with Fiji until the 2023 World Cup in France.

He said he was stoked about the Fiji Drua's maiden victory at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Covid strikes Super Rugby Pacific again

It's been a tough week for the franchise, with Hurricanes Poua also forced to withdraw from their inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki match also because of Covid-19.

"We obviously wanted to play, and I really feel for the staff and players," Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee said.

"We are also disappointed for Moana Pasifika who have already had to deal with this situation twice this season."

Leali'ifano promises more to come from Moana Pasifika

The 34-year-old was proud of being part of a Moana Pasifika's performance against the Crusaders that was far better than many had expected, albeit rueful that friends and family couldn't be on hand to see it.

He was delighted that Moana Pasifika could be a platform to showcase Pasifika culture to the world. And, he was certain that they had a lot more up their sleeve as they quickly shifted focus to the Hurricanes in Wellington next Saturday.

Hurricanes win error-strewn game

The three tries to two win was a gutsy effort from the home side, but the visiting Highlanders now sit winless after three games.

The Hurricanes were strong on defence in Wellington and their bench players made an impact when they came on the field.

Both teams made plenty of errors, but the Hurricanes endured for their second straight win, after last week beating the Blues in a stunning finish.

Hurricanes captain Ardie Savea said Covid-19 was going through the team.

"With omicron, there were some late changes," Savea said.