After getting past a gritty Force side last weekend in Perth, the Brumbies can move to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings if they beat the Reds on Saturday night. The Queenslanders will be missing No.10 Tom Lynagh as well as two of his Wallabies teammates.
(All times are AEST)
Friday
Hurricanes vs Highlanders, 5.05pm
Hurricanes’ 2024 first choice No.10 Brett Cameron will play his first Super Rugby Pacific match since last year’s semifinal loss to the Chiefs after recovering from knee surgery.
His appearance on the bench comes seven months after an operation on an ACL injury.
Ruben Love remains at No. 10 to start.
Two starters were ruled out in the pack: All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax (ankle) and lock Caleb Delany (back). There is a loose forward shuffle with Du’Plessis Kirifi on the bench and Brayden Iose returning to No. 8 in a trio with Peter Lakai and Brad Shields.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has named Taine Robinson at No. 10 jersey despite a costly error in the loss to Moana Pasifika.
Tanielu Tele’a, Jona Nareki, Veveni Lasaqa, Mitch Dunshea, Folau Fakatava and Jack Taylor have returned to the starting lineup, with Soane Vikena, Oliver Haig, Cameron Millar and Thomas Umaga-Jensen on the bench. Nathan Hastie, Sam Gilbert and Will Stodart miss out.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Pasilio Tosi, Zach Gallgher, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punival, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Bailyn Sullivan, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Will Tucker, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Jonah Lowe, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Stu Curran
TMO: Glenn Newman
Waratahs vs Crusaders, 7.35pm
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has promoted Darby Lancaster to start against the Crusaders on Friday after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season with a fractured jaw.
Suaalii’s injury, which came after copping a knee from Andrew Kellaway, sees his Test teammate shift from the wing to fullback. Lancaster and Triston Reilly form the back three.
“Minimal change … obviously is Darby is in and Kells goes back to fullback,” McKellar said.
“But we’ve generally gone for consistency in selection. The Waratahs have otherwise named a settled side, with Test prop Taniela Tupou to once again come off the bench.
Tane Edmed retains the No.10 jersey, with Jack Bowen providing cover off the bench. Lawson Creighton once again misses selection after spending much of the year in the No.10 jersey.
The Waratahs announced the match would be the final time five of their regulars in 2025 take the field in the sky blue jersey, with Rob Leota, Langi Gleeson, Mahe Vailanu, Julian Heaven and Felix Kalapu all leaving the Super Rugby franchise at season’s end.
“It’s important that our departing players are farewelled with the performance they deserve to go out on,” McKellar said.
McKellar also paid special credit to Hugh Sinclair, who captained the side for the first time in 2025.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with ‘Sincs’,” he said. “He’s someone who genuinely cares about this team, the Waratahs, and doing things the right way.
“Players like him are so important to any team or organisation.”
All Blacks hooker George Bell is a surprise inclusion for the Crusaders. He was previously ruled out for the season but has recovered from a fractured foot quicker than expected.
Rob Penney’s team is missing four key All Blacks with Will Jordan joined on the sidelines this week by Scott Barrett (sprained thumb), Fletcher Newell (Achilles) and Codie Taylor (personal matter).
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Daniel Botha, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclair, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Lalakai Foketi
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Quinten Strange, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Stu Curran
TMO: Glenn Newman
Saturday
Fijian Drua vs Force, 1.35pm
The Force’s season might be on the line, but Simon Cron has opted to rest several players for their difficult trip to Lautoka to face the Drua
Test backs Nic White, Hamish Stewart and Harry Potter have all been rested, while Ben Donaldson will come off the bench.
The changes mean Cron has made wholesale changes, with New Zealander Alex Harford to debut at fly-half alongside Henry Robertson in the halves.
Reesjan Pasitoa returns to the starting side but will wear the No.12 jersey for the first time in 2025. He’ll line up alongside Sio Tomkinson in the midfield.
Bayley Kuenzle shifts to the wing and forms a strong back three alongside Mac Grealy and Kurtley Beale.
Up front and the tight-five remains the same, but there’s a tweak to the back-row with Reed Prinsep returning at No.8 for the injured Nick Champion de Crespigny.
Test hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa makes a timely return from a calf injury, while lock Sam Carter also has been named on the bench.
Titi Nofoagatotoa will also provide back-row cover with Carlo Tizzano still sidelined.
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa also returns via the bench.
“We always knew there were some real challenges in the draw this season,” Cron said.“Out of the last five games, four of them have four-hour time zone shifts and each one of those involves anywhere between 11-17 hours travel door to door so we must maximise our chances of success.
“To do that we have tried to rotate some squad members who we feel are most at risk due to high minutes or lots of travel. This also gives other players in our squad a chance to step up which is critical for the long-term success of the club.”
Fiji coach Glen Jackson has handed Philip Baselala his first start.
The youngster has previously provided impact off the bench and now gets his first starting role in a big vote of confidence from the coaching staff. The matchday 23 side also sees the welcome return to the starting 15 of electrifying flanker Etonia Waqa from injury.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Leone Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Leone Nawai, Inia Tabuavou, Selestino Ravutaumada
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Reed Prinsep; Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Mac Grealy, Reesjan Pasitoa, Sio Tomkinson, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Sam Carter, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, George Poolman
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
Moana Pasifika vs Blues, 5.05pm
All Black Caleb Clarke will return from injury in Saturday night’s clash with Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium.
After missing four games with a thigh injury, Clarke will line up on the left wing with AJ Lam shifting back to the right wing.
In the forwards, Angus Ta’avao returns to the starting role at tighthead prop, Josh Beehre comes into the second row and Adrian Choat starts at blindside flanker in place of Anton Segner, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Head coach Vern Cotter said his side is focused on putting together another strong performance against Moana Pasifika.
“This is another big match for us. We need to be clinical as a group and lift our physicality and intensity,” he said.
“We’ve built some good momentum in recent weeks, and this is another step forward as we focus on continually improving our game.”
Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has made two changes to the starting XV that defeated the Highlanders 34-29 in Dunedin two weeks ago.
Patrick Pellegrini will start at No.10 and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou returns to tighthead prop.
PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Julian Savea
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Cam Christie, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Ben O’Keeffe
TMO: Glenn Newman
Brumbies vs Reds, 7.35pm
After getting past a gritty Force side last weekend in Perth, the Brumbies can move to the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings if they beat the Reds on Saturday night.
But it won’t be easy, with Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio unsurprisingly ruled out of the clash after a scary incident last weekend where he was stretchered off.
While he was cleared of any significant injury, Lolesio will be rested for the week and likely return against the Crusaders in their final round.
In his place Declan Meredith returns to the No.10 jersey. No specialist fly-half has been included on the bench, with Tom Wright amongst the men who will provide cover if Meredith is replaced.
The Brumbies do welcome back Billy Pollard at hooker in the only other change to the starting side.
Cadeyrn Neville returns via the bench and provides some experience in the area after the Force targeted the Brumbies’ lineout last week. Hudson Creighton also returns via the bench.
Meanwhile, the Reds have lost three Test stars – Tom Lynagh, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Seru Uru – from the side that beat the Waratahs last week.
But they do welcome back one Wallaby, with Hunter Paisami back in the No.10 jersey.
Lynagh has been ruled out with concussion, while forwards Uru (knee) and Salakaia-Loto (shoulder) will also miss the crucial match.
Reds coach Les Kiss does have some strong cover to inject into the side though.
Ryan Smith returns to the second-row to partner Josh Canham, while Joe Brial returns at blindside flanker to form a back-row trio alongside Fraser McReight and John Bryant.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is back at fly-half to start his fourth match of the year, while Paisami’s return in the midfield sees rising talent Dre Pakeho return to the bench.
Connor Vest and Heremaia Murray return to the bench. Kiss said the Reds recognised the challenge ahead against the second-placed Brumbies.
“The Brumbies are no doubt a team in form coming off their win over the Western Force (33-14),” Kiss said.
“They have an imperious record at home in Canberra as we know.
“We certainly showed our qualities of grit and belief with how strongly we finished the game against the NSW Waratahs in our last game. It was very pleasing coming off the short turnaround from our previous match in Fiji.
“Harry had a very strong second half when he came in for Tom against the Waratahs and has stepped up for us with his opportunities this season.
“Our bench has been very productive. This weekend, Connor Vest will bring his impact as a backrower-lock. He’s been fully involved at training and with matches for his Souths club and the Reds Development XV to be ready for this.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Kalani Thomas, Dre Pakeho, Heremaia Murray
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
