The NSW Waratahs’ dreams of reaching the Super Rugby Pacific finals were shattered on May 31 2025 with a crushing 46-6 defeat to the defending champion Blues at Eden Park. The lopsided loss in the final round of the regular season leaves Australian teams struggling to keep pace with New Zealand’s dominance. Here’s what you need to know about the match and what’s next for Super Rugby Pacific.
Waratahs Overwhelmed in Auckland
The Waratahs entered their must-win clash against the Blues needing a victory to keep their slim finals hopes alive. Despite early competitiveness the game slipped away in the second half as the Blues unleashed a relentless attack. Centre Rieko Ioane led the charge with a hat-trick equaling Doug Howlett’s franchise record of 55 tries. Winger Mark Tele’a added a double while Corey Evans and Ricky Riccitelli also crossed the line. The Blues led 17-6 at halftime with rookie flyhalf Jack Bowen’s two penalties keeping NSW in the fight. But a 29-0 second-half rout sealed the Waratahs’ fate ending their season with a 3-12 record per The Guardian.
Injuries plagued the Waratahs with stars Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (broken jaw) Max Jorgensen (unspecified) Jake Gordon (unspecified) Rob Leota and Charlie Gamble sidelined. Coach Dan McKellar called the performance “unacceptable” citing poor tackling and ball handling. Captain Hugh Sinclair echoed the frustration saying “We let ourselves down today.”
Super Rugby Pacific Playoff Picture
The Blues’ bonus-point win secures their spot in the top six likely clinching a home quarterfinal. The Hurricanes Chiefs and Brumbies have also locked in playoff berths with the ACT Brumbies as Australia’s sole representative. Moana Pasifika could still edge out the Blues for sixth place with a bonus-point win over the Hurricanes later today but the odds favor New Zealand teams dominating the finals. The Waratahs’ loss marks another blow for Australian rugby with no local champion since 2014.
The Waratahs’ collapse highlights the gap between Australian and New Zealand sides. Despite high hopes with additions like Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway from the defunct Melbourne Rebels NSW struggled with consistency and injuries. The Blues’ victory driven by Beauden Barrett’s playmaking and Ioane’s finishing underscores their title-contending form. Fans can expect intense quarterfinals starting June 6 with matchups streamed live on Stan Sport.
