Sititi swoops as Chiefs snatch dramatic win over Hurricanes

Super Rugby Pacific round-up

By BEN JAYCOCK

WALLACE Sititi marked his return in stunning fashion as Chiefs claimed a dramatic 22-17 extra-time victory over Hurricanes to go top of the table and end their rivals’ five-game winning streak.

Tied 17-17 at full-time, Chiefs fly-half Damian McKenzie’s attempted drop-goal was charged down but the ball fell kindly for Sititi, who surged over to seal a memorable victory in his first appearance since round three.

In a tense contest, Hurricanes struck first through Josh Moorby in the corner. Chiefs managed only a McKenzie penalty before the visitors extended their lead before half-time. Du’Plessis Kirifi’s turnover sparked the attack, with Peter Lakai crashing over for 12-3.

Chiefs responded with Simon Parker crossing for his first try of the season but Asafo Aumua hit back for Hurricanes to restore a seven-point advantage.

With time ticking down, the hosts produced a trademark counterattack. Leroy Carter broke from deep before finding replacement Daniel Sinkinson, who scored to level the match and force extra time. McKenzie was instrumental, breaking into Hurricanes territory to set up field position and Sititi did the rest.

Fijian Drua pulled off a stunning upset in Canberra, beating Brumbies 33-28 to secure one of their most memorable Super Rugby Pacific victories.

Having won just one of their previous 33 away games, Drua defied the odds with a powerful first-half display, racing into a 22-7 lead with wing Manasa Mataele striking twice.

Brumbies responded after the break, with Tom Wright impressing on his return from injury, setting up tries for Ollie Sapsford and Tane Edmed. Corey Toole’s late score cut the deficit to two points and set up a grandstand finish.

Drua held firm under pressure, with Simione Kuruvoli’s try crucial in maintaining their advantage.

Waratahs claimed a 29-14 bonus-point win over Moana Pasifika in Sydney. Trailing 14-12 at the break after two Melani Matavao tries, the hosts capitalised on Pasifika errors in the second half. Isaac Kailea and Sid Harvey crossed to swing momentum, before a weather interruption forced players from the field.

Waratahs tightened control with Folau Fainga’a’s late rolling-maul try sealing the result. The victory snapped a three-game losing run to Pasifika and lifted the Waratahs back into top six contention.

Western Force produced a stunning comeback to beat Crusaders 31-26 in Perth, overturning a 19-0 deficit with Zac Lomax at the heart of the fightback. Crusaders dominated early, racing into a commanding lead through tries from George Bell, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Johnny McNicholl.

Henry Robertson hit back before half-time after good work from Lomax and Dylan Pietsch. Lomax then took centre stage. The former NRL star finished brilliantly in the corner to level the scores and tries from Pietsch and Harry Johnson-Holmes secured the win.