Everything you need to know about Super Rugby Pacific round nine

Heading into the final match of Super Rugby Pacific round nine, here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s games.

Results

Chiefs 50-17 Fijian Drua

Melbourne Rebels 27-43 Crusaders

Blues 55-21 NSW Waratahs

To come…

Western Force vs Highlanders

Round Recap

Chiefs extend unbeaten run with dominant win over Fijian Drua

• The ladder-leading Chiefs extended their unbeaten run to eight games with a 50-17 win over the Fijian Drua in Hamilton
• Playing in the wet at FMG Stadium, the Chiefs managed to score five tries during a fast-paced opening 40
• Outside centre Daniel Rona was particularly impressive for the hosts, having finished with two try assists and more than 120 running metres to his name
• While the starting XV looked a bit different this week, in-form utility backs Damian McKenzie and Shaun Stevenson continued to stake their claim for All Blacks selection

The Chiefs have continued their perfect start to this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign with an emphatic 50-17 win over the Fijian Drua on Friday evening.

Playing in the wet at FMG Stadium, Chiefs halfback Cortez Ratima set the tone early with a try in just the third minute. The rising star saw a gap and ultimately made the Drua pay from close range.

In-form outside back Shaun Stevenson continued to push his case for the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad with as he finished off an impressive team effort five minutes later.

The Chiefs looked very good during the opening quarter of the match, and threatened to put on a cricket score in front of their home fans in Hamilton.

While the Drua managed to score midway through the half, Chiefs flanker Kaylum Boshier cancelled that effort with a try of his won in the 20^th minute.

Anything the Drua could do, the Chiefs could do as well – if not better.

Tries to All Blacks Damian McKenzie and Samisoni Taukei’aho helped complete the point scoring blitz from the Chiefs, as they went into the sheds at half-time up 31-12.

The second 40 wasn’t quite as extreme, but followed a similar trend as the hosts ran away with a big victory.

After waiting until the 71^st minute for their first try of the half, which was scored by captain Brodie Retallick, the Chiefs added another two five-pointers to their tally before the end of the match.

Crusaders rally to beat valiant Rebels in Melbourne

• The Rebels led by 12-points at the break, but a second-half point-scoring blitz from the Crusaders saw the title holders record an important win
• After trailing at half-time, the Crusaders outscored their opponents 30-5 in the second 40
• Led by star playmaker Richie Mo’unga, the Crusaders ended up leaving AAMI Park with a hard-earned bonus point victory

Going into their round nine clash, the Rebels and Crusaders were both desperate to win – but for very different reasons.

Defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders had silenced their critics over the last few weeks, but needed to win in order to keep up with the high-flying Chiefs and Brumbies.

As for the Rebels, who sat in 10^th place going into the match, a win could’ve propelled them into the top eight.

Following a tense start to the match, the Crusaders eventually took an early lead after a try to winger Macca Springer.

But three tries in 11 minutes saw the Rebels take control of the contest, and eventually take a commanding 24-12 lead into the half-time break.

An upset appeared to be on the cards at Melbourne’s AAMI Park, but the Crusaders are champions for a reason.

Led by star playmaker Richie Mo’unga, who was celebrating his 100^th Super Rugby appearance, the Crusaders fought their way back into the match.

Tries to David Havili, Cullen Grace, Ioane Moananu and Dallas McLeod saw the title holders record a tough 16-point win.

Blues put 50 on under-strength Waratahs

• The Blues made a statement in Auckland with a convincing 55-21 win over the NSW Waratahs on Saturday
• Ricky Riccitelli and Zarn Sullivan both scored doubles for the hosts
• The Blues outscored the Waratahs 35-14 in the second half

For the first time this season, the Blues have recorded back-to-back wins in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign after beating the Waratahs 55-21 at Eden Park.

The blues beat the Melbourne Rebels 54-17 at AAMI Park a fortnight ago before going on a bye in round eight.

Returning to Eden Park for the first time in almost a month, the Blues celebrated Beauden Barrett’s 150^th Super Rugby appearance – as well as Harry Plummers 50^th match for the franchise.

Right from the get-go, the Blues were in control of their trans-Tasman derby with the Waratahs.

The Tahs, who were missing a number of Wallabies including Michael Hooper, conceded inside the opening 10 minutes – which practically summed up the match.

First half tries to Ricky Riccitelli and Zarn Sullivan saw the hosts lead 20-7 at the break, before the Blues turned on the after burners in the second 40.

The Blues scored four tries in the second half as they registered a convincing 55-21 win over the Waratahs – and they secured a winning bonus point as well.