Waratahs learn quarter-final fate as Brumbies knock off Rebels
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The Waratahs will head to Auckland next week for a quarter-final clash against the Blues hoping to snap a daunting 14-year hoodoo at Eden Park.
It comes as the Brumbies booked a home quarter-final against the Hurricanes with a 33-17 win over the Melbourne Rebels.
In the first match of the final round of Super Rugby Pacific, the Blues secured a 16-9 win over the Highlanders to lock up third spot.
Given the Waratahs can’t finish higher or lower than sixth place, no matter what happens against Moana Pasifika on Saturday night, NSW coaches have begun preparing for a tough encounter against the Blues on enemy territory.
The Waratahs were thumped by the Blues 55-21 earlier in the season at Eden Park. No NSW team has triumphed against the Blues in Auckland since 2009.
Jake Gordon directs the play for the Waratahs against the Blues.Credit: Getty
The Blues have a formidable record at home against the Waratahs, winning 13 of their last 14 matches.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies survived a scare against the Rebels to book a quarter-final in Canberra against the Hurricanes, much to the relief of the ACT-based side.
A fortnight ago the Brumbies suffered a 34-19 loss against the Force In Perth after resting a number of key players.
After a 31-21 loss to the Chiefs last week, the Brumbies opened up a 14-10 half-time lead before Tom Wright, Ollie Sapsford and Tom Muirhead bagged tries to seal a 16-point victory.
Nic White passes during the Brumbies’ victory over the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night.Credit: Getty
With the Blues in third and the Brumbies in fourth, the Hurricanes will have to settle for fifth place.
The Hurricanes have bragging rights over the Brumbies this year following a 32-27 win in Wellington.
Two matches on Saturday have finals ramifications.
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If Queensland beat Fijian Drua, the Reds will lock up seventh spot and a daunting quarter-final clash in Christchurch against the Crusaders.
If the Reds fall short, the Western Force can still sneak into the top eight.
The Rebels are out of the finals race. Despite being in their fair share of close games this season, Kevin Foote’s side finished second last with four wins from 14 matches.
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