Super Rugby

The Blues have kicked off their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with a comprehensive 60-20 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.

A try to Marcel Renata kick-started the Blues second-half scoring and with second tries to Ioane and Telea and another to Papali'i they walked away with the match. The Blues lost last year's Super Rugby final to the Crusaders 21-7. The highly rated Auckland-based Blues have produced a Super Rugby Pacific statement performance to start their 2023 campaign with a record 60-20 win at the home of the Dunedin-based Highlanders.

After falling short of Super Rugby Pacific glory in last year's final, the Blues have come out of the blocks in red hot form to start their 2023 campaign.

[Taufa Funaki](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/taufa-funaki/)– 6 [Bryce Heem](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/bryce-heem/)– 6 [AJ Lam](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/aj-lam/)– 6.5 [Ricky Riccitelli](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ricky-riccitelli/)– 6.5 [Josh Fusitua](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/josh-fusitua/)– 6 [Marcel Renata](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/marcel-renata/)– 7 – Scored a try after coming on as a replacement. [James Tucker](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/james-tucker/)– 6 [Adrian Choat](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/adrian-choat/)– 7.5 – Came on earlier than he would’ve expected, having replaced Akira Ioane in the 29th minute – and made the most of it. The star flanker made 19 tackles, and also crossed for a try late in the piece. There’s been a lot of talk – for quite some time too – that the Blues flanker should start for the All Blacks. Just like his second-row partner, Suafoa didn’t really standout during the emphatic win – but was still good, as he did his job quite well. Following on from his [All Blacks](https://www.rugbypass.com/teams/new-zealand/) debut last year, Telea certainly made a statement ahead of this year’s World Cup. In the 61st minute, the towering lock won a penalty at the breakdown However, the 30-year-old deserves praise for his brilliant pass to setup winger Mark Telea for the Blues’ first try of the season. While he was a Test regular in the black jersey last year, there are a number of halfbacks gunning for his spot. Not only did the star winger score two tries of his own, but he also had two try assists – and so nearly had a third late in the contest. While he ran outran Umaga-Jensen for a try – courtesy of some Beauden Barrett brilliant – Clarke was otherwise kept at bay.

Follow live coverage as the Hurricanes start the season with a trans-Tasman trip, beginning against the Reds in Townsville.

NZME's stable of rugby writers answer all the big questions ahead of Super Rugby's start.

In a World Cup year, you can’t imagine any of the likely international players are going to be risked. Have a look at the five legacy NZ franchises this week, all of them boast quality loose forward trios that could push out the incumbents. Don’t get me started on the Super Round in Melbourne either, you’d have more chance of getting Maureen Pugh to believe in man-made climate change than getting Melburnians to embrace six games of Super Rugby across a weekend. Smith: The Australian sides improved last year, but will one of them be a legitimate title threat where they dictate the nature of the competition? It’s a new year, and many of those injured players are back and lining up in the opening round of the competition. That alone is worth the price of admission for the season.

The opening round of the competition, kicking off in New Zealand tomorrow afternoon. Error loading media: File could not ...

Super Rugby Pacific LIVE: 'The world of rugby is talking about him' - hype builds for Jorgensen debut in Wa...

Super Rugby is back on Sky Sports! From Friday, watch each and every clash this season from the premier of club rugby in New Zealand, Australia and the ...

He recently took a break from Test rugby for mental health reasons, but is back and raring to go again. In fact, Barrett holds the all-time All Blacks record of 4.18 for the infamous Bronco Test - in which players are required to run 20m, 40m and 60m forward and back five times over as fast as possible. He is a unicorn in rugby terms. Hurricanes skipper and All Blacks No 8 Ardie Savea is a rare breed on a rugby pitch, in that he can do every facet of the game well. Keep an eye out for some phenomenal physical contact and carrying. Expect to see and hear plenty of him on your Sky Sports screens this season. A superbly strong scrummager as well, the 21st prop is one of the most impactful players in the sport. If he's playing in a game, you'll know about it. He has already said he and his teammates are eyeing a charge for the Super Rugby title in 2023, and Hooper has been one of the most consistent performers in world rugby for many years. Super Rugby is back on Sky Sports! In fact, sometimes he scores them when it doesn't seem possible to do so. The hands and brain of a fly-half, the pace of a back and the body, lineout expertise and grunt of a forward, Retallick is always a player to watch out for.

A sleepover at Allianz Stadium and bear crawls: How players are preparing for a blockbuster Super Rugby season with Wallabies World Cup spots up for grabs.

Can they reverse the trend this year under new coach Cron and new captain Michael Wells? Have the Brumbies covered a quartet of crucial losses including Wallabies guns Banks and Fainga'a? A few senior players started whispering in my ear that maybe it wasn't the way to go. The Reds will be judged by their performances against New Zealand opposition after going 0-6 last season. that's the challenge.' But can they make the old SFS into the fortress it once was? Expectations are high, however the Tahs will be without Beale for an indefinite period pending the outcome of off-season sexual assault charges. but I definitely noticed that at training there's been a lot of emphasis on not giving away those sort of silly penalties and offside scrum collapses, more early entry, stuff like that. 'Last year our finishers were really good in this space ... 'We've got a new strength and conditioning coach from the Crusaders, Simon Thomas, who's been really good, and he sort of said, 'you can't use pre-season to get fit, you've got to come and fit and use the preseason to get better at rugby',' he said of the side's preparations for the year. 'The way I normally describe it (not being average) is not accepting mediocrity. Of course, in the back of the mind of Super Rugby Pacific fans this season is who will be who is pushing their case to have their name written on a ticket to France for September's World Cup.

Here are how the teams match up this weekend. (All times are AEDT). Friday. Crusaders v Chiefs, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch 5.05pm. All Blacks lock Sam ...

Key facts: Melbourne Rebels have won eight of their previous 10 away matches to Western Force in Super Rugby including their last three. The Highlanders have lost their last 10 games against Kiwi opposition – a record losing run for any team against their own countrymen in the competition. The Tahs have won three of their past four games against Australian opposition having lost 10 in a row before that. The Crusaders won their last seven games last season to claim the title. Otherwise the Hurricanes have plenty of star power including Ardia Savea, Jordie Barrett and Julian Savea Cron has named an all-international front-row, but it’s the second-row that the Force are light in. Larkham has gone for former Rebels playmaker Jack Debreczeni in the No.10 jersey. They scored 20+ points in their final three games, having done that once in their first four games. Josh Ioane is on the bench and Bryn Gatland was left out of the 23. The Chiefs won six of their last seven regular season games. 10 jersey on his return to Super Rugby after a season in Japan. Mitchell Dunshea, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, will replace hm alongside captain Scott Barrett.

The Brumbies and Waratahs back-rowers are two of the hardest players in Australian rugby and their battles are measured on the Richter Scale.

The deal will involve a sabbatical in Japan in the first half of 2026, but along with Angus Bell and Allan Alaalatoa - who have also extended to 2027 - Valetini will be a foundation player for Jones. He has been smiling a bit which is a good sign at the moment. It’s not even in the back of my mind anymore.” Swinton will be playing his first game of Super Rugby since he injured nerves in his left shoulder in the opening round of last season, which required surgery. [Super Rugby Pacific](https://www.stan.com.au/watch/sport/rugby/super-rugby-pacific) with every match streaming ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport. Asked about the match-up with Valetini at NSW’s captain’s run, Swinton broke into a grin: “It will be a good contest. “It has taken a while to get that confidence back. Tom Lynagh, 19, has been named at No.10 for Queensland, with James O’Connor unavailable through injury. “I had only heard stories from back in the day. “It was quite scary. We always say ‘good battle’ at the end of the game. We have an agreement to go at each other when we verse each other.

There is plenty of exciting talent within the Australian clubs ready to step up as we head into the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. In a new series, ...

If another team just happens to beat us and we hit our five points, we have to be happy with that…if we let them win it, that’s a completely different story so we’re trying to do as much as we can to secure some games this year.” “We just want to take it one game at a time. I think that’s helped me a lot around being able to reflect and do a lot more review on my game and preview on teams, especially around the lineouts.” I love being in and playing for Queensland so to get another deal to be at home with family and friends is awesome. I love being able to train full-time and put a lot more effort and time into my Rugby. In a new series, Rugby.com.au sits down with some of the players to watch, looking at Reds lock Ryan Smith.

The NSW Waratahs will host the ACT Brumbies in a grudge match to kick off the 2023 Super Rugby season in Australia.

The Waratahs' clash with the Brumbies will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport It will be the first time the Waratahs will play at Allianz Stadium since the redevelopment, with Darren Coleman eager to push for a top four finish. The NSW Waratahs will host the ACT Brumbies in a grudge match to kick off the 2023 Super Rugby season in Australia.

The Brumbies will be expected to continue to set the standard for Australian rugby despite the departure of coach Dan McKellar and a string of Wallabies.

New coach Dermody will be hoping for more luck with injuries this year. (Listed in order of last season’s finish on regular season standings): Last year’s loss to the Crusaders in the final snapped a 15-match winning streak and hit the Blues hard.

Rugby fans, it's time to rejoice. After 251 days, Super Rugby Pacific is back – and it all starts with a New Zealand blockbuster between the Crusaders and ...

“For me, Damian McKenzie goes to the World Cup and for Chiefs fans… He’ll be in the 10 jersey this year for the boys from the Tron.” Rugby fans, it’s time to rejoice. “To me, it’s not in doubt, he’ll be going to the World Cup. [Damian McKenzie](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/damian-mckenzie/) is back for the Chiefs in 2023 after taking a sabbatical in Japan.

The Chiefs rallied from 10-0 down after 20 minutes to beat the defending champion Crusaders 31-10 Friday and pull off the first upset of the Super Rugby ...

Retallick scored in the 33rd minute after a break by Shaun Stevenson set up an attacking lineout. “I thought in the second half we got a lot of that right. The Christchurch-based Crusaders were forced to make a large number of tackles in the second half and missed too many as they were outscored 24-0.

More than 25000 fans are expected at Allianz Stadium as the Waratahs return to Moore Park for the first time in four years to kick off a season brimming ...

Conal McInerney went off early for a head injury assessment and will not return. Max Jorgensen scores for the Waratahs, shaking off three Brumbies defenders to score his first try in his first 15 minutes of professional footy. Special mention to the fullbacks, Jack Debreczini and Ben Donaldson, who showed off their tactical kicking to give their sides excellent attacking opportunities. His father, Peter, of Wallabies and rugby league fame, is in the stands to watch it. Here’s that Jorgensen try to play on loop. Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead scores one of the, err, most spontaneous tries we’ll see this season. Looked shattered, appeared to be getting his foot looked at iwth medical staff prior to leaving the field. Whitaker also says his side is making the mistake of trying to play footy before getting enough go-forward. “I think he’s re-injured his foot again. But the try is not given. The teenager takes a bullet from inside centre Lalakai Foketi and does what he’s there to do, scoring his second try in 50 minutes of Super Rugby. Rob Valetini try disallowed because replays show Corey Toole’s heel scraping the touchline.

The Super Rugby Pacific championship kicked off tonight, with the Chiefs dominating the Crusaders 31-10 in Christchurch. Here's how it all happened.

The Crusaders did showcase some talents tonight, with Christian Lio-Willie particularly impressive after replacing Cullen Grace early, while Sevu Reece was busy ...

Another who has really impressed is Crusaders debutant Christian Lio-Willie, thriving after being called off the bench early thanks to a Cullen Grace injury ...

Super Rugby Pacific welcomed the 2023 season with the reigning champions hosting their fierce rivals from Waikato, the Chiefs.

Richie Mo’unga handled the majority of the Chiefs’ tactical kicking game at the back. [David Havili](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/david-kaetau-havili/) (vc) – 8 While his strength is in the physical game, the pace of the other outside backs had Fainga’anuku a step behind in some scramble play. Initiated some varied attack throughout the first half. [Mitchell Drummond](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/mitchell-drummond/) – 6 Regardless, Blackadder’s chances at claiming the All Blacks No 6 jersey are off to a fine start in 2023. Doesn’t quite possess the same accuracy as his brothers when it comes to the grubber but two efforts in the first half came off well. [Scott Barrett](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/scott-barrett/) (c) – 9 Both had early jitters with the lineout but Taylor looked to make up for it with opportunistic snipes around the ruck. [Codie Taylor](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/codie-taylor/) (vc) – 7 Showed good enthusiasm in the contact whether it was in the tackle or at the breakdown. The second 40 was a different story though, the Chiefs started taking their opportunities with ball in hand and scored 24 unanswered points.

Five takeaways from the Chiefs' stunning 31-10 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch in the opening game of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific.

A spinoff of more ball in play is elevated fatigue for the players, and it showed. It is worrying, but the men from Christchurch are hugely impressive, and they will be back to their best. However, it was not to be, and a quick look at the match statistics highlights exactly where it went wrong. Scrummaging is a slight concern, but the work done to make up for it by this mobile pack was outstanding. However, in the second half, the flair-filled star began to pull the strings integrating some of the other exciting stars in the backline, such as Shaun Stevenson, who had an outstanding game, and Alex Nankivell looks to be building on a good 2022 season. Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie were rusty off the tee, and there was a lot of back-and-forth kicking in the first 40.

Waikato Chiefs recovered from an early 10-0 deficit and blanked reigning champions the Canterbury Crusaders after halftime in a 31-10 upset at Christchurch ...

scored 24 of his 26 points in the second half Thursday night as Illinois rallied from an 18-point halftime deficit to stop No. 21 Northwestern 66-62 in Champaign, Ill. All the news you need to start your day.

Perennial champs stunned on home turf, kept scoreless for the final hour in losing a first season-opener in Scott Robertson's reign.

In the end he racked up whopping game-high numbers for metres (149) and defenders beaten (nine), as well as being equal-top for clean breaks (three). 8/10: If this is what the Super season has in store, then buckle up. His hot late 2022 form continued with several sizzling attacks to spark his side, playing the first half at fullback before being forced to left wing for the second. The Chiefs hung tough, though. The last time the red and blacks dropped a round-one game? The last time they failed to clinch the title.

ACT Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan pulled the Waratahs' pants down at Allianz Stadium on Friday night with a play few were expecting - including the man ...

Rob Valetini went over in the 43rd minute after strong, direct running and footwork by left-wing Corey Toole. The teams traded penalty goals after 22 minutes, the second a scrum penalty against NSW that Brumbies loose-head prop Blake Schoupp revelled in. Yet he managed to take the tumbling punt and run over to score. His try in the second half was a bolt to the corner and came after pressure and strong work by several men inside. It was the first Super Rugby game at Allianz Stadium in 1679 days and a supportive crowd of 25,076 - which included Wallabies coach Eddie Jones - saw a lively derby won by the visitors 31-25. With scores tied 10-all after 35 minutes and the Brumbies winning a penalty five metres out from NSW's line, all but Lonergan appeared to believe a penalty goal was imminent.

The Brumbies have claimed early season bragging rights against fierce Australian rivals the NSW Waratahs, having beaten them 25-31 at Sydney's Allianz ...

[Darcy Swain](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/darcy-swain/)– 6.5 – Very similar to [Rhys Van Nek](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/rhys-van-nek/), Swain came off the bench and didn’t miss a tackle from seven attempts. [Rhys Van Nek](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/rhys-van-nek/)– 6.5 – Making his debut in Brumbies colours, the prop came off the bench and made seven tackles without missing any. Behind Alaalatoa, Neville made the equal second-most tackles of any Brumbies player (10). The backrower ran for 36 metres and also made seven tackles. Flanker Rory Scott was more than impressive for the Brumbies against the Tahs, having made 10 tackles on the night. Frost had the most carries of any player on the night (13) and also finished with a 90 per cent tackle accuracy. The Brumbies started the contest on the back foot at the set-piece, and to an extent that has to reflect in Schoupp’s rating. Overall, the halfback scored 16 points and had a try assist. The halfback scored the Brumbies’ first try of the year after running in support of Tom Wright about seven minutes into the contest. The flyhalf, who has also played for the Rebels and Chiefs, set the tone early with a brilliant 50/22 kick. Now, that’s not just down to his performance on Friday – but it certainly hasn’t dented his chances. Early on, the utility back registered his first try assist of the season – setting up halfback Ryan Lonergan following a brilliant run into the Tahs’ 22.

Along with Eddie Jones' return, the Waratahs had been the talk of the town as Darren Coleman's side ambitiously spoke of their top four intentions. :Corey Toole ...

You see what he does on the sevens circuit. “That’s part of our game plan just get him the ball. But the TMO spotted a blade of the white chalk had been scrapped and the Waratahs survived. Losing against the Brumbies is nothing to lose sleep over. I didn’t realise how fast he was. “He was unreal.

Waikato Chiefs stunned the reigning champion Canterbury Crusaders 31-10 and ACT Brumbies gatecrashed a homecoming party for the New South Wales Waratahs ...

The Southern Hemisphere's premier club rugby competition is back, with the opening round of 2023 Super Rugby Pacific in the books.

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The Brumbies have gatecrashed the NSW Waratahs' homecoming to Allianz Stadium in Sydney, edging their Super Rugby Pacific rivals in a 31-25 win.

* Edmed was able to cut the deficit with a penalty goal in the dying stages to secure his side a losing bonus point. The halfback added two penalties after the Brumbies had a try chalked off for a foot in touch, with Jorgensen squeezing in at the corner to give the Waratahs hope of sealing a comeback.

Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan pulled the Waratahs' pants down at Allianz Stadium on Friday night with a play few were expecting — including the man who ...

Rob Valetini went over in the 43rd minute after strong, direct running and footwork by left wing Corey Toole. Yet he managed to take the tumbling punt and run over to score. The teams traded penalty goals after 22 minutes, the second a scrum penalty against NSW that Brumbies loosehead prop Blake Schoupp revelled in.

The ACT side notched its 10th straight win over NSW, as a teenage son of a gun announced himself as a new star.

We always knew he was going to handle it and a few things went his way today and he got over the line. “You’re always going to make mistakes at the start of the season - our set piece wasn’t great.” Noah Lolesio, who converted Toole’s try, was able to add a further three points when Michael Hooper was penalised for not releasing at the breakdown. Lonergan and Edmed traded penalties before the hosts’ fate took a twist just before halftime when they switched off at a Brumbies penalty. Edmed added the conversion, but Bell’s night was cruelled not long after due to a foot injury. In their first game at the venue in five years, the Waratahs were caught napping at key moments and Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies will head back down the highway with a hard-earned victory.

The Chiefs pulled off a huge upset against the reigning champions on Friday, travelling to Christchurch and stunning the Crusaders with a 31-10 victory.

The Chiefs came out of the gates in the second half with a renewed vigour, overwhelming the Crusaders with immense pressure and a lockdown defence. It was a tale of two halves for the Chiefs, with their backs pinned against the wall early after the Crusaders pulled ahead to a 10-0 lead courtesy of a try by David Havill and a penalty by Richie Mo’unga. The Chiefs pulled off a huge upset against the reigning champions on Friday, travelling to Christchurch and stunning the Crusaders with a 31-10 victory.

The first Australian instalment of Super Rugby Pacific 2023 saw the Waratah's host the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

Didn’t quite find his way into the match. Is a massive human however he was simply too high in contact on both sides of the ball. Expect him to build off this performance. Has much butter rugby in him. Put in a clunky performance. Generally, he appeared to be dusting off the cobwebs but had a fair dig. Plenty of work to do. This coupled with a silky set of hands reminded us what potential this man has however had to leave the field due to what appears to be yet another injury. A fair effort however probably couldn’t get his side playing more fluently due to the scrappy possession he received from the set piece. Got found out in defence and was guilty of playing a little too laterally in attack. I thought he was superb in a losing side. The first Australian instalment of Super Rugby Pacific 2023 saw the Waratahs host the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

The opening night of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season did not disappoint, as both matches set the tone for what promises to be a scintillating year ahead ...

22 jersey – and is expected to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench. [Folau Fakatava](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/folau-fakatava/) is set to start alongside flyhalf [Mitch Hunt](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/mitch-hunt/) in the halves. [Ruben Love](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ruben-love/) and Brett Cameron. [Freddie Burns](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/freddie-burns/) has been named in the No. [Crusaders coach ](https://www.rugbypass.com/news/who-scott-robertson-thinks-is-desperate-to-dethrone-crusaders/) [Scott Robertson](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/scott-robertson/) told Weekend Sport with Jason Pine last week. [Ryan Lonergan](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ryan-lonergan/) 16 of those for the visitors – the Tahs can take plenty out of the opening round loss.

The Brumbies have claimed early season bragging rights against fierce Australian rivals the NSW Waratahs, having beaten them 25-31 at Sydney's Allianz ...

Flanker Rory Scott was more than impressive for the Brumbies against the Tahs, having made 10 tackles on the night. The backrower ran for 36 metres and also made seven tackles. The towering second-rower did his job at the set-piece, and showed plenty of grit around the field of play. The Brumbies started the contest on the back foot at the set-piece, and to an extent that has to reflect in Schoupp’s rating. Frost had the most carries of any player on the night (13) and also finished with a 90 per cent tackle accuracy. Overall, the halfback scored 16 points and had a try assist. In the 26th minute, Debreczeni kicked the ball out on the full. Starting ahead of centurion Nic White, Lonergan was among the standout performers for the visitors throughout the opening 40. The flyhalf, who has also played for the Rebels and Chiefs, set the tone early with a brilliant 50/22 kick. Early on, the utility back registered his first try assist of the season – setting up halfback Ryan Lonergan following a brilliant run into the Tahs’ 22. Quite a quiet performance from Tua, who failed to make his mark on the contest. Winger Muirhead scored one of the most bizarre tries in Super Rugby history.

Matatu win their first Super Rugby Aupiki game to launch their second season with a statement.

With Bremner picking up a yellow card for slowing the ball down, the Blues found the space for Kolose to score her second try. Winger Jaymie Kolose, who only switched from touch rugby to playing 15s rugby last year, scored the Blues second try to close the gap to 26-14 to Matatu at halftime. The Blues got on the scoreboard through hooker Grace Gago who scored a try in her first Super Rugby Aupiki game but Matatu's halfback Di Hiini cancelled out Gago's effort with a try of her own a minute later.