A last-minute try from Chiefs Josh Ioane sealed first place for the Hurricanes and a dramatic end to the most competitive season in years throughout the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs.
The Blues needed a bonus-point win at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. They went ahead when Akira Ione scored his fifth try in the 64th minute to go ahead of the Hurricanes on point difference. .
They needed three tries over their opponents to claim the all-important bonus point and Quinn Dubea would have been confident after slotting home Chiefs’ second five-pointer in the 68th minute.
Although the leaders had no chance of winning the match and nothing but pride to gain, Eoin replaced the Blues defensive line to score his side’s third try in the dying seconds.
The Blues won the match 31-17 on the back of their powerful pack and No.8 Hoskins Sotutu’s 10th and 11th tries.
„We can be happy with the win but our aim was to win with the bonus point and unfortunately we didn’t do that,” said Blues captain Patrick Tuipulodu.
„It’s very disappointing for us.”
Winger Salesi Rayasi earlier bagged a hat-trick of tries as the Hurricanes hammered the Highlanders 41-14 in the New Zealand capital to ensure the battle for top spot will go down to the final game of the regular season.
The Hurricanes now host the Melbourne Rebels in what will be Australia’s final Super Rugby match next weekend, while the Blues welcome Fijian Trua to Eden Park for their quarter-final.
The ACT Brumbies will host the Highlanders in Canberra and the Chiefs will play the Queensland Reds in Hamilton.
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