The outcome of four months of competition (February 23-June 22), the Super Rugby final, scheduled for Saturday (9:05 a.m. French time) between the Chiefs and the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland, will also be the epilogue of a strange 2024 season, post-World Cup (September 8-October 28), and pre-construction of the new cycle which should lead the All Blacks to Australia, during the 2027 World Cup.
After the French World Cup, many players from the archipelago tried the adventure abroad, in Japan (Barrett, Smith, Savea, Mo’unga, Cane, Frizell, Retallick, Coles) to find financial shelter , or in France (Fainga’anuku, Whitelock, Laulala) playing in bigger clubs. In total, of the 15 New Zealand starters in the last World Cup final, 7 left the country with the long white cloud.
Among those remaining in the country are Damian McKenzie, Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Finlay Christie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Tupou Vaa’i and Dalton Papili’i who will play in the Super Rugby final on Saturday. A title that no one has yet been able to hang on their record, the fault of the hegemony of the Crusaders (6 titles in a row between 2017 and 2023, apart from a 2021 season won by the Blues but in a shortened formula due to of the health crisis). This year, the Crusaders missed out and both Chiefs and Blues want to take advantage of the opportunity to win a first title in 11 and 21 years respectively.
Chiefs: finally the only leaders?
Their season: frustrated by the Crusaders last year in the final after a season dominated head and shoulders (13 wins, 1 loss), the Chiefs finished the current year in 4th place with a very decent record (9 wins, 5 losses) but difficulties away from home (4 defeats in 7 matches) which they were able to correct during the half, won on the lawn of the leader, the Hurricanes. Often placed, rarely winning, they are aiming for a first title since 2013.
Players to follow: a year after the fiery season produced by Shaun Stevenson, it is another member of the back line who stood out in 2024. It is Emoni Narawa, irresistible on these last outings and still elusive against the Hurricanes in the semis. How not to mention, also, the leader of the attack Damian McKenzie, a brilliant opener with impeccable skill against the poles and constant virtuosity.
The revelations: Wallace Sititi. His monstrous performance in the semi-finals (150 meters gained, 4 defenders beaten, 2 crossings) highlighted his excellent first season with the Chiefs. Substitute at the start of the season, the third-row center (21 years old) subsequently proved himself indispensable (8 starts since the 7th day). Let us also mention scrum half Cortez Ratima who took advantage of Brad Webber’s departure to Stade Français to shine. He could soon be called up to the All Blacks.
Blues: the depression is over?
Their season: excellent. With 12 victories in 14 matches, the Blues reigned over Super Rugby with the Hurricanes. Their only two defeats were by less than 10 points (29-27 then 29-21) and away. On their home pitch, they finished undefeated. A major advantage as the final will be played in their home, the legendary Eden Park. Finalists in 2022, semi-finalists in 2023, Vern Cotter’s men could put an end to 21 years of anomaly.
Players to watch: if the Blues are the best try scorers in Super Rugby this season, they owe it in part to their wisps Mark Telea (8 tries) and Caleb Clarke (7), who form a line of three- XXL quarters with Rieko Ioane at their side. The two wingers, elusive since the World Cup, are in the top 10 in almost all statistical categories this season (meters gained, crossings, defenders beaten).
The revelation: Hoskins Sotutu. The other No. 8 in this final is, of course, known to the most dedicated followers since his debut in Super Rugby in 2019 but we have never seen him at this level before. Author of 12 tries, he is the top scorer of the season with Sevu Reece, equaling the best mark for a forward in a Championship season. At 25, Sotutu is entering his prime and it is rumored in the country that he could soon be called up to the national team.
Prediction: slight Blues advantage
We could use their only duel this season, won by the Blues (31-17) only three weeks ago to argue the victory of the Auckland franchise. Also cite their absolute domination this season (best attack, best defense, average of 35 points and 5.8 tries per game).
Especially since the Chiefs delivered less successful matches and experienced moments of hesitation during several matches, which may suggest that they will have difficulty containing the Blues for 80 minutes. The fact remains that the McKenzie gang, its fiery attack and its classy players at all levels, also have serious arguments.
