The Chiefs, Brumbies and Force claimed bragging rights on Saturday in round 1 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific. 

Damian McKenzie’s brilliance powered the Chiefs past the Blues, the Brumbies overturned a late deficit against Fijian Drua, and the Force snatched a last-gasp win over Moana Pasifika in the opening weekend of this year’s edition of the competition.

The southern hemisphere tournament kicked off on Friday, as the Crusaders and Waratahs launched their campaigns with thrilling comeback victories against the Hurricanes and Highlanders, respectively.

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In Auckland, the Chiefs avenged last season’s final defeat by beating the Blues 25-14 at Eden Park. McKenzie scored twice and tallied 20 points in a masterful second-half display, overturning an eight-point halftime deficit. 

Dalton Papali’i and AJ Lam had given the Blues a 14-6 lead but Josh Fusitua’s yellow card proved costly. Debutant Leroy Carter put the Chiefs ahead before McKenzie sealed the win with his second try.

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In Suva, the Brumbies edged the Drua 36-32, with flanker Luke Reimer scoring two late tries. The visitors led 17-7 early after tries from Billy Pollard, Ollie Sapsford, and Ryan Lonergan, but handling errors let the hosts back in. 

Vuate Karawalevu’s double gave the hosts a 32-24 lead before Reimer’s power at the breakdown and set piece turned the match, with Declan Meredith’s late conversion securing the win.

Perth witnessed the wildest finish of day’s action as Ben Donaldson’s 83rd-minute try and conversion sealed a 45-44 win for the Force over the Pasifika. Ardie Savea’s new side seemed destined for victory, leading 44-31 after Kyren Taumoefolau’s second try. 

But Dylan Pietsch struck in the 75th minute before Donaldson sliced through the defence to score from 70m out, completing an incredible comeback.

Photo: James Worsfold/Getty Images