Super Rugby Round 4 Recap: Carter Gordon wins thriller for Reds as Brumbies suffer first defeat

The Brumbies retain their top spot despite the defeat, with the Chiefs closing in on the league leaders with the points difference narrowed down to just two. The Chiefs racked up a significant bonus point win over their own over Moana Pasifika, as the Hamilton side gain steady momentum in the season's early goings. The Blues also handed the Crusaders a solid defeat, in a long awaited triumph for the Auckland side over the New Zealand rivals.

The Chiefs produced a dominant attacking display to defeat Moana Pasifika 57-24 in Hamilton, celebrating the return of Damian McKenzie with a nine-try performance. The playmaker made an immediate impact in his first appearance of the season, orchestrating the attack alongside fellow returning All Black Cortez Ratima as the hosts ran riot.

The Chiefs started at a blistering pace, with Quinn Tupaea crossing inside two minutes before Leroy Carter set up Liam Coombes-Fabling soon after. Moana Pasifika stayed in the contest early, with Glen Vaihu producing a superb solo try and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa finishing a powerful rolling maul to keep the visitors within reach.

However, a brilliant passage of play from McKenzie shifted momentum decisively. The fly-half first produced a crucial try-saving tackle before breaking through the defence to set up Emoni Narawa and then chasing Ratima’s chip kick to create Lalakai Foketi’s first try for the franchise.

Holding a 31-14 halftime advantage, the Chiefs continued to dominate after the break. Carter completed a superb hat-trick within six minutes, while replacement Kyle Brown scored with his first touch of the game. Tyrone Thompson rounded off the scoring as the Chiefs surged into second place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

Chiefs: 57
Tries: Leroy Carter 3, Quinn Tupaea, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Emoni Narawa, Lalakai Foketi, Kyle Brown, Tyrone Thompson
Conversions: Damian McKenzie 6

Moana Pasifika: 24
Tries: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 2, William Havili Ofa, Glen Vaihu
Conversions: Jackson Garden-Bachop 2

The Hurricanes delivered a ruthless attacking performance to defeat the NSW Waratahs 59-19 in Sydney, extending their remarkable winning run over the Australian side to nine straight matches. The visitors ran in nine tries at Allianz Stadium, with centre Billy Proctor producing a standout display that included a second-half hat-trick.

The Waratahs were dealt a major blow before kickoff when star recruit Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was ruled out with a hamstring strain sustained in the warm-up, forcing youngster George Poolman into a debut. Despite the disruption, the hosts made a bright start with Triston Reilly barging over from close range. The Hurricanes quickly responded through Asafo Aumua and Peter Lakai before in-form winger Max Jorgensen crossed for his fifth try in three matches to level the contest. Bailyn Sullivan’s try late in the first half ensured the Hurricanes held a narrow lead at the break.

The match turned decisively after halftime as Proctor struck twice in quick succession, exploiting a tiring Waratahs defence that also endured periods with players in the sin bin. Sullivan added a second while further tries from Cam Roigard’s replacement Xavier Enari and Salesi Rayasi capped the rout as the Hurricanes powered away in the Sydney heat.

Hurricanes: 59
Tries: Asafo Aumua, Peter Lakai, Bailyn Sullivan 2, Billy Proctor 3, Xavier Enari, Kini Naholo Rova
Conversions: Jordie Barrett 4, Callum Harkin 1, Riley Cashmore 2

NSW Waratahs: 19
Tries: Max Jorgensen 2, Triston Reilly
Conversions: Lawson Creighton 2

The Highlanders staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Western Force 39-31 in a thrilling Super Rugby Pacific clash in Dunedin, denying the visitors a historic second straight win in New Zealand. In a rollercoaster contest where the lead changed hands six times, the Highlanders surged late to seal a much-needed victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The hosts started strongly, with Veveni Lasaqa and Jonah Lowe crossing to establish early momentum. However, the Force responded with a powerful spell of their own. Captain Jeremy Williams scored from close range before Ben Donaldson sliced through the defence to set up Hamish Stewart, helping the visitors to a 21-17 halftime lead.

The second half remained tightly contested as both sides traded blows. Lowe grabbed his second try to reclaim the lead for the Highlanders before winger Caleb Tangitau struck to extend the advantage. The Force refused to fade, with Carlo Tizzano and George Bridge scoring within two minutes to bring the visitors back into the contest.

But Tangitau’s second try, followed by a late penalty, ultimately sealed the result for the home side. The win provides a welcome boost for the Highlanders after a difficult run of results, while the Force were left frustrated after pushing the hosts all the way in an entertaining try-fest.

Highlanders: 39
Tries: Jonah Lowe 2, Caleb Tangitau 2, Veveni Lasaqa
Conversions: Cameron Millar 3, Ajay Faleafaga Pasitoa 1
Penalties: Cameron Millar 1, Ajay Faleafaga Pasitoa 1

Western Force: 31
Tries: Richard Kahui Ekuasi, Jeremy Williams, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano, George Bridge
Conversions: Ben Donaldson 3

The Blues reignited their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with an impressive 29-13 victory over the Crusaders at Eden Park, snapping a four-game home losing streak against the defending champions. The win lifts the Auckland side back into the top four after last week’s narrow defeat in Canberra.

The hosts exploded out of the blocks, with winger Caleb Clarke delivering a sensational start by scoring twice in the opening nine minutes. His early brace came after the Crusaders were reduced to 14 men following Dom Gardiner’s high tackle, and the Blues capitalised immediately. The momentum continued when Beauden Barrett, making his first appearance of the 2026 season after a late promotion to the starting side, produced a clever kick for Codemeru Vai to finish spectacularly in the corner, giving the Blues a 19-3 lead.

The Crusaders responded before halftime, with Codie Taylor and Rivez Reihana crossing to close the gap to six points at the break. However, Clarke quickly made amends for his own earlier yellow card after the restart, completing his hat-trick to extend the Blues’ advantage. From there, the hosts controlled the contest with disciplined defence and territory, while Barrett’s late penalty sealed a statement victory over the reigning champions.

Blues: 29
Tries: Caleb Clarke 3, Codemeru Vai
Conversions: Beauden Barrett 3/4
Penalties: Beauden Barrett 1

Crusaders: 13
Tries: Codie Taylor, Rivez Reihana
Penalties: Rivez Reihana 1

The Queensland Reds staged a dramatic comeback to edge the ACT Brumbies 34-31 in a thrilling Super Rugby Pacific clash at a rain-soaked GIO Stadium. Trailing by 11 points with just five minutes remaining, the Reds refused to surrender as Filipo Daugunu crossed in the 78th minute and Carter Gordon capped a stunning return to rugby with a post-siren diving try to snatch victory.

Gordon, playing his first competitive union game since 2024 following a stint in the NRL, was the hero of the night, orchestrating the late turnaround alongside a resilient Reds squad. Lachie Anderson and Josh Flook had earlier put Queensland on the scoreboard, with Louis Werchon adding crucial conversions and penalties. Despite 18 turnovers conceded to the Brumbies’ 13, the Reds held their nerve to secure a second consecutive win.

The Brumbies, chasing a perfect start to the season, were left rueing two missed conversions by Ryan Lonergan, which ultimately proved decisive. Charlie Cale shone for the hosts with a two-try performance, continuing his impressive form this season, while Luke Reimer, Andy Muirhead, and Lachie Shaw also crossed for the home side. The loss was bittersweet for James Slipper, who equalled the competition’s appearance record with his 202nd game.

Queensland Reds: 34
Tries: Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Carter Gordon
Conversions: Louis Werchon 4
Penalties: Louis Werchon 2

ACT Brumbies: 31
Tries: Charlie Cale 2, Lachie Shaw, Luke Reimer, Andy Muirhead
Conversions: Ryan Lonergan 3