Super Rugby Pacific Round Ten Preview

Round Ten of Super Rugby Pacific is a crucial weekend of action for several teams as ANZAC Day Weekend throws up some great matches.

It begins with the Melbourne Rebels facing a Crusaders side desperate for a win before the NSW Waratahs host the Chiefs in Sydney.

Catch every game of Super Rugby Pacific LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.

The top four match between the ACT Brumbies and Hurricanes headlines a blockbuster Saturday of action.

It includes a match-up of the Pacific sides between Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua along with the Highlanders hosting the Western Force and the Queensland Reds talking on the Blues.

Rugby.com.au previews all the action from round ten, presented by Bet365

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Heremaia Murray, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl

RESERVES: George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Chay Fihaki

• Scott Barrett is a huge in for the Crusaders, his first appearance since round three
• Heremaia Murray starts on the wing, with Johnny McNicholl pushed to fullback on his return from a finger injury
• David Havili comes onto the bench, having last played against the Blues in round five.

REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai (c), Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway

RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Rob Leota, Jack Maunder, Matt Proctor, Nick Jooste

• Josh Canham slots straight back for Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, ruled out with injury
• Captain Rob Leota makes his return from injury on the bench
• Alex Mafi and Jordan Uelese swap, with the former Red in the starting side.

• The Crusaders have won nine of their last 10 matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Melbourne Rebels
• In their last seven wins, they average 55 points per game in that span.
• The Melbourne Rebels have won their last three matches in Super Rugby Pacific, scoring 40+ points in each of their last two games in that span; a fourth consecutive win in this match would be the Rebels’ outright longest winning run in their history in Super Rugby.

Scott Barrett v Josh Canham

Barrett is a huge inclusion for a Crusaders side who have now hit panic stations.

The experience he brings is invaluable and the former All Black will be pivotal in shutting down the Rebels tight-five.

Canham shoulders further load with no Salakaia-Loto and will have to call the Rebels lineout perfectly against one of the best in that game

Rebels by 4 (but plenty of points)

WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Ned Hanigan, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen

RESERVES: Jay Fonokalafi, Lewis Ponini, Tom Ross, Jed Holloway, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Izaia Perese

• Mark Nawaqanitawase returns to the starting side, replacing Dylan Pietsch
• Jed Holloway and Langi Gleeson revert to the bench, leading to Miles Amatosero starting and Ned Hanigan at number eight
• Joey Walton starts at outside centre, pushing Izaia Perese to the reserves.

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Pohipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Quinn Tupaea

• Kaylum Boshier will take over the captaincy, with Luke Jacobson out with injury
• Rameka Pohipi starts in the centres, pushing Anton Lienert-Brown to outside
• Jimmy Tupou has been elevated into the starting second tow

• The Chiefs have won their last seven matches in Super Rugby competitions against the NSW Waratahs, with an average winning margin of 22.2 points
• The NSW Waratahs will be aiming for back-to-back wins against New Zealand opposition in Super Rugby for the first time since May 2015
• Each of the NSW Waratahs’ last five Super Rugby Pacific matches at Allianz Stadium have been decided by margins no greater than nine points on the day

Kalyum Boshier v Ned Hanigan

Boshier has to step up with no Luke Jacobson.

The Waratahs will try and out-muscle the Chiefs like they did against the Crusaders and Boshier must rally his pack to repel the host, led by Hanigan.

Hanigan was excellent in the win a fortnight ago but his move to number eight is a message from coach Darren Coleman to the pack to perform or else.

Chiefs by 8

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waga, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: Mesu Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Michael Naitokani

•  Zuriel Togiatama gets his first start of the year at hooker
• Peni Matawalu and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula combines in the halves
• Etonia Waga returns to the line-up at blindside flanker after recovering from injury.

PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Irie Papuni, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, Danny Toala

RESERVES: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Neria Fomai

• It's the same starting lineup that defeated the Reds in Round 8 with Sione Havili Talitui retaining the captaincy
• Lotu Inisi returns via the bench after a concussion in round six
• He is joined by Jonathan Taumateine and Neria Fomai 

• Moana Pasifika will be aiming for back-to-back wins in Super Rugby Pacific for the first time in their history in the competition
• Fijian Drua have won six of their last sevens games in Fiji
• Moana Pasifika defeated the Fijian Drua 39-36 when they last met earlier this season, their first win over the Drua in competition history

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula v William Havili

Whilst both teams are known for their flyers, it's their playmakers that will dictate this clash

Armstrong-Ravula returns after missing the defeat to the Hurricanes and is experiencing a breakout season with the Drua.

He faces a comparatively experienced campaigner in Havili, who will be out for a similar match-winning performance that he produced against the Reds.

Drua by 14

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Sefo Kautai, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Andy Muirhead

• Allan Alaalatoa makes his first appearance of 2024 after his Achilles injury
• Rory Scott starts in the back-row for the first time in 2024
• Len Ikitau completes his recovery from a knee injury

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, James O'Reilly, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Ruben Love

RESERVES: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Ben Grant, Peter Lakai, Richard Judd, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan

• Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Brett Cameron and Ruben Love return to the starting team
• Peter Umaga-Jensen makes his first start of the season in the centres
• Hooker Raymond Tuputupu and midfielder Riley Higgins come onto the bench

• The ACT Brumbies have won eight of their last nine matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium
• The Hurricanes have won their last eight consecutive games in Super Rugby Pacific after winning only three of their previous eight games in the competition
• The ACT Brumbies have stolen 16 lineouts this Super Rugby Pacific season which is more than any other team in the competition

Len Ikitau v Peter Umaga-Jensen

Len Ikitau returns after a long stint on the sidelines with injury.

Ikitau is a huge inclusion, the defensive captain of their backline, who will be crucial if they wish to rebound after their thumping defeat last weekend.

He faces Peter Umaga-Jensen in his first start of the season, eager to make a statement to help his chances of an All Blacks recall

Hurricanes by 5

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Henry Bell, Saula Ma'u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Folau Fakatava, Rhys Patchell, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

RESERVES: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Hugh Renton, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogodo

• Hugh Renton and Jermaine Ainsley are welcomed back from injury on the reserves
• Mitch Dunshea will make his Highlanders debut after recovering from an Achilles injury
• Jake Te Hiwi plays his first game of 2024, replacing Sam Gilbert

FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Sam Carter, Izack Rodda, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Nic White (c), Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale

RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell

• Izack Rodda starts after his return from injury last weekend
• Captain Jeremy Williams comes onto the reserves after overcoming a calf injury
• Marley Pearce starts in the front-row, with Feleti Kaitu’u and Josh Bartlett coming onto the bench

• The Force will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the Highlanders for the first time since March 2014.
• The Western Force have lost their last 12 Super Rugby Pacific matches away from HBF Park, conceding 42.3 points per game across that span
• The Highlanders scored zero points in a game for just the third time in Super Rugby history in Round 9; they have scored 35+ points in each of their last two games following a scoreless performance in the competition

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens v Kurtley Beale

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will have a point to prove on his return to the starting side.

He was dropped to the reserves for the clash with the Reds and their attack faltered, held scoreless.

As for Beale, once again he'll command attention after a brilliant debut for the club

Force by 5

REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Liam Wright (c), John Bryant, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Sef Fa'agase, Connor Vest, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Lawson Creighton, Floyd Aubrey

• Josh Flook returns to the centres after a season ending injury to Jordan Petaia
• Experienced lock Angus Blyth comes in for Cormac Daly
• Tim Ryan starts on the wing, with Mac Grealy rested

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Soane Vikena, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Mark Tele'a, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes

RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, James Thompson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke

•  AJ Lam starts on the wing, with Caleb Clarke on the bench after a bruised calf
• Akira Ioane is on paternity watch, missing the game as Anton Segner starts
• Sam Darry comes into the starting side, a week after his return from a MCL injury

• Three of the Queensland Reds’ last five Super Rugby games at home against the Blues have been decided by a margin of one point or fewer
• The Queensland Reds have won three of their last four games at home in Super Rugby Pacific
• The Blues have won their last five straight Super Rugby Pacific games, conceding fewer than 10 points in each of their last four

Hunter Paisami v Bryce Heem

Paisami showed his value to the Reds with a player-of-the-match performance against the Highlanders.

The attack runs through the inside centre and it's up to Heem and the Blues to shut him down.

Heem is a seasoned veteran and will need to use all that experience