Sat 15th May 2021 | 08:10 PM
Christchurch, New Zealand, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th May, 2021 ) :The Canterbury Crusaders scrapped to a 31-29 win over the ACT Brumbies and Western Force pushed Waikato Chiefs to the wire Saturday as New Zealand teams clung on to ensure an unbeaten start to the trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.
After trailing 19-7 at half-time in Christchurch the Brumbies had the chance to snatch a draw when Rob Valetini scored in the last play of the game, only for Noah Lolesio to send the conversion left of the uprights.
It was a similar scenario in Perth, where Domingo Miotti scored a try on the hooter, but then hooked what would have been a winning conversion right of the posts in a tense 20-19 loss.
The Brumbies will take on Super Rugby Aotearoa champions the Crusaders in Christchurch.
OPINION: Now the Super Rugby Aotearoa final has been won, almost inevitably, by the Canterbury Crusaders, New Zealand can sit back and reflect on a unique season of pandemic-affected . just kidding. The Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition – a planned but somewhat rushed sequel – kicks off on Friday night with the Otago Highlanders playing the Queensland Reds in Dunedin, and the Wellington Hurricanes playing the New South Wales Waratahs in Sydney. I realise a lot of readers do not require the locations of the teams, but many Kiwis do. For some, the idea of the Hurricanes taking on the Warratahs is just a Friday night bar fight between rugby players and a country rock band from the 90s, probably over the Interislander. It would be must-watch television (I’d put even money on Barry Saunders v Dane Coles), but factually incorrect.
Dramatic victory for the Chiefs thanks to last-gasp Damian McKenzie kick
The result puts the Chiefs ahead of the Auckland Blues in the race for a final berth. By AFP Friday 23 Apr 2021, 11:27 AM 4 hours ago 3,326 Views 4 Comments
Celebrations for the Chiefs following today s Super Rugby Aotearoa victory against the Hurricanes.
Image: Photosport/Jeremy Ward/INPHO
Celebrations for the Chiefs following today s Super Rugby Aotearoa victory against the Hurricanes.
Image: Photosport/Jeremy Ward/INPHO
DAMIAN MCKENZIE BOOTED the Waikato Chiefs to yet another late win in a 26-24 victory over the Wellington Hurricanes today to boost their chances of making the Super Rugby Aotearoa final.
Friday 23 April 2021 - 6:28pm
Damian McKenzie s late penalty won it for the Chiefs.
AFP/Behrouz Mehri
WELLINGTON - Damian McKenzie booted the Waikato Chiefs to yet another late win in a 26-24 victory over the Wellington Hurricanes on Friday to boost their chances of making the Super Rugby Aotearoa final.
McKenzie s 82nd-minute penalty kick extended the Chiefs winning run to five matches, turning around a form slump that blighted the start of their season in the New Zealand competition.
McKenzie has been a key part of the Chiefs hot streak and captain Brad Weber praised his composure in key moments after the dramatic, final-kick win over the Hurricanes.
McKenzie kicks Chiefs to last-gasp win over Hurricanes france24.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from france24.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.