It was a massive weekend across rugby, netball, racing and league, with New Zealand sides producing statement performances as competitions edge closer toward finals football.
In Super Rugby Pacific, the Hurricanes delivered one of their strongest performances of the season, blowing away Moana Pasifika 64-12 in Wellington. The Canes’ speed and attacking flair proved too much for Moana, with Kini Naholo among the standouts as the home side piled on points to strengthen their playoff push.
The Chiefs also continued their red-hot form, extending their winning streak to six straight matches after defeating the Queensland Reds 31-21 in Brisbane. Wallace Sititi starred with two tries while Damian McKenzie controlled proceedings as the Chiefs tightened their grip near the top of the ladder.
Meanwhile in Dunedin, the Highlanders survived a dramatic late comeback from the NSW Waratahs to secure a tense 31-26 victory. After dominating the first half, the Landers were forced into a desperate defensive stand late in the game but held on to keep their finals hopes alive.
Across the Tasman in the NRL, the Manly Sea Eagles stunned the Brisbane Broncos with a dominant performance at Suncorp Stadium. The Sea Eagles ran riot against a disappointing Broncos side, although the match was overshadowed by concerns surrounding injuries and heavy contact during the contest.
On the netball court, the Northern Mystics continued their impressive rise in the ANZ Premiership with a commanding 55-47 win over Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse in Porirua. Peta Toeava orchestrated the attack brilliantly while the Mystics’ defensive pressure proved decisive as they climbed to second on the ladder.
Further south, the Southern Steel surged to the top of the ANZ Premiership table after overpowering the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic 61-48 in Tauranga. The Steel’s defensive unit again dominated while Kimiora Poi controlled the middle as the southerners secured their fourth straight victory.
In racing, Churchillian claimed Group 3 honours at Ascot Park after proving too strong in the feature event despite a strong challenge from a fast-finishing filly. The performance added another major win to the horse’s growing reputation during the autumn racing season.
With finals races heating up across rugby and netball, and major performances continuing across multiple codes, the weekend once again highlighted the depth of sporting talent across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.
#WaateaSports #SuperRugbyPacific #ANZPremiership #Chiefs #Hurricanes #Highlanders #Mystics #SouthernSteel #NRL #HorseRacing #Aotearoa #Sport
