1997 Super 12 season

Men's rugby union club competition August 2020 April 2016 1997 Super 12 Australia South Africa New Zealand Round-robin and knockout NZL Auckland Blues 2 69 RSA Gavin Lawless (170)(Sharks) AUS Joe Roff (15) (ACT Brumbies) 1996 1996 Super 12 season 1998 1998 Super 12 season The 1997 Super 12 season was the second season of the Super 12, contested by rugby union teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The season ran from 28 February to 31 May 1997, with each team playing all the others once. At the end of the regular season, the top four teams entered the play-off semi-finals, with the first-placed team playing the fourth and the second-placed team playing the third. The winner of each semi-final qualified for the final, which was contested by the Auckland Blues and the ACT Brumbies at Eden Park, Auckland. The Blues won 23–7 to win their second Super 12 title. While the three Australian and five New Zealand teams remained the same as the 1996 season, the South African teams made changes. Transvaal, after the changes of the political landscape of South Africa, became known as the Gauteng Lions, while Western Province, after not making the top four of the 1996 Currie Cup, were replaced by Free State of Bloemfontein. Table      Top four teams advance to playoffs Pos.TeamPldWDLPFPAPDBPPts1NZL Auckland Blues 1110104352831528502AUS ACT Brumbies118034062911159413NZL Wellington Hurricanes1160541631410210344RSA Sharks11524321350−296305RSA Gauteng Lions11515302346−446286NZL Canterbury Crusaders11515272235374267RSA Free State11506301327−265258RSA Northern Transvaal11335264342−784229AUS NSW Waratahs11407255296−4142010AUS Queensland Reds11407263318−5542011NZL Waikato Chiefs11407272295−2331912NZL Otago Highlanders11308299409−110517 Points breakdown: 4 points for a win 2 points for a draw 1 bonus point for a loss by seven points or less 1 bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match The playoffs follow a 1 v 4, 2 v 3 system with the highest placed team at home Regular season Round 1 28 February 1997 Scoreboard13290 4255 4119 236 Wellington Hurricanes 18 23 The Chiefs 28 February 1997 15 March 2016 Wellington Hurricanes NZL 18–23 NZL Waikato Chiefs Jarrod CunninghamTana Umaga Jon Preston Jon Preston (2) Eric RushGlen OsborneWalter Little Matthew Cooper Matthew Cooper (2) The Showgrounds, Palmerston North Colin Hawke (New Zealand) 1 March 1997 Scoreboard5293 3873 2904 236 Queensland Reds 19 24 Australian Capital Territories Brumbies 1 March 1997 15 March 2016 Queensland Reds AUS 19–24 AUS ACT Brumbies Tim Horan (2)Barry Lea John Eales (2) Adam MagroPat HowardStephen Larkham David Knox (3) David Knox Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane 15,100 Peter Marshall (Australia) 1 March 1997 Northern Transvaal RSA 40–40 Scoreboard5297 2926 2855 236 Blue Bulls 40 40 Auckland Blues 1 March 1997 15 March 2016 NZL Auckland Blues Adriaan Richter (3)Henry Tromp Theo Van Rensburg (4) Theo Van Rensburg (4) Brian Lima (2)Carlos Spencer (2)Adrian Cashmore Adrian Cashmore (3) Adrian Cashmore (3) Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 20,000 André Watson (South Africa) 2 March 1997 Free State RSA 20–24 Scoreboard5294 3344 3373 236 Free State 20 24 Gauteng Lions 2 March 1997 15 March 2016 RSA Gauteng Lions André VenterStephen Brink MJ Smith MJ Smith Gavin JohnsonHannes Strydom Gavin Johnson Gavin JohnsonJohan Roux (3) Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Round 2 7 March 1997 Free State RSA 15–24 Scoreboard5299 3344 2855 236 Free State 15 24 Auckland Blues 7 March 1997 15 March 2016 NZL Auckland Blues Jannie de Beer Joeli VidiriOfisa Tonu'u Adrian Cashmore Adrian Cashmore (4) Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Tappe Henning (South Africa) 7 March 1997 Canterbury Crusaders NZL 19–17 Scoreboard5298 3069 4255 236 Canterbury Crusaders 19 17 Wellington Hurricanes 7 March 1997 15 March 2016 NZL Wellington Hurricanes James Kerr Daryl Lilley Daryl Lilley (4) Alama IeremiaJon Preston Jon Preston (2) Jon Preston Lancaster Park, Christchurch Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) 8 March 1997 NSW Waratahs AUS 26–33 Scoreboard5300 3734 4119 236 New South Wales Waratahs 26 33 The Chiefs 8 March 1997 15 March 2016 NZL Waikato Chiefs Matt BurkeRichard Harry Matt Burke (2) Matt Burke (4) Eric Rush (2)Errol Brain Matthew Cooper (3) Matthew Cooper (4) Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Andrew Cole (Australia) 8 March 1997 Sharks RSA 75–43 Scoreboard5301 3704 3824 236 Natal Sharks 75 43 Otago Highlanders 8 March 1997 15 March 2016 NZL Otago Highlanders Gavin Lawless (4)Jozuzi Joubert (2)Henry HoniballJeremy ThomsonJohn Allan Gavin Lawless (9) Gavin Lawless (4) Jeff WilsonKees MeeuwsLio FalanikoManassa BariRomi RopatiTony Brown Tony Brown (5) Tony Brown Kings Park Stadium, Durban André Watson (South Africa) 8 March 1997 Northern Transvaal RSA 14–3 Scoreboard5295 2926 3873 236 Blue Bulls 14 3 Queensland Reds 8 March 1997 15 March 2016 AUS Queensland Reds Joost Van der Westhuizen (2) Theo Van Rensburg (2) John Eales Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 15,000 Ian Rogers (South Africa) 9 March 1997 Gauteng Lions RSA 44–36 Scoreboard5296 3373 2904 236 Gauteng Lions 44 36 Australian Capital Territories Brumbies 9 March 1997 15 March 2016 AUS ACT Brumbies Hennie le RouxIan McDonaldJapie MulderJoe GillinghamJohan Roux Gavin Johnson (5) Gavin Johnson (3) Stephen Larkham (2)George GreganJoe RoffPat Howard David Knox (4) David Knox Ellis Park, Johannesburg 12,000 Round 3 14 March 1997 Gauteng Lions RSA 47–29 NZL Otago Highlanders Andre VosGavin Johnson (2)Jannie van der WaltKobus Wiese Gavin Johnson (5) Gavin Johnson (4) Jeff WilsonManassa BariRomi RopatiTaine Randell Tony Brown (3) Tony Brown Ellis Park, Johannesburg Tappe Henning (South Africa) 14 March 1997 NSW Waratahs AUS 25–8 NZL Canterbury Crusaders Daniel Manu (2) Matt Burke (5) Daryl Lilley Daryl Lilley Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney 22,000 15 March 1997 Free State RSA 35–24 AUS Queensland Reds Charl van RensburgJan-Harm van WykWerner Swanepoel Jannie de Beer Jannie de Beer (5) Jannie de Beer Dan CrowleyJason LittleShane Drahm John Eales (3) Shane Drahm Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Carl Spannenberg (South Africa) 15 March 1997 Waikato Chiefs NZL 16–26 NZL Auckland Blues Scott McLeod Bruce Reihana Bruce Reihana (2)Matt Cooper Joeli VidiriZinzan BrookePenalty try Carlos Spencer Carlos Spencer (2) Carlos Spencer North Harbour Stadium, Albany 25,000 Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) 16 March 1997 Sharks RSA 35–26 AUS ACT Brumbies Joos Joubert (3)Walter Minnaar Gavin Lawless (3) Gavin Lawless (3) Joe RoffJohn LangfordMarco CaputoStephen Larkham Joe Roff (3) ABSA Stadium, Durban Johann Meuwesen (South Africa) 16 March 1997 Wellington Hurricanes NZL 64–32 RSA Northern Transvaal Finau MakaMark AllenMartin Leslie (2)Norm HewittTana Umaga (3) Jarrod CunninghamJon Preston (5) Jon Preston (4) Penalty tryFA MeiringJohan OttoSchutte Bekker Theo van Rensburg (3) Theo van Rensburg (2) Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth Paul Honiss (New Zealand) Round 4 22 March 1997 Otago Highlanders NZL 27–7 RSA Northern Transvaal Jeff WilsonPailate Fili Simon Culhane Simon Culhane (5) Ruben Kruger Dirkie Nortje Carisbrook, Dunedin Steve Walsh (New Zealand) 22 March 1997 Gauteng Lions RSA 36–27 AUS NSW Waratahs Gavin JohnsonJohan RouxKobus Wiese Gavin Johnson (3) Gavin Johnson (5) Alistair MurdochFili FinauStuart Pinkerton Matt Burke (3) Matt Burke (2) Ellis Park, Johannesburg 22,636 André Watson (South Africa) 22 March 1997 Waikato Chiefs NZL 31–16 AUS Queensland Reds Bruce ReihanaDion MatthewsMatt Cooper Matt Cooper (2) Matt Cooper (4) Ben Tune John Eales John Eales (3) Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Colin Hawke (New Zealand) 22 March 1997 ACT Brumbies AUS 49–29 NZL Canterbury Crusaders George GreganIpolito Fenukitau (3)John LangfordMitch Hardy David Knox (2) David Knox (4) David Knox James KerrPaula BaleScott RobertsonTabai Matson (2) Leon MacDonald (2) Canberra Stadium, Canberra 22 March 1997 Free State RSA 45–40 RSA Sharks Chris BadenhorstJaco CoetzeeWybrand Els Jannie de Beer (2)MJ Smith Hendrik Jordaan KrugerMJ Smith (7) Dirkie StrydomGary TeichmannJohn AllanOllie Le RouxWayne Fyvie Gavin Lawless (3) Gavin Lawless (3) Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein ENG Andy Turner Round 5 28 March 1997 ACT Brumbies AUS 38–19 RSA Northern Transvaal Joe Roff (3)Mitch HardyTroy Coker David Knox (2) David Knox (3) Jacques OlivierJannie BrooksKosie Jansen van Vuuren Theo van Rensburg Canberra Stadium, Canberra 12,032 Andrew Cole (Australia) 29 March 1997 Canterbury Crusaders NZL 24–15 NZL Waikato Chiefs Daryl GibsonKevin Nepia Andrew Mehrtens Andrew Mehrtens (3) Andrew Mehrtens Paul MitchellRhys Duggan Matt Cooper Matt Cooper Fraser Park, Timaru 8,500 Glen Wahlstrom (New Zealand) 29 March 1997 Gauteng Lions RSA 35–37 NZL Wellington Hurricanes Dawie du ToitJapie MulderJoe GillinghamPiet Krause Gavin Johnson (3) Gavin Johnson (3) Christian Cullen (2)Jason O'Halloran Jon Preston (2) Jon Preston (6) Ellis Park, Johannesburg 20,000 Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) 29 March 1997 Sharks RSA 28–23 AUS NSW Waratahs Kevin Putt Gavin Lawless Gavin Lawless (7) David CampeseRichard Tombs Matt Burke (2) Matt Burke (3) ABSA Stadium, Durban 39,300 Tappe Henning (South Africa) 30 March 1997 Otago Highlanders NZL 18–49 RSA Free State Simon Culhane (6) Chris Badenhorst (2)Naka Drotské (2)Os du RandtRassie ErasmusWybrand Els Jannie de Beer (7) Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Colin Hawke (New Zealand) 31 March 1997 Auckland Blues NZL 49–26 AUS Queensland Reds Andrew Blowers (2)Brian Lima (2)Carlos SpencerJoeli Vidiri Adrian Cashmore (4)Carlos Spencer Adrian Cashmore (3) Jason LittleMatthew Pini John Eales (2) John Eales (4) Eden Park, Auckland 33,000 Paddy O'Brien (South Africa) Round 6 4 April 1997 Sharks RSA 29–24 NZL Wellington Hurricanes Penalty tryGeoff Appleford Gavin Lawless (2) Gavin Lawless (5) Norm HewittStephen BachopTana Umaga Jon Preston (3) Jon Preston ABSA Stadium, Durban 40,303 André Watson (South Africa) 4 April 1997 ACT Brumbies AUS 50–23 RSA Free State Brett RobinsonJames HolbeckJoe Roff (2)Mitch HardyStephen Larkham David Knox (4) David Knox (4) Penalty tryNaka DrotskéStephen Brink Jannie de Beer Jannie de Beer (2) Canberra Stadium, Canberra 14,196 Wayne Erickson (Australia) 4 April 1997 Auckland Blues NZL 29–28 NZL Canterbury Crusaders Joeli VidiriRobin Brooke Adrian Cashmore (2) Adrian Cashmore (5) Daryl GibsonDaryl LilleyKevin Nepia Andrew Mehrtens (2) Andrew Mehrtens (3) Growers Stadium, Pukekohe Steve Walsh (New Zealand) 5 April 1997 Queensland Reds AUS 37–24 NZL Otago Highlanders Ben TuneElton FlatleyJason LittleMatt Cockbain John Eales (4) John Eales (3) Penalty tryJeff WilsonMatt Carrington Simon Culhane (3) Simon Culhane Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane 15,000 Stuart Dickinson (Australia) 6 April 1997 NSW Waratahs AUS 43–29 RSA Northern Transvaal Fili FinauGraeme BondMatt Burke (3) Matt Burke (3) Matt Burke (4) André Snyman (2)Graeme Bouwer Henry TrompKosie Alberts Graeme BouwerKosie Alberts Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney 26,245 Andrew Cole (Australia) Round 7 11 April 1997 Waikato Chiefs NZL 15–33 RSA Sharks Glen OsborneGlenn Taylor Blair Feeney Blair Feeney Adrian Garvey (2)Cabous van der Westhuisen Gavin Lawless (3) Gavin Lawless (4) North Harbour Stadium, Albany Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) 12 April 1997 Queensland Reds AUS 29–47 NZL Wellington Hurricanes Tim HoranWillie Carne John Eales (2) John Eales (5) Alex Telea (2)Jason O'HalloranJon PrestonStephen BachopTana Umaga Jon Preston (4) Jon Preston (3) Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane 15,196 Stuart Dickinson (Australia) 12 April 1997 Gauteng Lions RSA 16–16 RSA Northern Transvaal Hennie le Roux Johan Roux Gavin JohnsonJohan Roux (2) Graeme BouwerJacques Olivier Casper SteynGraeme Bouwer Ellis Park, Johannesburg 34,370 Johann Meuwesen (South Africa) 12 April 1997 Otago Highlanders NZL 37–29 NZL Canterbury Crusaders Anton OliverManassa Bari (2) Tony Brown (2) Tony Brown (5) Tony Brown Daryl LilleyLeon MacDonald Andrew Mehrtens (2) Andrew Mehrtens (5) Carisbrook, Dunedin Steve Walsh (New Zealand) 12 April 1997 NSW Waratahs AUS 36–11 RSA Free State Alistair MurdochDavid CampeseMichael BrialRichard TombsSam Payne Matt Burke (4) Matt Burke Stephen Brink MJ Smith (2) Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney 22,016 Mick Keogh (Australia) 12 April 1997 Auckland Blues NZL 41–29 AUS ACT Brumbies Adrian CashmoreBrian LimaEroni Clarke (2)Lee StensnessLeo Lafaiali'i Adrian Cashmore (3)Carlos Spencer Adrian Cashmore James HolbeckJoe RoffStephen LarkhamTroy Coker David KnoxJoe RoffStephen Larkham David Knox Growers Stadium, Pukekohe Colin Hawke (New Zealand) Round 8 18 April 1997 Otago Highlanders NZL 9–15 AUS ACT Brumbies Tony Brown (3) George GreganOwen Finegan David Knox David Knox Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) 19 April 1997 Auckland Blues NZL 63–22 RSA Gauteng Lions Carlos SpencerDylan MikaJeremy StanleyJoeli VidiriMichael JonesOfisa Tonu'u (2)Leo Lafaiali'iZinzan Brooke (2) Carlos Spencer (5) Carlos Spencer Japie MulderJohan RouxWarren Brosnihan Johan Roux (2) Johan Roux Eden Park, Auckland Colin Hawke (New Zealand) 19 April 1997 Northern Transvaal RSA 34–27 NZL Waikato Chiefs Graeme BouwerJacques Olivier (2)Nicky van der Walt Casper Steyn (4) Casper Steyn (2) Dean AngleseyGlen Osborne Matt Cooper Matt Cooper (5) Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Ian Rogers (South Africa) 19 April 1997 Canterbury Crusaders NZL 26–26 RSA Sharks Penalty tryMark Mayerhofler Andrew Mehrtens (2) Andrew Mehrtens (4) Henry HoniballMark AndrewsPieter MullerWikus van Heerden Henry Honiball (3) Jade Stadium, Christchurch Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) 19 April 1997 NSW Waratahs AUS 16–26 AUS Queensland Reds Penalty try Matt Burke Matt Burke (3) Ben TuneDamien SmithMark Connors John Eales John Eales (3) Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney 30,106Growden Greg 21 April 1997 Waratahs too easy to predict, say Reds https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-waratahs-too-e/194594065/ 25 The Sydney Morning Herald Fairfax Media Newspapers.com Wayne Erickson (New Zealand) 20 April 1997 Wellington Hurricanes NZL 59–30 RSA Free State Penalty tryChristian Cullen (3)Jason O'HalloranMark CooksleyMartin LeslieTana Umaga Jarrod CunninghamJon Preston (4) Jon Preston (3) Charl van RensburgOs du RandtStephen Brink Jannie de Beer (3) Jannie de Beer (3) Athletic Park, Wellington 25,000 Paul Honiss (New Zealand) Round 9 25 April 1997 Canterbury Crusaders NZL 23–0 RSA Gauteng Lions Afato So'oaloAndrew MehrtensTodd Blackadder Andrew Mehrtens Andrew Mehrtens (2) Jade Stadium, Christchurch Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) 26 April 1997 ACT Brumbies AUS 56–9 AUS NSW Waratahs David KnoxGeorge GreganJoe Roff (3)Mitch Hardy (2)Patricio Noriega David Knox (5) David Knox (2) Matt Burke (3) Canberra Stadium, Canberra 18,753 Andrew Cole (New Zealand) 26 April 1997 Wellington Hurricanes NZL 60–34 NZL Otago Highlanders Alex Telea (2)Christian CullenFilo TiatiaJason O'Halloran (2)Tana Umaga (3) Christian Cullen (6) Christian Cullen Ace TiatiaBrett McCormackJosh KronfeldKupu VanisiMatt Carrington Tony Brown (3) Tony Brown Athletic Park, Wellington Colin Hawke (New Zealand) 26 April 1997 Free State RSA 27–13 NZL Waikato Chiefs Hendrik Jordaan KrugerJan-Harm van WykRassie ErasmusWybrand Els MJ Smith (2) MJ Smith Michael Collins Matt Cooper Matt Cooper (2) Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Tappe Henning (South Africa) 27 April 1997 Auckland Blues NZL 39–17 RSA Sharks Penalty tryCarlos SpencerJoeli VidiriOfisa Tonu'uSean Fitzpatrick Carlos Spencer (4) Carlos Spencer (2) John SladeKevin Putt Gavin Lawless (2) Gavin Lawless Eden Park, Auckland Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) Round 10 2 May 1997 Wellington Hurricanes NZL 19–3 AUS NSW Waratahs Christian CullenJason O'HalloranMartin Leslie Christian Cullen (2) Matt Burke McLean Park, Napier Glenn Wahlstrom (New Zealand) 3 May 1997 Northern Transvaal RSA 23–22 NZL Canterbury Crusaders Boeta WesselsJohan Schutte Casper Steyn (2) Casper Steyn (3) Afato So'oalo (2)Steve Surridge Daryl Lilley (2) Andrew Mehrtens Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) 3 May 1997 Otago Highlanders NZL 28–45 NZL Auckland Blues Anton OliverJosh KronfeldRomi Ropati Taine Randall TOny Brown Brendan LaneyTony Brown Jeremy Stanley (2)Joeli VidiriLee StensnessOfisa Tonu'uRobin Brooke (2) Adrian CashmoreCarlos Spencer (4) Carisbrook, Dunedin 11,500 Steve Walsh (New Zealand) 3 May 1997 Queensland Reds AUS 40–3 RSA Sharks Penalty tryBen TuneDavid WilsonGlen PanohoJason LittleJohn Eales John Eales (5) Gavin Lawless Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane 14,826 Wayne Erickson (Australia) 3 May 1997 Waikato Chiefs NZL 47–9 RSA Gauteng Lions Caleb Ralph (2)Deon MuirScott McLeod Matt Cooper (5) Matt Cooper (4) Gavin Johnson (3) Waikato Stadium, Hamilton Paul Honiss (New Zealand) Round 11 9 May 1997 Otago Highlanders NZL 16–27 AUS NSW Waratahs Lio Falaniko Simon Culhane Simon Culhane (3) Alistair MurdochJason MadzMichael Brial Matt Burke (3) Matt Burke (2) Carisbrook, Dunedin Colin Hawke (New Zealand) 9 May 1997 ACT Brumbies AUS 48–34 NZL Waikato Chiefs George GreganJoe Roff (2)Mitch HardyOwen FineganStephen LarkhamTroy Coker David Knox (5) David Knox Aaron HopaEric Rush (3) Ian Foster (4) Matt Cooper (2) Canberra Stadium, Canberra 13,742 Stuart Dickinson (Australia) 10 May 1997 Free State RSA 11–16 NZL Canterbury Crusaders Werner Swanepoel MJ Smith (2) Daryl Lilley Daryl Lilley Daryl Lilley (3) Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Ian Rogers (South Africa) 10 May 1997 Queensland Reds AUS 40–27 RSA Gauteng Lions Damien SmithDaniel HerbertJason LittleScott WebsterTim Horan John Eales (3) John Eales (3) Chris Rossouw (2)Jopie AdlamWarren Brosnihan Dawie du ToitEdrich Lubbe Edrich Lubbe Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane 13,846 Wayne Erickson (Australia) 10 May 1997 Auckland Blues NZL 45–42 NZL Wellington Hurricanes Carlos SpencerCraig DowdJoeli VidiriMichael JonesZinzan Brooke Adrian Cashmore (3) Adrian CashmoreCarlos Spencer (2) Finau MakaJarrod CunninghamBull AllenTana Umaga (2) Jon Preston (4) Jon Preston (3) Eden Park, Auckland Paul Honiss (New Zealand) 11 May 1997 Sharks RSA 27–27 RSA Northern Transvaal Adrian GarveyGavin Lawless (2)John Allan Gavin Lawless (2) Gavin Lawless André SnymanBoeta WesselsJohan Schutte Casper Steyn (3) Casper Steyn (2) ABSA Stadium, Durban 36,270 André Watson (South Africa) Round 12 16 May 1997 Waikato Chiefs NZL 18–34 NZL Otago Highlanders Caleb RalphGlenn Taylor Blair Feeney Ian Foster (2) Doug Howlett (3) Simon Culhane (2) Simon Culhane (4)Tony Brown Owen Delany Park, Taupō 10,000https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby-chiefs-want-record-crowd-to-spur-them-on/JRKAWNERQJ7TQ4IV7TJNPIBJ34/#:~:text=The%20Chiefs%20have%20only%20pl Rugby: Chiefs want record crowd to spur them on Paul Honiss (New Zealand) 16 May 1997 Northern Transvaal RSA 23–35 RSA Free State Kobus EngelbrechtMatthys BekkerNicky van der Walt Casper Steyn Casper Steyn (2) Andre VenterBrendan VenterChris Badenhorst (2)Helgard Müller Jannie de Beer (5) Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria 35,000 Johann Meuwesen (South Africa) 17 May 1997 NSW Waratahs AUS 20–34 NZL Auckland Blues Alistair Murdoch (2) Matt Burke (2) Matt Burke (2) Brian Lima (2)Dylan MikaZinzan Brooke Adrian Cashmore (4) Adrian Cashmore (2) Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney 30,793 Andrew Cole (Australia) 17 May 1997 Canterbury Crusaders NZL 48–3 AUS Queensland Reds Daryl GibsonJustin MarshallMark HammettMark Mayerhofler (2)Scott Robertson Andrew Mehrtens (2)Daryl Lilley Andrew Mehrtens (3) Andrew Mehrtens John Eales Jade Stadium, Christchurch Paddy O'Brien (New Zealand) 17 May 1997 Gauteng Lions RSA 42–8 RSA Sharks Dawie du Toit (2)Jannie van der WaltJoe GillinghamJopie Adlam Edrich Lubbe (4) Edrich Lubbe (3) Cabous van der Westhuizen Gavin Lawless Ellis Park, Johannesburg 36,260 Tappe Henning (South Africa) 18 May 1997 Wellington Hurricanes NZL 29–35 AUS ACT Brumbies Christian Cullen (2)Filo Tiatia Jon Preston Jon Preston (4) George GreganJoe RoffMitch Hardy (2)Troy Coker David Knox (2) David Knox (2) Athletic Park, Wellington 30,400 Colin Hawke (New Zealand) Finals high 40 Semi-finals Final 24 May – Auckland NZL Auckland Blues 55 RSA Sharks 36 24 May – Canberra AUS ACT Brumbies 33 NZL Wellington Hurricanes 20 31 May – Auckland NZL Auckland Blues 23 AUS ACT Brumbies 7 Semi finals 24 May 1997 Auckland Blues 55–36 Sharks Adrian Cashmore Carlos Spencer Eroni Clarke Joeli Vidiri Mark Carter Zinzan Brooke Adrian Cashmore (6) Adrian Cashmore Errol Stewart Henry Honiball Joos Joubert Lawrence Payne Henry Honiball (3) Eden Park, Auckland Wayne Erickson (Australia) 24 May 1997 ACT Brumbies 33–20 Wellington Hurricanes George Gregan James Holbeck Joe RoffMitch Hardy David Knox David Knox (2) Christian Cullen (2) Jon Preston (2) Jon Preston (2) Canberra Stadium, Canberra 23,731 André Watson (South Africa) Final 31 May 1997 Auckland Blues 23–7 ACT Brumbies DowdJones Cashmore (2) Cashmore (3) Roff Roff Eden Park, Auckland Tappe Henning (South Africa) 15Adrian Cashmore 14Brian Lima 13Eroni Clarke 12Lee Stensness 11Joeli Vidiri 10Carlos Spencer 9 Ofisa Tonu'u 8 Zinzan Brooke (c) 7 Michael Jones 6 Mark Carter 5 Robin Brooke 4 Leo Lafaiali'i 3 Craig Dowd 2 Sean Fitzpatrick 1 Olo BrownSubstitutes: 16 Jeremy Stanley 17 Michael Scott 18 Dylan Mika 19 Charles Riechelmann 20 Paul Thomson 21 Andrew RooseCoach:Graham Henry 15Stephen Larkham 14Mitch Hardy 13James Holbeck 12Pat Howard 11Joe Roff 10David Knox 9 George Gregan 8 Troy Coker 7 Brett Robinson (c) 6 Owen Finegan 5 John Langford 4 David Giffin 3 Patricio Noriega 2 Marco Caputo 1 Ewen McKenzieSubstitutes: 16Rod Kafer 17Geoff Logan 18Justin Harrison 19Ipolito Fenukitau 20Dean Zammit 21Timote TavaleaCoach:Rod McQueen Notes and references Further reading McIlraith, M. (2005).Ten Years of Super 12, Auckland: Hodder Moa. 1-86971-025-8 1997 Category:1997 rugby union tournaments for clubs