Weekend Results
Crusaders 36 – 20 Blues
Super Rugby Pacific R13. Faingaʻanuku at openside, a one-man wrecking crew. Bower scores on his 100th appearance. Crusaders win with 13 men.
Chiefs 31 – 21 Reds
Super Rugby Pacific R13. Test match intensity in Brisbane. Taukei'aho two maul tries decisive. Carter Gordon impact off bench.
Hurricanes 50 – 17 Moana Pasifika
Super Rugby Pacific R13. Moorby four tries. Naholo back from injury with two more. Hurricanes reclaim top spot with authority.
Leicester 41 – 17 Northampton
Premiership R15. Tigers hammer the league leaders. Title race blown wide open. Freddie Steward outstanding.
Saracens 41 – 26 Bristol
Premiership R15. Saracens power past Bristol. Top-four picture shifts dramatically.
Exeter 35 – 12 Bath
Premiership R15. Exeter punish Bath at Sandy Park. European hangover continues for the holders.
Glasgow 40 – 17 Cardiff
URC R17. Warriors ruthless at home. Top spot secured heading into the final round.
Ulster 38 – 38 Stormers
URC R17. Werner Kok hat-trick. Penalty try in final moments ties the match. Classic Belfast finish.
Wild Knights 45 – 0 Brave Lupus
Japan League One R18. Saitama demolish Toshiba. Robbie Deans' side march toward a second straight title.
Super Rugby Pacific: Round 13 Review
Crusaders 36–20 Blues: The Defending Champs Respond
In the marquee clash of the round, the Crusaders handed the Blues a 36–20 defeat at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, a result that felt like a statement from the defending champions. Sitting fifth on the table with their season in danger of drifting, the Crusaders produced a six-try performance led by the electrifying Leicester Faingaʻanuku, who started at openside flanker and was everywhere: two try assists, 15 tackles, three turnovers won, and constant menace around the breakdown. The Blues will need to regroup before hosting the Hurricanes.
For the Crusaders, this was a bye-week bonus, with the win arriving ahead of a rest period, giving them time to consolidate before a tough final stretch. This is a team that has won eight titles in nine years and knows how to time its run.
LIPPY'S VIEW
What a performance from Leicester Faingaʻanuku, a one-man wrecking crew. He set up three tries, poached at the breakdown, made line breaks, and was simply irrepressible in his hybrid 7/back-row role. He is starting to not look like an experimental option, but a full-on solid pick on the side of the scrum, not only for the Crusaders but for the All Blacks as well. Absolute X-Factor. Special mention too for prop George Bower, who scored his first Super Rugby try on his 100th match appearance, a fairy-tale moment for one of the competition's most popular personalities. The Crusaders won this one with 13 men on the field at the end, which tells you everything about their resilience. They have been significantly impaired by injuries all season, but they know how to win this tournament. When the Crusaders find their stride late in the season, the rest of the competition should be worried.
Hurricanes 50–17 Moana Pasifika: A Masterclass in Clinical Execution
The Hurricanes reclaimed top spot with a ruthless 50–17 demolition of Moana Pasifika at a rainy North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. Wing Josh Moorby was exceptional, scoring four tries, while Kini Naholo, back from a long injury absence, came off the bench and immediately looked a handful, scoring two tries of his own. The Hurricanes were without Jordie Barrett, Ruben Love, and Cam Roigard, yet barely looked challenged. Their depth is extraordinary. Du'Plessis Kirifi's leadership was calm and commanding throughout.
For Moana Pasifika, the picture is bleak. Eleven defeats from twelve games, a points differential of –291, and an uncertain future off the field. A funding bid from Kanaloa Rugby has been blocked, leaving players and fans in limbo.
LIPPY'S COACHING TAKEAWAY
The Hurricanes' performance without three of their best players is a lesson in system over individuals. When your squad can produce a 50-point performance without its marquee playmakers, that's the hallmark of elite program building. Depth is not an accident; it's the product of deliberate selection, development investment, and a culture where the next man genuinely knows his role.
Waratahs' Finals Dream Is Over: Highlanders Hold On
The Highlanders survived a red card to beat the Waratahs 31–26 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, a result that mathematically eliminated the Waratahs from finals contention. The Waratahs had star Wallaby Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the backline but simply could not claw back the deficit after the Highlanders' advantage was established early.
LIPPY'S VIEW
Caleb Tangitau for the Highlanders was irrepressible, and his try was reminiscent of Jonah Lomu. Go find it on YouTube. Amazing power! I think we are going to see a lot of him in the black jersey for years to come. And for the Waratahs, Sid Harvey is a player to watch. He showed real class and composure for a young player in a high-pressure situation. Australian rugby needs players like these two to step up and fulfill their potential.
Chiefs 31–21 Reds: Test Match Intensity in Brisbane
The Chiefs' 31–21 win over the Reds at Suncorp Stadium had the intensity of a test match, with both sides bringing physicality and urgency. Sitting third and sixth on the table respectively, both teams knew exactly what was at stake.
LIPPY'S VIEW
This match had genuine test match intensity and physicality; both teams came to play. Carter Gordon made a massive difference when he came on in the second half; that is exactly the impact you want from a player off the bench. Harry Wilson was outstanding for the Reds, a Trojan-like performance, carrying hard, tackling hard, and never taking a backward step. Samisoni Taukei'aho scored two tries from the driving maul and was the difference in a tight contest. Lotu continues to dominate. This was a match between third and fourth in the competition and it showed.
Super Rugby Pacific: Standings After Round 13
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | PD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hurricanes | 11 | 9 | 2 | +257 | 45 |
| 2 | Chiefs | 11 | 9 | 2 | +139 | 40 |
| 3 | Blues | 12 | 8 | 4 | +92 | 38 |
| 4 | Crusaders | 12 | 6 | 6 | +63 | 32 |
| 5 | Brumbies | 12 | 6 | 6 | +24 | 29 |
| 6 | Queensland Reds | 11 | 6 | 5 | –40 | 27 |
Top 6 qualify for finals. Highlanders 7th (24pts). Drua on bye. Three rounds remaining.
The Quick Tap: Opportunity or Risk?
Super Rugby Pacific data confirms that the quick tap is now the #2 fan engagement trigger in the competition, with tactical use at a record high in 2026. The movement to quick taps has significantly sped up the game and created many more opportunities for tries. Law changes introduced for the 2026 season allow taps to be taken one metre either side of the mark, giving attacking teams greater flexibility to exploit where the defense is out of shape.
Teams are targeting fatiguing defensive units with quick taps to prevent opposition defensive resets. The key is reading the defense and only going when the opportunity is genuinely there.
LIPPY'S VIEW
The primary trigger should always be playing what is in front of you, and speed of execution, but you must ensure the rest of your team is always ready. Otherwise the risk of being isolated in the tackle exposes your team to a turnover or penalty, and all momentum is lost.
English Premiership: Round 15 Review
Leicester 41–17 Northampton: Title Race Blown Open
In the game of the round, Leicester Tigers handed Premiership leaders Northampton a comprehensive 41–17 defeat at Welford Road, blowing the title race wide open with three rounds remaining. Northampton had looked set for a comfortable run to the top-of-the-table finish, but Leicester showed the kind of ruthless, physical dominance that has defined their best form this season. The 24-point winning margin will send shockwaves through the top of the table.
Saracens' 41–26 win at Bristol on the same day is equally significant; Saracens are now firmly in contention for a top-four playoff spot alongside Leicester, Bath, and Northampton. Bath, meanwhile, lost 35–12 at Exeter, their second defeat in as many weeks.
LIPPY'S VIEW
The European hangover for Bath continues. Having reached the Champions Cup semi-final where they fell to Bordeaux 38–26, Bath's squad looks tired, but there is lots more rugby to play. Never write off a Johann van Graan coached team. They have the character and the depth to bounce back.
LIPPY'S COACHING TAKEAWAY
The Premiership race reminds us that momentum in sport is fragile. A team that looked unassailable at the top of the table three weeks ago now faces a genuine contest. For Northampton, the challenge is mental as much as physical: recovering from a heavy defeat, resetting expectations, and refocusing on the process. No lead is safe, and every match must be approached with the same intent and preparation regardless of position on the table.
Premiership: Standings After Round 15
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northampton | 15 | 12 | 1 | 2 | 62 |
| 2 | Bath | 15 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 58 |
| 3 | Leicester | 15 | 11 | 0 | 4 | 57 |
| 4 | Exeter Chiefs | 15 | 9 | 1 | 5 | 54 |
| 5 | Bristol Bears | 15 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 48 |
| 6 | Saracens | 15 | 8 | 0 | 7 | 47 |
Top 4 qualify for playoffs. Three rounds remain. Leicester close the gap to 5pts on Bath. Exeter 4th, 6pts clear of Bristol in 5th.
LIPPY'S VIEW
One question I was asking while watching the Leicester match: why did they not start Henry Pollock? Then he came on and had a mixed bag. He made a fool of himself early by trying to rile a rampant Northampton side, had a few X Factor moments, and a few big mistakes. He needs to just play. He is good enough not to have to be the cartoon villain. He still has that X factor that makes him special, but I think the social media icon strategy is distracting from him becoming a world-class player. Freddie Steward had a great game and was one of Leicester's standout performers on the night.
United Rugby Championship: Round 17 Review
Glasgow 40–17 Cardiff: Warriors Lock Up Top Spot
Glasgow Warriors produced a commanding home performance to beat Cardiff 40–17, reinforcing their place at the top of the URC standings heading into the final regular-season round. Their "reload speed," the ability to reset defensively between phases, has been highlighted by coaches and analysts alike as a key reason for their dominance.
Ulster 38–38 Stormers: Drama in Belfast
One of the weekend's most extraordinary results saw Ulster and the Stormers draw 38–38 in Belfast. The Stormers tied up the game after full time with a penalty try awarded after a high tackle. Not a bad outcome for the Stormers, who needed some points on the road, and are still in second place in the URC.
Leinster 31–7 Lions: Champions Find Their Stride
Leinster bounced back from their shock Benetton defeat with a composed 31–7 win over the Lions, and the performance had the hallmarks of a team that has refocused on the task ahead. With the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux-Bègles on May 23 in Bilbao looming as the biggest match in Irish club rugby this season, Leinster looked sharp and purposeful. The Lions are now in fifth place, with the Stormers and Bulls ahead, and all three South African sides are positioned for playoff berths.
LIPPY'S VIEW
The Ulster-Stormers draw was an absolute classic. What a finish. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu scored two tries and Werner Kok grabbed a hat-trick for Ulster in a breathless match that had everything. It came down to a penalty try in the final moments to tie the game. As for Leinster, they look sharp and purposeful heading into the Champions Cup final, which is exactly what you want to see from a team of their stature in the business end of the season.
Connacht 26–7 Munster: Irish Derby Goes West
Connacht produced a bonus-point win over Munster at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium, in a result that has significant playoff ramifications. Connacht move to 49 points and keep their slim top-eight hopes alive for the final round, while Munster's season continues to unravel.
URC: Standings After Round 17
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glasgow Warriors | 17 | 60 |
| 2 | Stormers | 17 | 59 |
| 3 | Leinster | 17 | 58 |
| 4 | Bulls | 17 | 54 |
| 5 | Lions | 17 | 53 |
| 6 | Munster | 17 | 51 |
| 7 | Cardiff | 17 | 50 |
| 8 | Ulster | 17 | 50 |
Top 8 qualify for playoffs. Source: unitedrugby.com. Final round (May 15–16) is decisive; Cardiff and Ulster level on 50pts battle for 8th. Connacht (49pts) still outside the cut.
Top 14: The JIFF Quota System
The French Top 14's JIFF rule (Joueurs Issus des Filières de Formation) requires clubs to field an average of 16–17 locally trained players per 23-man matchday squad, with foreign (non-JIFF) players limited to around six or seven per match. The rule is designed to protect French player development pathways and ensure the Top 14 continues to serve as the primary pipeline for Les Bleus.
This week, with the Top 14 season in full swing and Bordeaux-Bègles preparing for the Champions Cup final, here are the current standings:
| Pos | Club | P | W | D | L | PD | B | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toulouse | 23 | 17 | 0 | 6 | +395 | 14 | 82 |
| 2 | Montpellier | 23 | 14 | 1 | 8 | +223 | 12 | 70 |
| 3 | Pau | 23 | 15 | 0 | 8 | +119 | 9 | 69 |
| 4 | Stade Français | 23 | 13 | 1 | 9 | +145 | 14 | 68 |
| 5 | Clermont Auvergne | 23 | 14 | 0 | 9 | +134 | 10 | 66 |
| 6 | Bordeaux-Bègles | 23 | 13 | 0 | 10 | +106 | 12 | 64 |
| 7 | Racing 92 | 23 | 13 | 1 | 9 | +51 | 7 | 61 |
| 8 | La Rochelle | 23 | 12 | 0 | 11 | +101 | 10 | 58 |
Top 6 qualify for Top 14 playoffs. Bordeaux-Bègles in 6th, also contesting the Champions Cup final on May 23.
Investec Champions Cup Final: The Countdown Is On
🏆 Investec Champions Cup Final
The biggest match in European club rugby arrives on May 23. Leinster, eight-time finalists and four-time champions, face Bordeaux-Bègles, who are defending the title they won last year in Cardiff. It is Bordeaux's second final appearance and a chance to cement their status as a genuine European dynasty. For Leinster, this is a ninth final appearance, and having lost their last four finals, the hunger to end that run is palpable.
EPCR Challenge Cup Final: Ulster vs Montpellier
🏆 EPCR Challenge Cup Final
Japan Rugby League One: Round 18
In Japan, the Wild Knights continued their march toward a second straight title, hammering Toshiba Brave Lupus 45–0 in Kumagaya, a dominant performance that underscores why Robbie Deans' side are the team to beat.
Looking Ahead
Super Rugby Pacific, Round 14 (May 15–16): Chiefs host the Highlanders in a critical top-two clash. Blues face the Hurricanes in Auckland. The Brumbies host the Reds in what amounts to a direct finals-position playoff. Drua host the Waratahs; Force host the Reds.
Champions Cup Final, May 23, Bilbao: Leinster vs Bordeaux-Bègles. Circle the date. This is the match of the European season.
Challenge Cup Final, May 22, Bilbao: Ulster vs Montpellier. The night before the big one, and no less important for the teams involved.
URC Round 18 (May 15–16): The final regular-season round decides all playoff positions. Ulster host Glasgow, Cardiff host the Stormers, both with major seeding implications. Munster host the Lions in what is effectively a must-win for both sides' playoff aspirations.
Premiership, Round 16 (May 15–17): Northampton host Bristol on Friday night, looking to bounce back from the Leicester defeat. Bath face Newcastle at the Recreation Ground. Sale take on Leicester.