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No Kiwi derbies as Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals finalised
By Ben Smith
The eight quarter-finalists and the match schedules have been confirmed for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific play-offs as regular season action concluded.
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Fijian Drua created history by making the play-offs for the first time in their history by defeating the Queensland Reds in Suva.
The Drua finished in seventh position, ahead of the Reds (8th), Highlanders (9th), Force (10th), Rebels (11th) and Moana Pasifika (12th).
The Fijians will travel to Christchurch to take on the Cruaders, who finished second on the ladder despite losing to the Hurricanes 27-26, in the 2nd versus 7th quarterfinal.
The Chiefs, who demolished the Force in their last regular season clash, will host the Reds in the 1st versus 8th quarterfinal.
The Reds were the only team to beat the Chiefs in the regular season, upsetting the competition leaders in New Plymouth.
The Blues finished third after beating the Highlanders 16-9 on Friday night, and will host the flagging Waratahs.
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The Sydeny-siders were beaten by Moana Pasifika who avoided a winless season by knocking over the Tahs in the final round.
Despite beating the Crusaders in Dane Coles’ final home game, the Hurricanes still finished fifth setting up a quarter-final with historical rivals Brumbies in Canberra.
Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals:
Blues vs Waratahs – Friday June 9, Eden Park, Auckland
Chiefs vs Reds – Saturday June 10, FMG Stadium, Waikato
Crusaders vs Fijian Drua – Saturday June 10, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
Brumbies vs Hurricanes – Saturday June 10, GIO Stadium, Canberra
