Five standout players from Super Rugby Pacific semifinals

1. Damian McKenzie

First five-eighths Damian McKenzie’s name might only appear once in the six categories measuring the top five Chiefs players, but that one statistical area represented the impact he had on the outcome. He made 22 kicks through the game, while the best Crusaders, the two halfbacks Noah Hotham and Kyle Preston, made five each. The control and accuracy, not only defensively but in creating scoring opportunities, most notably when wing Kyren Taumoefolau toed back infield to score his second try, defined his contribution to the outcome. It allowed the Chiefs’ forwards to stream into breakdown contests on the front foot, and while conceding the possession and position advantages, their speed of ball created the unprecedented first-half effort of 42-0 that tore the game from the defending champions. His 100 percent goal-kicking of seven conversions took him to 135 points for the season, 22 points clear of closest rival Ruben Love.

Watch Highlights: Chiefs v Crusaders | Super Rugby Pacific | Semi Final, 2026

2. Chiefs' scrum

So dominant was the Chiefs’ scrum throughout the game that it would be unfair to single out individuals. The completeness of the effort was more significant than statistics would suggest from the one tighthead they gained. Penalties aplenty resulted from their scrum power and contributed to the Crusaders’ inability to set their platform, especially in the early stages, to respond to the Chiefs’ challenge. And when the Chiefs’ starters were given a rest, the bench players came on and maintained the momentum to deny the Crusaders the chance to reduce the scoreboard decimation. It demonstrated that the scrum remains a potent tool when unleashed often enough, especially when opponents are forced into playing high-risk, catch-up rugby.

3. Cam Roigard

Unerring radar for an opportunity has been a hallmark of halfback Cam Roigard’s emergence, and the Hurricanes benefited against the Blues. At one stage, a seeming victim of a harsh knock, he ‘recovered’ immediately when a penalty was awarded, took a tap and raced beyond sleeping defenders to set up more scoring momentum for his side.

He had already scored a crucial first try in the second half to set in train a 10-minute, three-try burst that stole whatever momentum the Blues had achieved in the first half to take the game beyond their reach.

Roigard made 82 metres running during the game, made nine generally telling kicks and beat three defenders. On a night where his first five-eighths, Ruben Love, was better contained, Roigard’s ability to take charge demonstrates the flexibility that has taken the Hurricanes to a home final.

Watch Highlights: Hurricanes v Blues | Super Rugby Pacific | Semi Final, 2026

4. Asafo Aumua

Seeing a hooker in full flight for the goal-line is always a treat, and Hurricanes rake Asafo Aumua was never going to be stopped en route to his 53rd-minute try against the Blues. It wasn’t mere opportunism; it was reward for a night in which he was always close to the ball and a contributor to key moments in denying the Blues their chance.

He carried the ball for 90 metres during his stint on the field, beat six defenders, more than any other player on the field, and still managed to make 12 tackles. With the ball in hand, he always made ground.

Injuries haven’t always been kind to him during his career, but when on top of his form, and supported by others doing their jobs, he is an extra player for opponents to contain, thus spreading the firepower available to the Hurricanes.

His contest with Samisoni Taukei’aho in the weekend’s final is shaping as one not to miss.

5. Josh Moorby

Adding two more tries in the semifinal win over the Blues, wing Josh Moorby has contributed 15 of the competition-record 104 tries the Hurricanes have scored during the season, and given his nose for the goal-line, there is every chance that he could score another to join fellow wing Fehi Fineanganofo on 16 tries, a share of the most scored by players in a season.

And there is a chance that one or both of them could secure the record for themselves in the weekend’s final.

Moorby had the ball flow his way against the Blues, but he was also able to find room when going off his sideline to find more work. He ran 133 metres, the most in the game, made 12 carries and beat three defenders.

Speed has been a cornerstone of the Hurricanes’ approach throughout 2026, and Moorby has relished the chance to make the most of his skills in that environment. It makes for compelling watching and is but one aspect the Chiefs will need to contain if they are to be successful.

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