The SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific regular season is coming down to the wire as teams gear up for Round 14.
There are plenty of big matches, with the Battle of the Bridge between Moana Pasifika and the Blues and the Reds-Brumbies rivalry adding spice to Saturday's triple-header that begins in Lautoka with the Fijian Drua facing the Western Force.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Before that, the Hurricanes and Highlanders battle out a must-win clash, as the Crusaders travel to Sydney, a place where they struggle, to continue their title push against the NSW Waratahs.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
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
- Bailyn Sullivan comes onto the wing after Kini Naholo’s season-ending injury.
- Brad Shields is one of three co-captains in the starting side, with Du’Plessis Kirifi reverting to the bench.
- Brett Cameron returns from a seven-month layoff on the bench.
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
- Jona Nareki returns on the wing, partnering Jonah Lowe
- Mitch Dunshea and Veveni Lasaqa have been elevated into the starting pack.
- Tanielu Tele’a has recovered from injury to partner Timoci Tavatavanawai in the midfield.
- The Hurricanes have won their last eight matches against the Highlanders, their longest winning run against them.
- The Hurricanes have conceded 14 or fewer points against the Highlanders at Sky Stadium in three of their last four home games.
- The Highlanders have lost seven of their last eight games away from Forsyth Barr Stadium, including conceding an average of 36.3 points per game in their last three losses.
Callum Harkin v Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Harkin has been one of the breakthrough players for the Hurricanes since his debut.
The Hurricanes' fullback has been key behind their revival, but must shut down Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens if they are to win.
The Highlanders star missed the start of the year but has made up for lost time with a great last month.
Hurricanes by 14
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
- Darby Lancaster starts on the wing after a fractured jaw ruled Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii out.
- Lalakai Foketi takes Lancaster’s place on the bench.
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
- The Crusaders are without Will Jordan (knee), Scott Barrett (hand), Fletcher Newell (Achilles) and Codie Taylor (rest)
- Ionae Moananu, Kershawl Skyes-Martin and Johnny McNicholl all start as a result.
- George Bell also returns from a long-term foot injury and starts at hooker.
- The Waratahs have won three of their last four matches against the Crusaders and six of their last eight in Australia.
- Six of the Waratahs' last seven games at Allianz Stadium have been decided by seven or fewer, including their last three.
- The Crusaders have won their last four matches away from home, their longest streak since 2021-22, which the Waratahs ironically ended.
Sevu Reece v Darby Lancaster
Reece will carry the attacking load with no Will Jordan as the Crusaders hunt for an elusive win in Sydney.
The winger is closing in on the all-time try-scoring record in Super Rugby and it’s up to Lancaster to stop him.
Lancaster has had limited opportunities in 2025 down to injuries but a big performance against the Crusaders will put him firmly on the Wallabies radar once again.
Waratahs by 2
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Selestino Ravutaumada
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Leone Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Leone Nawai, Inia Tabuavou, Caleb Muntz
- Etonia Waqa has been cleared of injury and lines up in the back-row.
- Philip Baselala starts for the first time in Super Rugby Pacific at scrumhalf.
- Tevita Ikanivere re-gains the captaincy as he comes into the front-row.
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
- NPC standout Alex Harford has been thrust into the flyhalf position on his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
- Reed Prinsep and Sio Tomkinson have been added to the starting side.
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa will return from an ankle injury via the bench.
- The Western Force have won four of their five games against the Fijian Drua, but lost their only encounter in Fiji.
- The Fijian Drua have won their last eight games at Churchill Park, holding their opponents under 20 points in four of their last five.
- The Western Force have lost their last 11 games outside of Australia, conceding an average of 51.8 points per game in their last four games.
Henry Robertson v Philip Baselala
Two young halves trying to make their name in a crucial match for finals implications.
Robertson has found himself as a consistent starter ahead of Nic White and will be out to make a statement in Lautoka.
For Baselala, it’s his first opportunity to start as he looks to make his position his own heading into the future.
Drua by 9
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
- Patrick Pellegrini has been named to start at flyhalf
- Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou returns to the front-row at tight-head prop.
- Samiuela Moli and Sione Havili Talitui are among the fresh faces on the bench.
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
- Caleb Clarke features for the first time in a month after overcoming a thigh injury.
- Angus Ta’avao returns to the starting role at tighthead prop, while Josh Beehre comes into the second row.
- Anton Segner (shoulder) is out, replaced by Adrian Choat at blindside flanker.
- The Blues have won all five of their matches against Moana Pasifika by an average of 20.4 points.
- Moana Pasifika are hunting for third straight wins, on top of consecutive wins over Kiwi sides for the first time in their history.
- Moana Pasifika have won their last three at North Harbour Stadium.
Ardie Savea v Dalton Papali’i
It’s a battle of the All Blacks as the pair of back-row leaders go head-to-head.
Savea has almost single-handedly turned Moana Pasifika’s fortunes around and will receive the Player of the Year Award to prove it.
Papali’i and the Blues need a victory to keep in touch with the top six and ensure they are playing in the finals. Limiting Savea’s influence is the top priority.
Blues by 11
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
- Declan Meredith replaces Noah Lolesio at flyhalf after his spinal injury.
- Billy Pollard returns at hooker after sitting out last week’s trip to Perth.
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
- Hunter Paisami has recovered from a hip injury to play in the midfield.
- Ryan Smith replaces Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (shoulder) in the second-row.
- Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will start at flyhalf after a concussion to Tom Lynagh.
- The ACT Brumbies have won five of their last six against the Queensland Reds and 10 of the last 11 in Canberra.
- The ACT Brumbies have conceded just 16.5 points per game across their last four games.
- The Queensland Reds are hunting for back-to-back away wins for the first time since 2022.
Declan Meredith v Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
This was far from the flyhalf battle expected ten days ago but both young guys have a chance to express themselves in a big match-up.
Meredith gets his first start since his heroics against the Blues at the start of the season and can show the Brumbies he’s the main man heading forward with Noah Lolesio off to Japan.
It’s another chance for McLaughlin-Phillips to edge closer to Tom Lynagh after impressing off the bench last weekend.
Brumbies by 5
