Chennai Bulls secure last semifinal berth with a 14-14 draw against Bengaluru Bravehearts

Chennai Bulls held Bengaluru Bravehearts to a 14-14 draw, but it was sufficient for them to seize the last available semifinal spot of the HSBC Rugby Premier League powered by Avid Season 2 at the Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad on Thursday night.

The Bulls made the brighter start, using their physicality and quick recycling of possession to pin the Bravehearts inside their own half.

Santiago Alvarez finished off the early pressure with a well-taken try, but Bengaluru responded efficiently whenever they had the ball, with Jonas Mikalcius completing a patient attacking move to level the scores at the end of the opening quarter.

Defences dominated the second period as both sides closed down space and disrupted attacking phases. Magomederassul Magomedov drove the Bravehearts forward after the restart, allowing Akuila Rokolisoa to finish a promising move and hand Bengaluru the advantage.

However, Mohit Khatri responded almost immediately with a powerful run through the middle to restore parity. Chennai applied sustained pressure in the closing stages, but Bengaluru’s resilient defence ensured the points were shared.

Heroes overpower Dreamers 33-0

Hyderabad Heroes dictated proceedings through swift ball movement and aggressive defensive pressure, stretching Mumbai Dreamers across the width of the field. Manuel Moreno opened the scoring after a well-worked move before Taitaifono Tavita exploited space out wide to add another try.

The Heroes continued to dominate territory in the second quarter, with Tavita crossing over again from the left wing and Francisco Cosculluela capitalising on sustained pressure as Mumbai struggled to retain possession and build phases. Although the Dreamers tightened their defence in the third quarter and limited scoring opportunities, Hyderabad maintained control through possession and field position. Ravuama Seruvakula eventually broke through in the final quarter, while the Heroes’ organised defence and superior pace prevented Mumbai from finding a way onto the scoresheet.