Super Rugby Pacific 2026 Qualifying Finals and Super Rugby Women's Round One Previews

Super Rugby Pacific finals are here as the six teams in action begin the fight for the title.

The ACT Brumbies open the weekend with the tough task of facing the Hurricanes in Wellington, while the Queensland Reds travel to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs.

Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women's season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

On top of this, Super Rugby Women's kicks off with the NSW Waratahs welcoming the Fijian Drua to Sydney, followed by the Queensland Reds taking on the ACT Brumbies in Brisbane.

Rugby.com.au previews the Qualifying Finals of Super Rugby Pacific and Round One of Super Rugby Women's, presented by Bet365.

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin

Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, Ngane Punivai

• The Hurricanes have called upon their All Blacks stars after rotating their squad last week.
• Du’Plessis Kirifi and Jordie Barrett co-captain the side, with Cam Roigard one of few remaining starters from last week.
• Tyrel Lomax comes after the bench after recently re-signing with the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Hudson Creighton, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Ollie Sapsford

• Lachlan Lonergan swaps with Billy Pollard, elevated to the starting side.
• Luke Reimer shifts into the starting side, joined by Rob Valetini and Charlie Cale in the back-row.
• Ollie Sapsford returns from injury, named on the bench.

• The Brumbies have won their last three finals meetings against the Hurricanes, including a seven-point win last year.
• The Hurricanes have won two out of the last three games between the two sides, out for back-to-back wins over the Brumbies for the first time since 2017.
• The Hurricanes have six of their last seven finals games at Hnry Stadium, holding their opposition to under 10 points in three of those wins.

Ruben Love v Declan Meredith

Love holds the keys to the Hurricanes all-powerful attack, with his influence seriously missed last week.

It’s a similar story for Meredith, who was the central piece behind the Brumbies early dominance.

Both flyhalves have a chance to stake their Test claims with big performances.

Hurricanes by 8

CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor, George Bower, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl

Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, Jack Sexton, Gus Brown, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Braydon Ennor

• Leicester Fainga’anuku, Taha Kemara, Braydon Ennor and Tahlor Cahill all return to the 23.
• George Bower shifts from loosehead to tighthead prop after injuries to Fletcher Newell and Seb Calder.
• It leaves the opportunity for Gus Brown to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Torian Barnes, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: Eli Oudenryn, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Corey Evans, Payton Spencer

• Patrick Tuipulotu (neck) hands the Blues a massive boost as he returns for his sixth appearance of the year.
• Bradley Slater returns from a concussion, slotting in the starting hooker role.
• Stephen Perofeta remains at flyhalf, with Beauden Barrett sidelined by a quad injury.

• The Crusaders have won 23 of their last 26 games against the Blues, but have split the games in 2026, both decided by 16 points.
• The Crusaders hold a 4-1 record over the Blues in finals, last losing in the 2003 Final.
• The Blues have won eight of their 11 finals games since 2021.

Leicester Fainga’anuku v Anton Segner

Fainga’anuku has been a wrecking ball since the move to the back-row, looming as the key threat for the Blues to shut down.

The former midfielder has added a new dynamic to the Crusaders' attack, making them lethal across the park.

Meanwhile, Segner is more than a handy threat in his own right, delivering one of the best years in the blue jersey.

Crusaders by 5

CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Isaac Hutchinson

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter

• Damian McKenzie has been cleared of a concussion, starting at flyhalf.
• He is one of seven All Blacks returning to the starting side, including centre Quinn Tupaea, skipper Luke Jacobson and lock Tupou Vaa’i.
• Young gun Isaac Hutchinson retains his spot at fullback despite the return of Leroy Carter, named on the bench.

REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard

• Joe Brial replaces the injured Seru Uru, named at blindside flanker.
• Filipo Daugunu shifts to inside centre for Hunter Paisami, with Lachie Anderson back in the starting back three.
• Josh Nasser swaps with Matt Faessler, set to start in the front-row.

• The Chiefs have won 10 of their last 13 against the Queensland Reds, including all three finals matches.
• This includes five of their last six in New Zealand, keeping the Reds to just 18.5 points per game in that stretch.
• The Reds have never won a finals game away from Suncorp Stadium, while the Chiefs have never lost a finals game to an Australian team in Hamilton.

Isaac Hutchinson v Jock Campbell

The battle of the fullbacks pits two of the most underrated players in the competition against each other.

Hutchinson has been a revelation since his move from Canterbury, coming up with big plays amongst a stacked backline.

As for Campbell, this is arguably his best season in maroon and can further his claims for a Test recall with a starring performance.

Chiefs by 7

WARATAHS (1-15): Brianna Hoy, Adiana Talakai, Bridie O'Gorman, Leilani Nathan, Kaitlan Leaney, Piper Duck, Emily Chancellor (c), Nicole Nathan, Piper Simons, Pleuni Klevit, Desiree Miller, Rosie Ferguson, Georgina Friedrichs, Amelia Whitaker, Caitlyn Halse

Replacements: Brittany Merlo, Emily Robinson, Seneti Kilisimasi, Grace Gillies, Taj Heald, Martha Harvey, Edie Burke, Lusiana Vesikula

• Piper Simons and Pleuni Klevit make their Super Rugby W debuts in the halves.
• Wallaroos fullback Caitlyn Halse returns from injury after missing the start of the international season.
• Emily Chancellor takes the captaincy, with Piper Duck set to bring up 50 caps.

DRUA (1-15): Karalaini Naisewa, Bitila Tawake (c), Tiana Robanakadavu, Mereoni Nakesa, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Carletta Yee, Nunia Daunimoala, Alfreda Fisher, Evivi Senikarivi, Varanisese Qoro, Aqela Raitubu, Josivini Naihamu, Ivamere Rokowati, Kolora Lomani, Litiana Vueti

Replacements: Keleni Marawa, Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele, Salaseini Railumu, Vatiseva Cavuru, Ruth Raketekete, Michella’e Stolz

• Winger Aqela Raitubu is one of several making their Drua debut with Test experience, joined in the backline by Varanisese Qoro and Ivamere Rokowati.
• Karavaki Lutumaibau starts in the second row alongside Mereoni Nakesa, while there are five on the bench set for their first appearances in Super Rugby W.
• Veteran hooker Bitila Tawake skippers the side in the front row, with Tawake, Karalaini Naisewa, Evivi Senikarivi and Kolora Lomani the four remaining starters from the last title-winning team in 2023.

• The Fijian Drua have won the last two games between the sides in Sydney, including a 23-17 victory in 2025.
• The Waratahs have won their last five games in Super Rugby W, scoring over 35 points in their last four.
• The Drua have lost three of their last four outside of Fiji.

Piper Simons v Evivi Senikarivi

Simons is one of several new faces in the Waratahs set-up, impressing after making the switch from Sevens.

Her speed around the ruck will be crucial for a team missing its main strike weapon in Maya Stewart.

For Senikarivi, experience is key as she looks to unleash their backline and get their season off to a flyer.

Drua by 5

REDS (1-15): Jordan Neal, Mary Tuaana, Eva Karpani, Deni Ross, Dillyn Blackburn, Jemma Bemrose (c), Zoe Hanna, Tiarna Molloy, Sarah Dougherty, Akira Kelly, Piper Flynn, Ava Wereta, Harmony Vatau, Aroha Spillane, Lori Cramer

Replacements: Zophronia Setu, Bree-Anna Browne, Tanya Kalounivale, Vineta Teutau, Lucy Thorpe, Evie Sampson, Briana Dascombe, Kaelyn Passi

• Jordan Neal and Mary Tuaana are part of a five-strong crew in the starting side set for their Reds debut, named in the front-row alongside Eva Karpani.
• Akira Kelly starts at flyhalf, with Harmony Vatau and Aroha Spillane named in the backline.
• Black Ferns prop Tanya Kalounivale will make her Super Rugby W debut via the bench.

BRUMBIES (1-15): Martha Fua, Tania Naden, Wako Kitano, Ash Fernandez, Jess Grant, Lily Bone, Rayna Ellis, Siokapesi Palu Sekona, Anne Fernandez de Corres, Ella Ryan, Ivania Wong, Merania Paraone, Bonnie Brewer, Ash Bishop, Faitala Moleka

Replacements: Millie Parker, Linda Emelio, Jane Morrison, Easter Savelio, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Georgie Hayes, Makenna Ravouvou, Paua Lee Going

• Japanese international Wako Kitano starts on debut in the front-row.
• Spanish international Anne Fernandez de Corres partners with recent Wallaroos debutant Ella Ryan in the halves.
• Wallaroos Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra returns from injury off the bench.

• The Queensland Reds have won four of their last five against the ACT Brumbies, including a 26-22 win last year.
• The Brumbies are winless in their last six games, once recording over 30 points in this span.
• The Reds have won two of their last three at home, scoring over 45 points in their last two.

Lori Cramer v Faitala Moleka

Youth v experience as two Wallaroos stars battle it out at the back.

Cramer returns from a stint in Hong Kong looking to retain her gold jersey and drive the Reds a step further in 2026.

For Moleka, it’s a chance to nail down her position after spending the majority of last year at flyhalf.

Reds by 12