Brumbies end 26-year hoodoo as Super Rugby Round 2 unfolds
Super Rugby Round 2 delivered a landmark result in Christchurch as the Brumbies broke a 26-year drought, while the Waratahs secured another tight win and the Force’s defensive concerns deepened. In the Six Nations, Ireland dismantled England at Twickenham and Scotland sealed a late victory in Cardiff.
🗓️ This week’s results
The Aussie sides
Brumbies end 26-year drought in Christchurch (37–24)
The ACT Brumbies defeated the Crusaders 37–24 in Christchurch, securing their first win at the venue since 1999. The result marked James Slipper’s 200th Super Rugby appearance and delivered a rare Australian victory in one of the competition’s toughest settings.
After absorbing early pressure, the Brumbies struck clinically to lead 19–14 at half-time. Despite periods reduced to 14 men, they scored first after the restart and never relinquished control, with Charlie Cale crossing twice in a composed away performance.
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Waratahs steady late to edge Drua in Sydney (29–24)
The NSW Waratahs did just enough to defeat the Fijian Drua 29–24 in Sydney after an error-strewn opening half. Despite scrum dominance and repeat entries, the hosts led only 12–11 at the break after squandering several opportunities.
Dan McKellar’s early second-half bench changes proved decisive. Jack Debreczeni brought control through territory and delivered a precise cross-field kick for Max Jorgensen’s second try as the Waratahs steadied to close out the result.
Read more (waratahs.rugby)
Force fade after half-time lead against Blues (45–28)
The Western Force led at the break but were overrun in the second half in a 45–28 loss to the Blues in Joondalup. The sides traded early tries before a yellow card shifted momentum toward the visitors.
The Force carried an 18–14 advantage into half-time, but the Blues struck within two minutes of the restart and steadily extended their lead with the wind behind them. For the second consecutive week the Force conceded more than 40 points, a defensive pattern that needs correcting.
Read more (westernforce.rugby)
The rest
Moorby marks return with hat-trick as Hurricanes roll Moana (52–10)
The Hurricanes opened their campaign with a 52–10 win over Moana Pasifika in Wellington, with Josh Moorby scoring three tries on return. After conceding early, the home side settled into the contest and pulled clear through pace out wide and sustained second-half pressure.
Chiefs hold off Highlanders in Dunedin (26–23)
The Chiefs edged the Highlanders 26–23 in Dunedin, holding firm under late pressure after building a narrow lead through disciplined defence and territory. Missed conversions proved costly for the home side in a tight finish.
🏆 Round 2 Standings
After two rounds, the Brumbies and Waratahs sit level at the top of the ladder, with the Chiefs also unbeaten just behind them. At the other end, the Force and Drua remain without points, while the Reds have a game in hand.
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ACT Brumbies | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 2 | NSW Waratahs | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 3 | Chiefs | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 4 | Hurricanes | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 5 | Blues | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 6 | Highlanders | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| 7 | Moana Pasifika | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 8 | Crusaders | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 9 | Queensland Reds | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 10 | Fijian Drua | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 11 | Western Force | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
🌏 In other news
Ireland dismantle England at Twickenham (42–21)
Ireland produced a dominant display to defeat England 42–21 in London, recording their largest ever win at Twickenham. Jamison Gibson-Park controlled proceedings superbly as Ireland combined tempo and accuracy, while England struggled for cohesion and defensive clarity throughout.
Scotland snatch late win over Wales in Cardiff (26–23)
Scotland overturned a 17–5 half-time deficit to defeat Wales 26–23 in Cardiff, sealing the result with a late score after sustained second-half pressure. Wales began with intent and extended their lead early after the break, but Scotland’s composure in the closing stages proved decisive.
France account for Italy in Lille (33–8)
France secured a 33–8 victory over Italy in Lille, building control through territory and discipline before extending their lead after the break. Italy competed at the breakdown but lacked the precision to apply sustained scoreboard pressure.