Weekend Results
Leinster 29 – 25 RC Toulon
Champions Cup semi-final. Leinster into the Bilbao final. Doris, Conan, Van der Flier, Ringrose tries.
Bordeaux-Bègles 38 – 26 Bath
Champions Cup semi-final. Holders into the final. Gazzotti, Bielle-Biarrey, Lucu, Tameifuna, Matiu tries. Bath's European campaign over.
Ulster 29 – 12 Exeter Chiefs
Challenge Cup semi-final. Ulster into the Bilbao final. Territorial suffocation — 68% possession.
Montpellier 18 – 12 Dragons RFC
Challenge Cup semi-final. Scrum dominance eventually tells. Dragons push Montpellier all the way.
Hurricanes 38 – 31 Crusaders
Super Rugby R12. Fineanganofo's 15th try of the season decisive. Hurricanes reclaim top spot.
Blues 45 – 19 Moana Pasifika
Super Rugby R12. Blues power home in second half. Blues hold 2nd on the table.
Fijian Drua 24 – 14 Highlanders
Super Rugby R12. Drua keep finals hopes alive in Ba. Rabitu with two tries.
Queensland Reds 30 – 21 ACT Brumbies
Super Rugby R12. Reds complete season sweep of Brumbies. Consolidate 4th place on the table.
Western Force 20 – 17 NSW Waratahs
Super Rugby R12. Force win a tight one. Donaldson controlled the game with the boot.
Investec Champions Cup Semi-Finals
Leinster 29–25 RC Toulon — Defensive Masterclass
Leinster survived a nervous final 10 minutes to book their place in the Champions Cup final in Bilbao on May 23. Tries from Caelan Doris, Jack Conan, Josh van der Flier, and Garry Ringrose were ultimately enough, though Toulon struck twice late to reduce the gap to four points. Two yellow cards for Leinster shaped the contest — Andrew Porter for a high tackle on Shioshvili, and Harry Byrne for a team infringement — which briefly left Leinster defending with 13 men. That they went into half-time still leading 14–11 despite that chaos is testament to their defensive organisation and resolve.
The key tactical insight from this match was Leinster's defensive line speed — their ability to reset quickly after each contact and get back into a flat, organised shape. Toulon's entire game plan was built on the power of their carrying forwards and the brilliance of halfback Ben White as an organiser. Leinster neutralised it by refusing to let Toulon establish any rhythm in the collision zone. When Toulon were allowed to run hard lines, as in the late surge, the gap was immediately exposed.
LIPPY'S VIEW
A compelling last quarter that had everything. The game-saving tackle by Rieko Ioane was one of the defensive plays of the season — the kind of moment that defines Champions Cup nights. What was also notable was how the game turned when Sam Prendergast came on: he was exposed twice, once for a try and another time where Rieko Ioane came to the rescue again. Bordeaux will absolutely target him if he plays in the final — that is a tactical vulnerability Leinster need to address.
If Leinster play like that in Bilbao, they will struggle against Bordeaux. The defensive wobble in the last ten minutes against Toulon showed the cracks, and Bordeaux have far more weapons to exploit them.
Bordeaux-Bègles 38–26 Bath — Holders March On
Holders Bordeaux-Bègles were ruthless in dismantling Bath at the Stade Atlantique, scoring five tries and booking their place in the final to defend their title against Leinster. Gazzotti opened inside two minutes, Bielle-Biarrey added a trademark finish in the corner — his 29th try in 27 games this season — and Lucu, Tameifuna, and Matiu completed the rout. Will Muir replied with a fine brace for Bath, with Hennessey and Carr-Smith also crossing, but the English champions ultimately made too many defensive errors in the wide channels and paid for every one of them.
The tactical method was striking: Bordeaux used tip-on passes to get the ball beyond Bath's aggressive first line of defense and attack the space in behind — bypassing the blitz rather than running through it. Bath, who had defeated Bordeaux in the 1998 Heineken Cup final, simply had no answer to the pace of the attack or the accuracy of the finishing.
LIPPY'S VIEW
The atmosphere at the Stade Atlantique was electric — this is what rugby can and should look like. Bordeaux played with a crowd that was genuinely a 16th man, and if you add the refereeing, maybe a 17th. Bath played in a cauldron, and credit to them — they competed hard throughout.
Bielle-Biarrey is the full package right now: his finishing, his ability under the high ball, his defensive work. He is doing it week after week at the highest level. And Lucu — on form, he is the best scrum-half in France right now. The fact that he is second choice for France behind Dupont tells you everything about the riches French rugby has. Imagine having a player of his quality coming off the bench. And the depth does not stop there — at flyhalf, wing, fullback, all over the field. The French have a staggering amount of talent right now.
Bordeaux's driving maul was the difference. Bath simply had no answer for the power of their drive. A key moment was the Tuipulotu overthrow — had Bath secured that lineout, the momentum could have swung and we might have had a very different game. Bath did score at the end after the game was done, going the full length of the field rather than kicking it out, and that shows their class and competitive spirit. But it was still pretty comprehensive.
One player I was impressed by and want to highlight: Damian Penaud at center. Having him with the ball in hand more often gave him the extra freedom to roam, find gaps, and exploit space. With him at center and Bielle-Biarrey at wing, they were a formidable pair. I wonder if France will look to that combination as the way forward.
EPCR Challenge Cup Semi-Finals
Ulster 29–12 Exeter Chiefs: Ulster were dominant from start to finish at the Kingspan Stadium, pinning Exeter deep with 68% territory and forcing 14 handling errors in difficult wet conditions. A composed, professional performance that never looked in doubt. Ulster will face Montpellier in Bilbao on May 22.
Montpellier 18–12 Dragons RFC: A tighter affair than expected. The Dragons pushed Montpellier hard, with Aneurin Owen scoring twice to level at 12–12 in the 73rd minute. Montpellier's scrum dominance ultimately ground out the win. A fine effort from the Welsh side against Top 14 opposition.
Champions Cup Final — Bilbao, May 23
Investec Champions Cup Final
The final is a rematch of last year — Bordeaux beat Northampton Saints 28–20 in the 2025 final in Cardiff. Now the holders take on Leinster, who are appearing in their ninth final but are still chasing a title they last won in 2018. Leinster have lost their last four European finals.
The contest pits two very different models: Leinster's defensive organisation and try-scoring back row (four tries in the semi-final from Doris, Conan, Van der Flier, and Ringrose) against Bordeaux's breathtaking attacking width and the finishing of Bielle-Biarrey. For Leinster, slowing Bordeaux's tip-on attack, scrum dominance and powerful driving mauls will be the central challenge. For Bordeaux, getting their outside backs into space against a Leinster defense that showed some vulnerability in the wide channels late against Toulon.
LIPPY'S VIEW
I don't think Leinster will be able to handle the arsenal of weapons that Bordeaux have. They just look like the complete package — remarkable defense, world-class attack and finishers, and a bench that elevates them once they have tired the opposition out. It just does not look like Leinster have the tools and the depth to counter the many weapons that Bordeaux have.
Challenge Cup Final — Bilbao, May 22
EPCR Challenge Cup Final
Super Rugby Pacific — Round 12 Review
Hurricanes 38–31 Crusaders — Fineanganofo's 15th
The Hurricanes reclaimed top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific table with a high-quality, high-scoring win over the Crusaders in Wellington. The game had everything — Fainga'anuku scoring for the Crusaders in a new position (see below), Cam Roigard scoring a brilliant individual try, and Fehi Fineanganofo sealing the win with his 15th try of the season. The Crusaders were within 7 points with three minutes remaining after Dom Gardiner crossed, but the Hurricanes held on.
The result puts real pressure on the Crusaders' title defense. They now sit fifth on the table with three home games remaining — against the Blues, Chiefs, and Hurricanes. Wins in all three would likely be required to secure a top-four finish.
LIPPY'S VIEW
Warner Dearns is currently one of my favourite second rowers. He is a Japan international, but here is a question worth thinking about: what would it take for him to qualify for the All Blacks after the 2027 World Cup? He is very young and would still be only 28. Remember me when you see him playing for the All Blacks at the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
The first half was a kick fest, which speaks to how tight and competitive this tournament is. Cam Roigard was brilliant — he is right up there with the best nines in world rugby right now. And Fineanganofo — his try in the second half was an indication of what a world-class player he is. He is now one try away from the all-time highest tries in a Super Rugby season record.
The Crusaders without Will Jordan are a completely different team. No team can afford to lose a player of that quality — he changes games just by being on the field. The Crusaders were also getting the ball standing still for too many phases of the match: no good front-foot ball, too static, and that is very unlike them.
What a grandstand finish though. The game looked over, and the Crusaders came storming back. Then the kick by Havili at the end — when they had possession and time was up — summed it up. Easy to have an opinion from the sofa, and fatigue may well have played a part. But you cannot give the ball away in those situations.
Queensland Reds 30–21 ACT Brumbies — Reds into Top 4
The Queensland Reds completed a first season sweep over the Brumbies since May 2021, holding on for a 30–21 win at Suncorp Stadium. Lachlan Shaw had given the Brumbies an early lead, but the Reds fought back through Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and a first-half grubber from Kalani Thomas set up Josh Flook's crucial try before the break. Rob Valetini and David Feliuai briefly gave the Brumbies the lead in the second half before Seru Uru swung it back, and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips' accurate boot sealed it.
The Reds consolidate fourth place on the table — a genuine statement of intent heading into the final four rounds. McLaughlin-Phillips (22 years old, 12 points from the tee) is emerging as a potential Wallabies flyhalf option. The Brumbies have now lost three straight and drop to sixth, holding the last finals spot by just two points over the Fijian Drua.
LIPPY'S VIEW
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is in fantastic form and will be a great addition to the Wallabies squad. He was outstanding in the midweek matches against the Lions last year, and I was genuinely surprised he was not added to the Wallabies group for the Tests. He is playing the best rugby of his career right now — a strong, dynamic carrier with the ability to make things happen.
Super Rugby Pacific — Standings After Round 12
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | PD | BP | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hurricanes | 11 | 9 | 2 | +231 | 10 | 45 |
| 2 | Blues | 12 | 9 | 3 | +134 | 11 | 43 |
| 3 | Chiefs | 10 | 8 | 2 | +129 | 4 | 36 |
| 4 | Queensland Reds | 11 | 7 | 4 | -23 | 3 | 31 |
| 5 | Crusaders | 12 | 5 | 7 | +40 | 8 | 28 |
| 6 | ACT Brumbies | 12 | 5 | 7 | +14 | 6 | 26 |
| 7 | Fijian Drua | 12 | 6 | 6 | -89 | 0 | 24 |
| 8 | Western Force | 11 | 5 | 6 | -20 | 2 | 22 |
| 9 | NSW Waratahs | 11 | 4 | 7 | -49 | 5 | 21 |
| 10 | Highlanders | 12 | 4 | 8 | -69 | 7 | 21 |
| 11 | Moana Pasifika | 12 | 1 | 11 | -334 | 0 | 4 |
Top 6 qualify for finals. Chiefs on bye in Round 12. 4 rounds of regular season remaining. Crusaders and Brumbies most under pressure.
The "Hybrid" Revolution — Fainga'anuku at Openside
One of the more interesting developments in Super Rugby Pacific right now is the Crusaders' conversion of Leicester Fainga'anuku from his natural position as a powerhouse midfield back to openside flanker (No. 7). The result in Round 12 against the Hurricanes: 3 turnovers and 14 carries — elite numbers for any loose forward, let alone a converted back.
The concept is drawn from Rassie Erasmus's model at the Springboks — deploying a player with midfielder instincts and explosiveness in the back row to create mismatches in the collision zone. At 7, Fainga'anuku can exploit his superior footwork and power against forwards who are less equipped to handle an athletic midfielder coming off the edge. It also creates a 7–1 bench split possibility for the All Blacks under Dave Rennie — using one player to cover both back row and midfield, freeing up an extra forward for depth.
LIPPY'S VIEW
A fascinating experiment and a cool innovation for the game. It got me thinking — can you think of players you have been on a team with who would have made great hybrid players? Or players you have watched over the years whose athleticism and skill set would have been even more dangerous in a different position? It is a great exercise for coaches to look at their squad with fresh eyes. The days of rigid positional thinking are over.
Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley — Growing the Game
In a recent address, Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley outlined his vision for where the competition needs to go — and it goes well beyond what happens on the field. Three themes stand out.
Beyond the "Code Head": Mesley is pushing hard to grow Super Rugby's audience beyond its core traditional fanbase. The strategy involves embracing the competition's "soap opera" potential — hero moments, rivalries, storylines — combined with genuine stadium entertainment including laser shows and light displays. The goal is to make a Super Rugby fixture an event, not just a match, and to attract fans who might not have grown up with the sport.
The Quick Tap as a Fan Engagement Tool: Law variations encouraging the quick tap are working. Mesley has identified it as the second-highest excitement trigger for fans after tries — higher than linebreaks, offloads, or penalties kicked at goal. The data is pushing the competition to keep shortening stoppages and maximising ball-in-play time. This season's average match duration has reportedly come down to 89 minutes.
Supporters vs. Fans — The Commercial Problem: Mesley drew a distinction between "fans" (transactional, turn up when things are good) and "supporters" (loyal through the bad times, the financial bedrock of any club). His concern is that teams like Moana Pasifika — who are departing the competition after this season — never got the chance to build a true supporter base. Financial sustainability for Pacific Island and emerging franchises remains unresolved, and it is the competition's most pressing long-term challenge.
LIPPY'S VIEW
Super Rugby Pacific, especially this year, has been an amazing competition. On any given day, any team can beat any other — that is the gold standard for a sporting competition. When you compare it to the Premiership, where a handful of teams are genuinely competitive and the rest are taking 40 and 50-point defeats and clearly not in the running for playoffs, the difference is stark. Once those Premiership teams are out of contention, they seem to take their foot off the pedal.
The challenge for Super Rugby is always going to be the financials and the small population base in New Zealand, coupled with the lack of deep interest in Australia. But it is very heartening to see the competition's leadership thinking outside the box and doing everything they can to make it as entertaining as it has been. It still produces some of the best matchups in world rugby, and that is something to be proud of.
Looking Ahead
The Champions Cup final on May 23 in Bilbao is the match of the season — Leinster's ninth final against Bordeaux-Bègles looking to defend their title. Watch whether Leinster can neutralise Bordeaux's wide attack, relentless driving maul and physical defense, and whether Bielle-Biarrey, Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, and the rest of the world-class backline can be contained.
The Challenge Cup final on May 22 — Ulster vs Montpellier — is also in Bilbao. The winner earns automatic Champions Cup entry next season.
In Super Rugby Pacific, with four rounds remaining, the race for the top six is urgent. The Crusaders (5th, 28pts) and Brumbies (6th, 26pts) are the teams most under pressure — the Drua are only two points behind Brumbies in 7th, and the Force, Waratahs and Highlanders are all still mathematically alive. The Crusaders' remaining schedule (Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes) is the hardest possible run-in. The Hurricanes, with Fineanganofo closing in on the Super Rugby season try-scoring record, look the team to beat.