After convincing wins in their semifinals, it’s all eyes on Auckland for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific grand final, as the Blues host the Chiefs at Eden Park.
The Brumbies flew the flag for Australia in the semis but the Canberra outfit failed to cause the upset they were hoping for in Auckland and went down 34-20 to the Blues.
A Hurricanes v Blues final was expected by many but the Chiefs had different plans.
Beating the Canes 30-19 at Sky Stadium in Wellington, the Chiefs make a return to the grand final and a shot at redemption after being losing finalists against the Crusaders 12 months ago.
. What: Blues v Chiefs
. Where: Eden Park, Auckland
. When: 17:05 (AEST), Sunday 22nd June 2024
. How to watch: Stan Sport
. Odds: Blues 1.47, Chiefs 2.70
Blues determined to get back to the top
The dominant force at the start of this competition in the mid-90s, the Blues are looking to get back to the top of the club game in the southern hemisphere this season.
Winning the first Super 12 titles in 1996 and 1997, the Blues' only other title came in 2003.
While there was a Super Rugby Trans-Tasman success in 2021, this is the Blues' biggest chance to be unquestionable champions in a long time.
After dispatching the Brumbies in Auckland last week, the Blues can now look forward to another home game on Sunday against the Chiefs.
The Blues are the early 1.47 favourites going into the grand final and they should be feeling confident, after winning their last meetings against the Chiefs 30-17 in Auckland at the start of June.
Currently, the Line market has the Blues at 1.91 with -5, for what is expected to be a closer content between these sides this time around.
Chiefs stun Hurricanes for final return
Winning on the road in a Super Rugby Pacific semifinal is never easy but the Chiefs looked comfortable in their deserved victory at Sky Stadium last week.
Leading 17-7 at the break, the Chiefs managed the game well from there.
Both teams scored three tries each on the day but the boot of Damian McKenzie proved the difference, as the New Zealand international scored three conversions and three penalties.
McKenzie has been a standout performer for the Chiefs in recent seasons and the talented flyhalf will need another big performance on Sunday if this impressive Hamilton outfit are to overcome the last hurdle in the grand final this time around.
The Chiefs are the underdogs heading to Eden Park at 2.70 but, having shown they could do the business in Wellington, they are certainly not a team to be underestimated.
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