NSW’s sensational comeback season is over after being outclassed by the chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals in Hamilton on Saturday.
Throughout the year under new coach Darren Coleman, the Warriors have competed with great attitude and tried some cracking.
But for all their offensive efforts they were never seen to be upset and the Chiffaras eventually won 39-15 at the FMG Stadium.
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Waratara did not win a game last year but posted eight wins in 2022 to regain pride in the blue jersey of the sky.
NSW captain Jake Gordon said, “The chiefs’ achievement is that they have a great dress and they gave us wood all year round.”
“It’s really hard to control them when they get the ball in the front foot and come to a turnover attack. They’re exceptional. They really punish you for your mistakes. We had a chance at 22 of them and we weren’t good enough.”
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Harris scored the Coast-to-Coast Classic goal
Despite the loss, Gordon was relatively overwhelmed as he reflected considerable progress.
“Last year was a tough year for the franchise and the team,” Gordon said.
“To bounce back like us, we have a lot of growth left. We have to grow and we’ll be a better team next year. Very exciting, the boys will be one more year older, more experienced and we’re excited for it.”
Chiefs Captain Brad Weber was electric at halfback, making two tries on his sparkly support play.
Luke Jacobson, Alex Nankivel and Pita Gus Sowakula were the other chief tri-scorers while All Blacks coach Ian Foster, watching in the stands, was thrilled to see the output of veteran Lock Brody Ritalik.
Rising stars Dylan Pitts and Will Harris were NSW tri-scorers.
Pietsch swoops for excellent effort
Winger Pitts jumped a well-weighted nudge from Ben Donaldson when No. 8 Harris demonstrated his eye-catching athletic qualities by scoring a coast-to-coast effort from Michael Hooper.
Australia have only one title left to lose to Hurricanes host Brumbis on Saturday night.
The Crusaders defeated the Reds in Christchurch on Friday.
Shawn Maloney and Andrew Mehrtens look back on a stunning final round of Super Rugby Pacific and join Seven World Champion Dom du Toit
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