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The Super Rugby Ladder ranks teams throughout the Super Rugby Pacific competition based on match results, wins, losses, and bonus points. It determines each team’s position, which affects qualification for the finals and playoff seedings. Understanding the Super Rugby Ladder is key to following the competition and the stakes in every game as teams vie for a spot in the finals and playoffs.
Introduction to Super Rugby Pacific
Super Rugby Pacific is a professional rugby competition in the southern hemisphere, launched in 2022 as a new version of earlier Super Rugby formats. It features 12 teams from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the Pacific Islands. Jointly managed by New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia, it is one of the region’s top provincial tournaments, drawing strong fan support and passionate crowds eager to follow their favourite teams.
The regular season consists of 14 matches, where each team plays every other team once, plus three rivalry or regional games, followed by a finals series for the top six teams. Matches are held at well-known venues across these countries. The teams include five from New Zealand, five from Australia, the Fijian Drua, and Moana Pasifika representing Pacific Island players.
Team Performance Insights
In the 2025 season, established teams maintained their positions near the top while newer sides showed encouraging progress. The Chiefs led the regular season with 11 wins and 75 tries, finishing with a strong points difference of +231. However, the Crusaders ultimately won the Super Rugby Pacific title with a 16-12 victory over the Chiefs in the Grand Final at Christchurch Stadium.
Among Australian teams, the ACT Brumbies stood out, securing third place with nine wins and a positive points difference of +87. The Reds made the finals, while the Waratahs had an inconsistent season and missed out.
Moana Pasifika demonstrated growth and competitiveness, finishing seventh with an equal number of wins and losses, thanks to strong individual displays. The Fijian Drua struggled defensively, finishing near the bottom with four wins and a considerable negative points difference.
Overall, New Zealand teams dominated the Super Rugby Ladder, with the Hurricanes and Blues making the finals despite mixed results. The 2025 competition was noted for faster-paced games, more tries, and improved attacking rugby that brought thrills to supporters throughout the season.
Super Rugby Standings and Rankings
The 2025 regular season standings saw the Chiefs top the table with 51 points from 11 wins and 3 losses, enjoying a commanding points difference. The Crusaders followed closely with 49 points and a +100 difference. The ACT Brumbies secured third place, followed by the Hurricanes in fourth, the Reds in fifth, and the Blues in sixth, all qualifying for the finals.
Teams outside the finals faced tougher seasons. Moana Pasifika managed a balanced record but with defensive lapses. The Waratahs, Western Force, Fijian Drua, and Highlanders rounded out the lower positions, with the Highlanders finishing last.
Fijian Drua Performance Analysis
The Fijian Drua had a challenging 2025 season, finishing near the bottom with just four wins. Defensive issues marked much of their campaign, including losses where opponents scored over 30 points. However, they displayed attacking intent and have shown signs of growth, reflecting rugby’s development in Fiji and the Pacific. Coach Glen Jackson stresses the need for consistency throughout the season. Ultimately, the Drua did not qualify for the preliminary finals, finishing outside the top six, highlighting areas for improvement going forward.
Watching Super Rugby Matches
In New Zealand, all Super Rugby Pacific matches are shown live on Sky Sport NZ, with streaming subscriptions starting at $49.99 per month. Australian viewers can watch all games on Stan Sport for $27 per month, with some Saturday night matches also free-to-air on the Nine Network and streamed via 9Now. In the Pacific Islands, FBC broadcasts games free-to-air in Fiji, while Sky Pacific offers paid coverage. International fans should check their local sports broadcasters or streaming platforms for access.
Tournament Predictions and Outlook
The 2026 season marks the 30th anniversary of Super Rugby. The format will largely follow 2025, with 11 teams playing 14 matches each and a six-team finals series. The Crusaders enter as defending champions, with the Chiefs expected to challenge strongly, thanks to their attacking skills.
Changes to the finals will see the “lucky loser” rule allow the highest-ranked losing team in the qualifiers a spot in the semis, adding more opportunity for competition. Upcoming key fixtures include the Super Round in Christchurch and traditional derbies. Teams like Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua are set to continue their progress, bringing more unpredictability to the competition that can both surprise and excite fans.
Conclusion
Super Rugby Pacific remains a highlight of southern hemisphere rugby, known for its fast, skilful play and strong ties across New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The 2025 season demonstrated competitive and exciting rugby with traditional teams dominating the Super Rugby Ladder and new sides growing. As the competition heads into its 30th year in 2026, fans can expect high-quality matches and passionate contests that continue to nurture rugby talent in the region.
FAQs
How are Super Rugby ladder points calculated (incl. bonus points)?
In Super Rugby Pacific, ladder points are calculated as follows: teams earn four points for a win, two for a draw, and no points for a loss. Bonus points are awarded to teams that score at least three tries more than their opponents or lose by seven points or fewer.
What tiebreakers are used when teams are level on points?
When teams are level on points in Super Rugby Pacific, ties are broken first by the number of wins, then points difference, followed by total tries scored and try difference. Head-to-head results do not affect the tiebreak.
How does the ladder determine finals spots and seeding?
The top six teams on the Super Rugby Ladder qualify for the finals, seeded by ladder position. In qualifying finals, 1st plays 6th, 2nd plays 5th, and 3rd plays 4th, with higher seeds hosting. Winners advance to the semis, joined by the highest-ranked losing team, who drops one seed, leading to the Grand Final hosted by the higher seed.