Super Rugby Pacific performers of the week: Qualifying Finals

Since 1996, the Crusaders, Blues, Brumbies, and Chiefs have won 22 Super Rugby Pacific titles between them.

Big names from the fabled franchises stepped up in the first round of the playoffs. The quartet will collide to decide the finalists next weekend.

Scott Barrett (Crusaders) 

At Apollo Projects Stadium, the Crusaders extended their unbeaten playoff streak to 30 consecutive matches with a commanding 32-12 victory over the Reds.

The Crusaders obliterated the visiting scrum, winning three penalties in the opening quarter while imposing their physical superiority throughout the match.

Barrett scored the Crusaders’ first try in the 17th minute, jolting Fraser McReight into a lineout fumble. Notably, the Crusaders have scored 24 tries directly from opposition mistakes in 2025.

In his 100th win for the Crusaders, the All Blacks captain also made 10 tackles, 11 carries, and three lineout catches, delivering a busy, abrasive, and clinical performance that silenced early-season doubters.

“In these conditions, you’ve got to kick well, use your set piece, and not overplay,”  Barrett revealed in an interview with Sky Sport afterwards. “The boys rolled up their sleeves. I’m enjoying my rugby. I like to think I’m improving as the year goes on.”

Another standout performer was All Blacks halfback Noah Hotham. His kicking game was precise, and his try, scored while retrieving one of his kicks, was the most exciting and skilful moment of the match.

The Crusaders have won 26 of their 33 matches against the Reds. The Reds have lost 13 of their last 19 away games in Super Rugby Pacific, including their last four, and have lost 26 of their last 29 games in New Zealand.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

29

23

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

100%

Hoskins Sotutu (Blues) 

“Confortare Esto Vir” was instilled in Hoskins Sotutu during his time at Sacred Heart College. This Latin Catholic mantra from one of New Zealand’s esteemed rugby schools translates to: “Take Courage and Act Manfully.”

Sotutu recorded a dozen tackles and a match-leading 18 carries for 54 meters in the Blues’ gritty 20-19 upset of the Chiefs.

In New Zealand, if a player expresses a desire to play for England, it’s treason; he might never play for the All Blacks again. Sotutu has demonstrated that he is good enough, even if the selectors are apathetic again.

Replacement lock Josh Beehre scored the winning try. He has played 23 games (12 wins) for Auckland, honing his skills at Whang?rei and Hastings Boys’ High School. The New Zealand Under-20s representative expressed his excitement afterwards to Sky Sport, saying, “Cool moment! I wanted to get my hands on the ball, and I’m happy with how it worked out. I trusted Beauden Barrett with the kick.”

With a decrepit cap and grizzly beard, understated Blues coach Vern Cotter sounded ominously Canterbrian when he demanded, “Better hits” at halftime and also warned, “Some of those kicks just didn’t get the bounce.” If a team were ever to end perfection at Apollo, it would be the Blues.

Billy Pollard (Brumbies) 

The Brumbies have eliminated the Hurricanes from the playoffs four times, with three of those instances occurring since 2022. Hooker Billy Pollard may not have been perfect, but he was a standout performer – bustling and efficient.

In his 41st appearance for the Brumbies, the Barker College product scored two tries in the first half, both from well-executed rolling mauls. While the Brumbies lost four lineouts, they won 18, and Pollard made additional contributions with a dozen tackles and eight carries.

Back in 1997, eight-test Wallaby Mitch Hardy also scored two tries during the Brumbies’ 35-29 elimination of the Hurricanes in the semifinal at Athletic Park.

Hurricanes openside flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi finished just short of Fabien Holland as New Zealand’s busiest Super Rugby defender. Holland made 204 tackles for the Highlanders, while Kirifi recorded 203 for the Hurricanes.