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Super Rugby Pacific: Early Season Results and Upcoming Round 4 Fixtures

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Super Rugby Pacific: Brumbies Lead Early, Reds & Force Secure First Wins

The Super Rugby Pacific season has kicked off with intensity, seeing the ACT Brumbies secure two initial victories and claim a top spot on the ladder alongside the NSW Waratahs. Recent Round 3 matches brought relief and success for the Queensland Reds and Western Force, both achieving their first wins of the season. Teams are now gearing up for Round 4, which features five scheduled fixtures across Australia and New Zealand.

The ACT Brumbies have commenced their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with two consecutive bonus-point victories, leading the ladder alongside the NSW Waratahs.

Early Season Dominance (Rounds 1 & 2)

Brumbies' Blistering Start

The Brumbies began their season with a commanding performance in Perth, defeating the Western Force 56-24. This opening match was played in challenging conditions, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, necessitating heat stress protocols. The Force initially took an early 10-0 lead after 21 minutes, propelled by a try from flanker Vaiolini Ekuasi and a penalty goal from Ben Donaldson.

However, the Brumbies quickly turned the tide, scoring 28 consecutive points with tries from Charlie Cale, Declan Meredith (two), and Rhys Van Nek. Further scores from Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, and additional tries from Meredith and Cale ultimately sealed their emphatic victory.

In their second fixture, the Brumbies travelled to Christchurch, securing a significant 50-24 win against the Crusaders. This victory marked a historic moment, being their first win against the Crusaders in Christchurch in 26 years. The Brumbies held a narrow 19-14 lead at halftime, extending it to 31-24 before a late surge saw them score three more tries in the final eight minutes. This memorable match also saw prop James Slipper celebrate his 200th Super Rugby appearance.

Top of the Ladder

Following these impressive results, the Brumbies were tied with the NSW Waratahs at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, both with 10 points. The Waratahs had also achieved consecutive wins, including a notable 36-12 victory over the Queensland Reds in Sydney.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham, who was part of the team's last win in Christchurch, acknowledged the early stage of the season. He noted the challenge of adapting from the hot conditions in Perth to facing the Crusaders in New Zealand, emphasizing areas for improvement despite the strong start.

Round 3: First Victories for Reds and Force

Queensland Reds Triumphant

The Queensland Reds recorded their first Super Rugby Pacific victory of the season, defeating the Highlanders 31-14 at Lang Park. This win followed their Round 1 loss to the NSW Waratahs.

Five Wallabies players made their return to the Reds' lineup, with captain Harry Wilson and fly-half Carter Gordon featuring in the starting XV. Josh Nasser, Filipo Daugunu, and Kalani Thomas provided impact from the bench. Harry Wilson played a crucial role, contributing an early try-saving tackle and an assist for the opening score.

The Reds’ five tries were scored by:

  • Tim Ryan, following a pass from Wilson to Josh Flook and a subsequent kick.
  • Matt Faessler, from a powerful maul.
  • Tim Ryan, securing his second try.
  • Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, after a quick throw-in.
  • Vaiuta Latu, from a grubber kick.

The Highlanders’ points came from tries by Adam Lennox and Lucas Casey.

Western Force Break Drought

The Western Force achieved their first victory of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, defeating Moana Pasifika 35-19 in Pukekohe, New Zealand. This significant win broke a nine-match winless streak that had extended since April of the previous year, and also marked their first victory in New Zealand in four years.

The Western Force ended a nine-match winless streak and secured their first victory in New Zealand in four years with a dominant performance against Moana Pasifika.

The Force scored five tries to Moana Pasifika's three. Fly-half Ben Donaldson, who successfully passed a last-minute Head Injury Assessment (HIA), was instrumental, setting up the first try with a cross-field kick to Darby Lancaster. George Bridge scored his maiden try for the Force.

Other tries for the Force included:

  • Darcy Swain.
  • Carlo Tizzano, finishing a driving maul.
  • Leonel Oviedo, scoring the fifth try.

Moana Pasifika's late scores from hooker Mills Sanerivi, replacement half Melani Matavao, and second-rower Jackson Garden-Bachop denied the Force a bonus point.

Looking Ahead: Round 4 Fixtures (March 6-7)

Ten teams have announced their lineups for the upcoming Club Rugby Round, with the Fijian Drua on a bye. Fans can anticipate the return of key players, including Damian McKenzie, Du'Plessis Kirifi, and Beauden Barrett, for their respective teams.

Friday, March 6

  • Chiefs v Moana Pasifika: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (19:05 local time)
  • NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (19:35 local time)

Saturday, March 7

  • Highlanders v Western Force: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (16:35 local time)
  • Blues v Crusaders: Eden Park, Auckland (19:05 local time)
  • ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds: GIO Stadium, Canberra (19:35 local time)