Key facts
- The Hurricanes defeated the Blues 57-21 in their Super Rugby semifinal.
- The Chiefs beat the Crusaders 49-12 in their Super Rugby semifinal.
- The Hurricanes and Chiefs will face each other in the Super Rugby final.
- The Hurricanes have set a new tournament record with 104 tries this season.
- The Crusaders, last year's champions, are showing signs of decline.
The Hurricanes and Chiefs will compete in the Super Rugby final following dominant semifinal performances. The Hurricanes secured their spot by defeating the Blues 57-21, while the Chiefs advanced with a 49-12 victory over the defending champion Crusaders.
These lopsided semifinal results, following similarly one-sided quarterfinals, have reignited discussions about the competitiveness of the Southern Hemisphere tournament. The Hurricanes' win was particularly notable, as they have now scored a record 104 tries this season, leading the tournament in various attacking metrics while also maintaining the best defensive record.
In contrast, the Crusaders, who won their 13th title last year, appear to be in a period of decline, with key players nearing retirement and a less impactful crop of younger talent. The Blues finished their season with an 8-8 record and were considered lucky to reach the semifinals after a previous loss.
These outcomes may prompt Super Rugby's governing body to re-evaluate the tournament's playoff structure, potentially moving towards a simpler four-team system and reconsidering the 'lucky loser' concept.