Super Rugby Pacific

Round 5 draw

Friday (home teams first) Hurricanes versus Rebels 7.05pm Brumbies versus Moana Pasifika 9.35pm

Saturday

Fijian Drua versus Waratahs 2.05pm Chiefs versus Highlanders 4.35pm Blues versus Crusaders 7.05pm Force versus Reds 9.35pm

getting the job done — sure, Kyren Taumoefolau’s second-half try was spectacular and the Force are garbage, but it is these sorts of results that build seasons.

Things will get tougher for Moana over the next few weeks, but there are enough chances later on for them to secure what will be judged a successful season.

The Brumbies’ 27-21 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin probably says more about them than their hosts. It was a rare Australian win on New Zealand soil, but on paper the Brumbies should have felt confident given their solid, talented squad.

Cory Toole is quickly becoming one of the most exciting players in the competition and with three wins and one loss, his side can cement themselves in the top part of the table in the next few weeks.

If you are looking for help curing insomnia, a replay of the Blues’ 12-10 result over the Waratahs would be a good start. But a win is a win for the Blues as they gear up for their first game at Eden Park this weekend, where they will be looking to inflict as much pain on the Crusaders as possible.

Skipper Dalton Papali’i certainly has not been shy about mentioning the need for tribalism and rivalry this season, which is refreshing, but now it is time to put those words into action with a ruthless performance.

— RNZ