ANZAC Weekend Round of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific throws up some great matches as the competition reflects on the sacrifices of the men and women of Australia and New Zealand who have served - and continue to serve - our nations.
It begins with a maiden game at the Bay Oval as the Chiefs host the Western Force, followed by the traditional Reds-Blues match at Suncorp Stadium.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua resume their rivalry in Auckland, followed by the Crusaders taking on the Highlanders.
The round finishes in the Australian capital as the ACT Brumbies welcome the Hurricanes in Canberra.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kaleb Trask
- Damian McKenzie (hand) misses the game, with Josh Jacomb starting at fly-half.
- Wallace Sititi returns from injury for the first time in 2025, named on the bench.
- Samisoni Taukei’aho plays his 100th Super Rugby game, starting at hooker.
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Sam Carter, Reed Prinsep (vc), Doug Philipson, Max Burey, George Poolman
- Henry Robertson makes his debut start, with Nic White (concussion) rule out.
- Doug Phillipson comes onto the bench for his potential debut.
- Will Harris and Ryan Coxon return to the starting side for the injured Vaiolini Ekuasi and Marley Pearce.
- The Chiefs have won their last seven games against the Force, last losing in 2014
- They have never been defeated at home by the Force, scoring more than 50 points in their last three games.
- The Western Force have lost one of their last four games, with six of their last ten games decided by a margin of five points or less,
Carlo Tizzano v Kaylum Boshier
Tizzano is the clear standout blindside flanker in Super Rugby and needs a big game to inspire the Force to their first ever away win against the Chiefs.
The flanker was at his inspirational best in the draw against the Hurricanes, and his presence at the breakdown will go a long way towards shutting down the Chiefs’ rapid attack.
As for Boshier, the experienced flanker gets the call into the starting side after a great showing against the Highlanders, looking to nail down a spot with finals approaching.
Chiefs by 9
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo De Lutiis, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Heremaia Murray
- Jock Campbell will start at fullback after returning from injury earlier in the month.
- Prop Massimo De Lutiis returns to the match-day squad and will play off the bench/
- Richie Asiata starts at hooker, with George Blake onto the bench.
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, Corey Evans
- Beauden Barrett will come off the bench as he returns from illness, with Harry Plummer earning the start at flyhalf.
- Kurt Eklund returns to the starting side at hooker with Ricky Riccitelli moving to the bench.
- Cam Christie starts at blindside flanker, while Anton Segner shifts to openside in the absence of Dalton Papali’i.
- The Blues have won their last four games in a row against the Queensland Reds, scoring 40+ points in their last three games.
- The Reds have scored 30+ points in only one of their last seven games in the competition.
- The Queensland Reds have won two of their last three Super Rugby Pacific games against New Zealand opponents at Suncorp Stadium after losing six such fixtures in a row prior to that frame.
Tim Ryan v Mark Tele’a
Ryan returns to the scene of his breakout performance looking to speak his Wallabies push.
‘The Junkyard Dog’ has been quiet by his standards, try-scoring-wise, but looms as a key threat against a Blues side well aware of his threats.
Tele’a is in a similar situation, scoring three tries in nine games, and needs a big game to revive the Blues’ finals push.
Reds by 3
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, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili
Replacements: Tomasi Maka, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Allan Craigm Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Julian Savea
- Ardie Savea returns after his week off and starts in the back-row.
- Jackson Garden-Bachop reclaims the starting flyhalf position, with Patrick Pellegrini on the bench.
- Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo'ou form a brand new front-row partnership.
DRUA (1-15): Peni Ravai, Mesulame Dolokoto (c), Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Longanimasi, Isikeli Rabitu, Inia Tabuavou, Taniela Rakuro, Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Elia Canakaivata, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valetini, Selestino Ravutaumada
- Isikeli Rabitu shows off his versatility, named in the centres.
- Kitione Salawa is elevated to number eight, moving Elia Canakaivata to the bench.
- Tevita Ikanivere and Vuate Karawalevu return to the matchday 23.
- The Fijian Drua have won four of their five games against Moana Pasifika.
- Four of five of these games have been won by the home team. The only other game won by an away side was the Drua in NZ the last time the two sides played there.
- Moana Pasifika have scored only three tries across their last two Super Rugby Pacific games after scoring at least five tri each of their previous seven games in the competition.
Miracle Fai’ilagi v Etonia Waqa
These backrowers can turn a game in an instant, possessing freakish skills for their size.
When Fai’ilagi stars, the win often follow for Moana Pasifika as his combination with Ardie Savea has become invaluable for the team.
Waqa has had a similar effect in the past fortnight and looms as a key piece towards winning the contact battle.
Moana by 5.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, Will Stodart, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Jake Te Hiwi, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Nathan Hastie, Sam Gilbert, Josh Whaanga
- Ethan de Groot takes the co-captaincy and starts at loosehead prop.
- Sean Withy returns from suspension in the back-row, with Will Stodart at number eight.
- Jake Te Hiwi and Jonah Lowe start in the backline for the first time in 2025.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Xavier Saifoloi, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki
- George Bower starts at prop alongside Fletcher Newell.
- Xavier Saifoloi gets the nod to start at blindside flanker, with Tom Christie replacing Ethan Blackadder at openside.
- Sevu Reece will jump back over to the right wing this week, making way for Macca Springer to start on the left wing.
- The Highlanders are looking for back-to-back wins over the Crusaders for the first time since 2016.
- The Highlanders have won five of their last seven Super Rugby Pacific games at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
- However, four of those seven games have been won by the team which was trailing at half-time on the day.
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens v Will Jordan
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has added spark to the Highlanders’ backline but needs to go to another level to match it with the class of Jordan.
The former Blue has unlocked the Highlanders' attack with four line breaks and three try assists in two games.
He needs a similar performance to match the output of Jordan, who continues to establish himself as the best fullback in the game.
Crusaders by 10
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
- Len Ikitau has been cleared of a concussion and starts at centre.
- Luke Reimer starts in the back-row after his week off.
- James Slipper and Billy Pollard have been elevated from the bench.
HURRICANES (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Raymond Tuputupu, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brad Shields (co-c), Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Kini Nanolo, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Will Tucker, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Bailyn Sullivan
- Riley Higgins and Billy Proctor both start in the midfield for the first time this season.
- Kini Naholo comes back onto the wing for this game alongside Ngatungane Punivai.
- Tevita Mafileo and Raymond Tuputupu start in the front-row alongside Pasilio Tosi.
- The ACT Brumbies have won five of their last six Super Rugby Pacific games against the Hurricanes.
- The ACT Brumbies are on a six-game winning streak against the Hurricanes at GIO Stadium in Super Rugby Pacific and haven’t lost to them at the venue since the 2017 quarter finals.
- Two of the Hurricanes last three Super Rugby Pacific games in Australia have been decided in Super Time.
Ruben Love v Noah Lolesio
Another big match-up of the halves as two of the best young playmakers battle it out.
Love will have a point to prove after missing the chance to claim the win over the Force when his drop goal went wide.
Meanwhile, Lolesio is back in his Wallabies form after sorting his future out and will be out for another statement performance.
Brumbies by 5
