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Super Rugby AU<\/strong><\/p>\n Rebels 33, Waratahs 14<\/strong><\/p>\n As Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz,<\/em> "There's no place like home."<\/p>\n The Rebels shared this sentiment as they ran on to AAMI Park to be greeted by their home fans for the first time in 377 days.<\/p>\n While absence makes the heart grow fonder, so too does scoring sensational tries from all over the park, as was the case on Friday night against a hapless Waratahs side.<\/p>\n Lachie Anderson scored a scorching team try from their own half and Matt To'omua laid on a brilliant individual five pointer, as the Rebels raced out to a 23-0 halftime lead.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Queensland go top thanks to Vunivalu magic<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Chiefs snap losing streak with epic comeback<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Legend's lament for 'clueless' Waratahs<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n There was probably no more deserving player than To'omua, following weeks of excellent performances on the road and some heartbreaking losses, not to mention having absorbed some of the biggest hits Super Rugby AU has dished out.<\/p>\n Incidentally, the last time the Rebels 'hosted' the Waratahs was the last time NSW tasted victory.<\/p>\n Albeit that 'home' game was held at Leichhardt Oval in Sydney, a mere 204 days ago.<\/p>\n The Waratahs fought to the end, adding a couple of tries as the clock wound down, but next week they'll take on the unbeaten Reds.<\/p>\n Reds 26, Force 19<\/strong><\/p>\n Fresh from beating the champion Brumbies last week, it was assumed that the Reds would easily account for the Force back at Suncorp Stadium.<\/p>\n I guess the Force didn't get the memo, as they went out and gave the unbeaten Reds all they could handle in an odd sort of match.<\/p>\n Force prop Greg Holmes celebrated his 150th<\/sup> Super Rugby cap against the team that he had represented 132 times between 2005 and 2016, so it was fitting he would reach the milestone back in Brisbane.<\/p>\n He led a Force scrum that would not take a backward step against the Reds' powerful front row, earning some dominance and penalties in the first half.<\/p>\n The Reds did look the more potent attacking force and did just enough to earn the victory, thanks to a brace of tries to Hunter Paisami.<\/p>\n His first try was a beautifully run line, using referee Damon Murphy to obstruct a defender, as he waltzed through a gap to score.<\/p>\n Star NRL recruit Suliasi Vunivalu also flashed his ridiculous potential throughout, including some jaw-dropping lead up work to lay on a try for Jock Campbell.<\/p>\n That try was also just reward for Campbell who was the victim of a super falcon, as he was hit flush in the face by a Rob Kearney clearing kick in the first half.<\/p>\n Ouch.<\/p>\n Despite some frustration with their own performance, the win leaves the Reds unbeaten in four games this year, which is their best ever start to a Super Rugby season.<\/p>\n Super Rugby Aotearoa<\/strong><\/p>\n Chiefs 35, Hurricanes 29<\/strong><\/p>\n If you've heard the old adage 'it was a game of two halves,' this surely is the type of match that would qualify.<\/p>\n The Hurricanes led 26-7 at halftime, following a polished display that was led by midfielder Ngani Laumape.<\/p>\n The powerfully built back set up tries with strong running, link play and even a cross-field kick pass to new winger Salesi Rayasi.<\/p>\n But the second stanza saw the Chiefs come back firing with some exciting tries and sustained pressure.<\/p>\n They did twist the dagger somewhat too, as two of the tries were scored by players originally from Wellington \u2013 Chase Tiatia and Naitoa Ah Kuoi.<\/p>\n The win halts the Chiefs' losing streak at 11 games, avoiding them setting a new record for New Zealand Super Rugby sides.<\/p>\n This Hurricanes home game – dubbed Mana Moana<\/em> – celebrated the region's Maori and Pasifika players, but in the end Chiefs' mana got the result.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/StanSportAU\/status\/1373495905379184641?s=20<\/a><\/p>\n Crusaders 43, Blues 27<\/strong><\/p>\n The Crusaders have ruled the roost for years and 2021 brought about great hope that finally another Aotearoa team could topple them.<\/p>\n The brightest hope appeared to be the Blues, who had gone through the season unbeaten, as they welcomed the red and blacks to Eden Park.<\/p>\n But what happened next?<\/p>\n Well, it didn't end well for the Blues.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/StanSportAU\/status\/1373491703793913865?s=20<\/a><\/p>\n Despite creating attacking opportunities, particularly out wide, Leon MacDonald's men were unable to make the champs pay.<\/p>\n While the Crusaders on the other hand, were able to strike like a cobra in maximising the return from sometimes limited opportunities.<\/p>\n Once again, their All Blacks led the way, with Sam Whitelock, Jack Goodhue and Codie Taylor continuing their great recent form.<\/p>\n While another All Black – fly half Richie Mo'unga – was a maestro pulling the strings for the Crusaders backline and went past 800 individual points for his career.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/StanSportAU\/status\/1373488867769077762?s=20<\/a><\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Blues will rue squandered chances and a few brain explosions, which definitely did not help their cause.<\/p>\n They will look to bounce back against a suddenly positive Chiefs side, while the Crusaders have the bye to celebrate a job half done, at their midway point of Super Rugby Aotearoa.<\/p>\n For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em> clicking here<\/strong><\/em><\/a>!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"Sizzling](\"https:\/\/vms-network-images-prod.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com\/2021\/03\/349449\/pickerImage.jpg\")
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