Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been thrust into the No.10 jersey for the Reds’ top of the table clash against the Chiefs across the ditch.

While Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has made seven changes to his side’s starting team for Saturday’s must-win clash against Moana Pasifika across the ditch, including benching Taniela Tupou.

The Force, meanwhile, have named a settled outfit with just a couple of changes for their own important clash against the Highlanders in Perth.

Read on for all the Super Rugby round eight team news.

(All time are AEDT)

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will start against the Chiefs on Friday, with Tom Lynagh to come off the bench. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Friday

Chiefs vs Reds, 5.05pm

Reds coach Les Kiss has rotated Tom Lynagh back to the bench amid wholesale changes for Friday evening’s top of the table clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

After negotiating a tricky period without several internationals, Kiss has welcomed back seven Wallabies for the trans-Tasman clash.

In particular, star back-row duo Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson return to join Joe Brial as the loose-forward trio. Seru Uru has been given a spell.

There’s plenty of movement in the tight-five, with the consistent hooker Matt Faessler returning from injury. Faessler joins former All Blacks duo Alex Hodgman and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen up front.

Josh Canham returns at second-row and partners his former Rebels teammate Lukhan Salakia-Loto.

There’s a few changes in the backline too, with Tate McDermott injected back at halfback. The Test regular joins Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the starting side, with Lynagh afforded the chance to come off the bench against a physical Chiefs pack.

Hunter Paisami has shaken off a head injury to start at inside-centre, with Dre Pakeho shifting to outside centre. That move sees the inform Filipo Daugunu shift to the wing.

“Hunter has been a fantastic influence on how Dre has developed this season. Dre has made the most of every minute he has had this season and his positive attitude has been first class. I’m looking forward to seeing Dre’s partnership with Hunter,” Kiss said.

“Up front, Matty Faessler is back to be pillared by Jeffery and Alex in a scrum that is going exceptionally well for us.”

Reds coach Les Kiss has named a new-look midfield for Friday’s clash against the Chiefs. Photo: Brendan Hertel, QRU

There’s a healthy blend of experience and youth on the bench, which is headlined by the return of Wallaby Jock Campbell after a stint on the sidelines.

The Reds and Chiefs have gone three wins apiece over their past six matches with four of those decided by less than a converted try.
 
It is a sign of where this highly-appealing match sits that both sides average around five tries per game and are close to the most miserly in defence.
 
The Chiefs have won 19 of their past 21 games at FMG Stadium Waikato.
 
“It’s a great ground to play rugby at. It’s also one of the toughest places to play at with a boisterous fan base with their cow bells,” Kiss said.
 
“We’ve shown we are robust and resilient and that our skills have come through to solve problems at the right time.
 
“We work at being stronger each week. This is another challenge to aim up to in Hamilton against a team that has shown they are right on top of their game.”

Meanwhile, McMillan has made few changes to his lineup after returning from a bye week, following their 50-35 victory against Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe in their last outing.

McMillan has brought back midfielder Quinn Tupaea and openside flanker Jahrome Brown to their starting side.

Shaunt Stevenson starts for his 100th match at fullback.

Chiefs (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling

Reds (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jock Campbell

Referee: Nic Berry

Saturday

Moana Pasifika vs Waratahs, 12:05pm

Rising prop Daniel Botha will start ahead of Taniela Tupou amid seven changes to the Waratahs’ side for Saturday’s important clash against Moana Pasifika in New Zealand.

After last week’s heavy loss against the Hurricanes, the Waratahs quickly need to respond with a daunting second half of the season to follow for Dan McKellar’s side.

Angus Bell is one of only two tight-five figures from last week named to start, with Ethan Dobbins given a chance in the No.2 jersey. Julian Heaven will come off the bench, with Dave Porecki still sidelined.

“We believe Dan will provide a solid set-piece foundation and physicality to start the game,” McKellar said.

“Then we have the luxury of bringing in a player like Taniela Tupou in the final 30 minutes to make a big impact.

On the decision to bench Tupou, McKellar said he wanted the giant prop to come on and influence the game in the second half.

“I had a good conversation with Taniela about this selection,” McKellar said.

“He understands that he has a massive role to play when he comes on, bringing energy, power, and leadership in that crucial final period.

“His ability to change the momentum of a game is a real asset for us.”

Taniela Tupou will come off the bench for the first time this season. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The other tight-five change sees Hugh Sinclair return to the pack.

The halves remain the same with Lawson Creighton fit to resume his time in the No.10 jersey despite being forced off early last week.

There’s a new look midfield, with Lalakai Foketi joining Henry O’Donnell in the centres after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was shifted back to fullback after Max Jorgensen’s injury. Andrew Kellaway returns on the wing and is also joined in the side by Triston Reilly.

“Joseph is a natural athlete with great vision and a strong defensive game,” McKellar said.

“He can provide the stability and counter-attacking ability we need at fullback, particularly against a team that likes to play expansively like Moana Pasifika.”

On the bench, Jack Bowen gets a chance with Tane Edmed rotated out of the side.

Tana Umaga has lost in-form midfielder Miracle Faiʻilagi to a hamstring injury, but regained breakout winger Kyren Taumoefolau.

The fleet-footed winger has returned from a shoulder injury as Moana Pasifika seek back-to-back wins for the first time.

Taumoefolau missed last week’s 45-29 win over the Crusaders but is back on the wing. Fine Inisi also returns via the bench while captain Ardie Savea shifts to openside flanker in a tweaked back-row.

Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa starts at No .8 and Semisi Paea moves to blindside flanker, with Faiʻilagi sidelined. Centre Pepesana Patafilo (concussion) also joins the injury list.

Moana (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Sam Slade, Allan Craig, Semisi Paea, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, William Havili

Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi

Waratahs (1-15): Angus Bell, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O’Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii

Replacements: Julian Heaven, Issac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Joey Walton

Referee: James Doleman

Fijian Drua vs Crusaders, 2:35pm

Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson has named a strong matchday 23 to host the Crusaders on Saturday.

Jackson has recalled Joe Tamani, Inia Tabuavou and Selestino Ravutaumada to the start 15 and has given young Isoa Tuwai a starting role this weekend.

For the Crusaders, Sevu Reece will start at centre for the first time in his Super Rugby career.

“I’m so excited. Before I played on the wing, before I moved down to the Crusaders, I was playing centre, and it wasn’t until I moved down here that I played on the wing,” Reece told the club website.

“It’s always been a goal of mine to play centre at this level – to test myself against the best of the best and getting that opportunity this week in front if my family back in Fiji, what a place to play centre – I can’t even find the words, I’m just so excited.”

Dallas McLeod will accompany Reece in the centres while Will Jordan will start at fullback.

Sevu Reece has been named in the centres for the first time. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)

Things will remain the same on the wings this week with Macca Springer on the left wing and Chay Fihaki on the right, while the 9/ 10 combo of Hamilton school mates Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara is back.

In the forwards, Codie Taylor will start at hooker and will captain the side this week in David Havili’s absence.
George Bower and Seb Calder will complete the front row, while Tahlor Cahill and Antonio Shalfoon will be paired at lock.

Corey Kellow returns to the No.6 jersey this week; Tom Christie will take the starting openside position and Christian Lio-Willie will round out the forwards in the No. 8.

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Longanimasi, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu

Crusaders (1-15):  George Bower, Codie Taylor (c), Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Blues vs Hurricanes, 5:05pm

The Hurricanes have named a settled squad to face the Blues with just one change from the Waratahs win last week.

Ere Enari comes onto the bench as Jordi Viljoen moves out of the 23.

Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said, “Another consistent selection for us this week, we’re happy with how we played vs the Waratahs last Friday and we have started the week well with our preparation to head up to Auckland and face the reigning champions.”

“The Blues are coming off their bye week and they will have plenty of energy for this Saturday. With quite a few of their guys back from injury it’ll be a good test to see how we go away from home. The competition is tight this season, so every win and every point we can get is going to go a long way to help us push towards those playoffs at the end of the season. We’re excited and looking forward to the challenge this week at Eden Park.”

The Blues welcome back a host of players from injury – but have ruled out prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who will undergo neck surgery, for the rest of the season.

The Blues are hoping All Blacks Beauden Barrett and captain Patrick Tuipulotu come through their return to heavy contact training to enable them to start in Saturday’s encounter.

Beauden Barrett has been named to start against the Hurricanes for Saturday’s clash at Eden Park. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

“The group is putting in the hard work to produce a quality performance. Hopefully they will come through a big week of effort on the training field, and the team can focus on getting our processes right for a positive performance,” said coach Vern Cotter.

“Of course we are aware of our position on the table, but our focus is on our performance.”

The returning players, including Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, AJ Lam, Anton Segner and Adrian Choat, with others to follow in the coming weeks, will allow for a better rotation of squad depth in the second half of the season.

Blues (1-15):  Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans

Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Stephen Perofeta

Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love

Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilo Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo

TMO: Angus Gardner

Western Force vs Highlanders, 7:35pm

Force coach Simon Cron has made a couple of changes to his side for Saturday evening’s must-win clash against the Highlanders in Perth.

Cron welcomes back Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa after missing the last couple of games, with Nic Dolly dropping back to the bench.

The other change sees explosive loose-forward Vaiolini Ekuasi come into the starting side, with Will Harris moving back to the bench.

Brandon Paenga-Amosa is back for the Western Force. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Otherwise, Cron has named a settle side that includes an unchanged backline.

There’s a couple of minor tweaks to the replacements, with Josh Smith providing cover at tight-head prop while George Poolman comes in for Reesjan Pasitoa.

All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot makes a timely return for the Highlanders.

Josh Bartlett retains his place on the bench, with Daniel Lienert-Brown dropping out of the 23.

Otherwise, head coach Jamie Joseph has kept faith with the side that lost 34-27 to the Brumbies last weekend.

The only other changes come on the bench, where Michael Manson replaces No 10 Ajay Faleafaga and Jack Taylor is the backup hooker instead of Henry Bell.

Fullback Sam Gilbert provides cover for No 10 Taine Robinson.

Force (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep (vc), Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert

Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson

Referee: Jordan Way