The big clash between the Brumbies and Reds caps another huge weekend of Super Rugby Pacific action. So who are you tipping?

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC ROUND 14 TEAMS

Christy Doran

Hurricanes, Waratahs, Force, Blues, Brumbies

I must admit, it’s nice having a buffer at the top of the leaderboard with two rounds to go. But I am known for delivering an early crow.

The Hurricanes should be way too hot for the Highlanders. Their backline has serious speed and tackle-busting qualities despite the loss of Kini Naholo. Brett Cameron is back via the bench, too. He’ll bring some poise at the death over the coming weeks – but I share my colleague Hamish’s opinion that Ruben Love has something special about him. I’d keep him at 10 regardless.

I’ve tipped the Waratahs and I find myself writing words about them through gritted teeth. But the loss of several players for the Crusaders will disrupt them. Their forward pack isn’t as strong without All Blacks Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell and Scott Barrett. Throw in Will Jordan’s absence and the Waratahs, who have lost Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, should be sniffing an upset. 

(Photo by Robbie Stephenson/Getty Images)

The Force have rested a few internationals and I find myself a bit perplexed by the decision. Why not rest one or two more people throughout the season rather than a big clump. That said, the Drua have been the biggest underachievers in 2025, so who knows which Fijian side will turn up. They do have a great record at Lautoka though.

I’ve tipped the Blues, but I think Moana Pasifika will be in the hunt in their local derby. Few teams perform after returning from Fiji.

While both the Brumbies and Reds will want to continue their momentum, it’s imperative that Stephen Larkham’s men win if you want an Australian team in the final. History shows you must host a semi-final to play in the big dance. I think they will, too. The loss of Seru Uru is a big one. With Harry Wilson still sidelined, Uru’s absence is another blow. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is back at 10 and he’s a player on the rise and he’ll combine well with Hunter Paisami, who is fit after recovering from a cork. The Brumbies have of course, lost Noah Lolesio, but I think they’ll be too strong. Their pack is quality, despite the absence of Luke Reimer (concussion).

Nick Wasiliev

Hurricanes, Crusaders, Drua, Blues, Brumbies

It’s amazing how quickly things are suddenly wrapping up after a season that has been so tight.

The Highlanders have been brave this season, but the reality is this young side needs more time in the saddle. They’ve struggled more and more as the injuries have piled up. The Hurricanes should be too good in windy Wellington.

The Tahs are in a similar spot. They started the season well as expected, but three back-to-back losses is tough to stomach, and with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii out, things are only going to get harder against a Crusaders side on the bounce back. The men from Christchurch should get their revenge and end the Tahs’ hopes of finals

I had to google who the Force’s flyhalf was this week –  and while I’ve no doubt Alex Harford has done well at NPC level, it’s the deepest of deep ends to suddenly play in Lautoka. The rest of the squad looks good and it’s great to have Reesjan Pasitoa back in the side, but if they lose here, their hopes of finals are effectively shot. With several green Force players, I reckon the Drua will come home strong. 

The Blues have got their mojo back since that Reds loss, and should go three in a row here. Moana Pasifika will make a game of it, but the defending champions are on a mission. Declan Meredith is going to have a lot to do this weekend with a giant Lolesio-sized hole to fill, but the minimal changes suggest the Brumbies are settled and peaking at the right time. The Reds are a quality side, but with 14 players now out, Canberra is a much tougher prospect. I think the hosts will be up for this game, and should overcome the men from the Sunshine State. 

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Ben Pobjie

Hurricanes, Crusaders, Force, Moana, Brumbies

Both teams have had a week off, but at last start the Highlanders slumped against Moana and the Hurricanes whipped the Chiefs. The Canes are building to a big finish and the Landers are winding down, this should be reflected in this result.

There is absolutely no way the Waratahs can defeat the Crusaders – they are weaker on just about every front, spent at the end of a dispiriting season, and missing the Greatest Player Ever, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. The Crusaders will destroy them. Saying this is the only way I know of getting the Tahs to win, so hopefully it works.

It’s a tough trip to Lautoka, and the Force are resting some frontliners. But they’re also at maximum desperation, and the Drua fell apart last start. In the battle of two teams that seem to be feeling the pinch, I think it might be a famous victory for the westerners.

There’s no doubt that MP winning would be the more entertaining result, so why not. Some magic from the returning Pellegrini, another masterclass from the peerless Ardie, and the odd Miracle in the backrow and they’ll pull it off.

Lynagh, Uru and Salakaia-Loto all out for the Reds, and a Brumbies team with the barest sniff of top spot in their nostrils. It does not augur well for the Queenslanders, who will also have to deal with a typically icy Canberra night. It could easily go either way, but if the Brumbies want us to believe they’ve got the killer instinct, they’ll roll the Reds.

Hamish Bidwell

Hurricanes, Waratahs, Force, Blues, Brumbies

I imagine this one will be pretty clear-cut. The Hurricanes have really impressed me this year and I hope to see their pack continue to stand up.

The Crusaders are inaccurate and wasteful and, until they sort that out, are not a credible title threat.

I think I’ve picked the Fijian Drua to win every home game this season. Last week has made me reconsider.

The Blues have more talent, are coming off an impressive performance and should win by 15 points.

Another match that I don’t see being a genuine contest. The Brumbies by about 15 points as well.