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And then, there were four.
While most of the favourites made it through without many issues, true to form, the lower-ranked sides put up a lot of fight – most notably the Rebels in Wellington and the Highlanders in Canberra.
However, the top of the ladder – the Hurricanes, the Blues, the Brumbies and the Chiefs – prevailed, and the result will see the final three matches of Super Rugby Pacific 2024 play out in New Zealand.
Next week are these two upcoming fixtures.
Here is a look at the times and matchups for the semi-finals. (All times are AEST and are confirmed)
A view of the Super Rugby Pacific trophy is seen ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific Final match between Chiefs and Crusaders at FMG Stadium Waikato, on June 24, 2023, in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
The Blues have continued to grow since the arrival of Vern Cotter, and this season has seen massive performances from the likes of Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii and Patrick Tuipulotu.
Developing a physical, direct and fast style, the Blues hold the distinction of being the best-attacking side in Super Rugby, and have been undefeated at home in 2024 – in fact, have won 20 of their last 21 games at home!
However, they are not unbeatable, with two Kiwi sides in the Crusaders and Hurricanes being able to knock them off by beating them at their own game – physicality and enthusiasm. Additionally, despite coming into the finals with wins over the Chiefs and Drua, it can be argued that the Auckland-based side is not firing on all cylinders like they were earlier in the season – when they dispatched the Brumbies 46-7 at Eden Park.
Watch every match of Super Rugby Pacific ad-free, live & on demand on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport
For the Brumbies, it may have been their most statistically successful season – but it has also felt like the side has still not been firing as well as they could be.
Sure, 12 wins in the regular season is nothing to be sniffed at – and wins over the Hurricanes and Reds away were home really showcased their potential – but big losses to the Chiefs and Blues revealed that if they get on top of the Brumbies early, you can keep them down.
However, the Brumbies have showcased something significant this year – being that in the vast majority of games, the strengths developed in the squad have become so second nature that to beat them means to have to go through them in the set piece – and that is hard to do as the Brumbies are very, very good at set piece.
Even then, as evidenced by the Highlanders result, when you do get on them in one space, they can take control in other spaces – being when the Highlanders dominated the scrum, the Brumbies responded in kind with deeper, structured play and a dominant lineout. You cannot just beat the Brumbies in one place – you have to beat them everywhere to be a shot to win.
Dalton Papali’i of the Blues celebrates after scoring a try during the round nine Super Rugby Pacific match between Blues and ACT Brumbies. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
It bodes very well if you are a Brumbies fan for the future – but is also looms as their best chance to grab their first title in 20 years – as well as become the first Australian side to win in ten years.
While they got shown up against Auckland, the Brumbies have made a knack for pushing sides all the way in the semi-finals over the last two years – and the Blues know that better than most, following their thrilling 21-19 semi-final win in 2022 that saw them pull it out of the fire in the final minutes.
The Brumbies have it in them to go one better in 2024 – and their ability to keep pace with the Blues and Hurricanes cannot be denied. But, if they are to do so, they need to not only get on top of the Blues at set piece and physical dominance in general play, but when momentum shifts, not get sucked into the Blues style of play. It is a tough assignment for the men from Canberra.
Verdict: the Blues will be favourites for this match. With the physical dominance, and distinction of being the best attacking side in Super Rugby Pacific, their record at Eden Park is one of the most intimidating in the competition. If the Brumbies can match them in physicality and set piece however, they do have the team cohesion and ability to pull an upset.
It is all on the line now in 2024 – bring on the semi finals!
Allan Alaalatoa. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
The Kiwi affair of the weekend will see the big improvers in 2024 come up against the side that many predicted would be contenders to dominate the competition.
While 2024 has seen the Chiefs misfire somewhat, it says a lot about the quality of the side that even despite that, they still finished the season in fourth and find themselves in good form going into this semi-final.
Finishing the season winning four of their last six games, the Chiefs got a clear indication in the final fortnight as to where they stand in finals fixtures, playing the Blues and Canes back-to-back.
While they went down in both games, their 17-20 loss against the Hurricanes was a strong indication that they could more than match up with the top of the ladder, and despite not being at home, will fancy their chances.
They will take a lot of confidence with their brushing aside of the Queensland Reds – with their opening first half arguably the best any team has looked in the 2024 season. With All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho and Damian McKenzie also in strong form, the Hurricanes will have their work cut out to shut down a ruthless backline, spearheaded by a forward pack filled with five All Blacks.
However, whatever weapons the Chiefs have, the Canes are more than a match for them. There is a reason they topped the ladder.
The side that knocked off the second Aussie franchise last round in the Rebels, the quality of the Canes shone through in a dogged clash, overcoming a strong defensive effort through sheer attacking flair and quality depth.
The men from Wellington have only dropped two games this season – against the Blues and Brumbies – however, they are still to taste defeat at home, and no side has been able to come within a converted try to beating them in 2024.
They have seen several great talents rise to the surface in Isaia Walker-Leawere and steamroller Asafo Aumua, who is looming as one of the most dangerous players on this side of planet rugby.
TJ Perenara of the Hurricanes breaks away for a try during the round eight Super Rugby Pacific match between Hurricanes and Chiefs at Sky Stadium, on April 13, 2024, in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
While Brett Cameron is a less-celebrated flyhalf compared to McKenzie, his consistency this season, combined with his strong pairing with TJ Perenara has been a major part in why the Canes have been so good, and being supported in the backline by the likes of Salesi Rayasi, Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett.
The team cohesion has been especially impressive, and with plenty of players in the wider squad already having proven themselves throughout the season, the Chiefs can expect a massive challenge in the full matchday 23 – and with them at the Cake Tin, it might be where the game is decided.
Verdict: Unlike the quarter-finals, these semis are set to offer a much closer contest given what all four sides have produced. The Hurricanes, as minor premiers and being at home, will be favourites for this game. However, with a side that has Damian McKenzie in its ranks, you just never know! Canes to win, but by less than seven.
Watch every match of Super Rugby Pacific ad-free, live & on demand on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport
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