Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific marks the start of the road to the finals as teams push for a spot in the top six.
There are plenty of games that will impact the ladder, no more than the top-of-the-table clash between the Blues and Chiefs on Saturday.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
For the Australian teams, it's a return home, with the NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and Western Force all hosting.
The Waratahs kick off on Friday with a dangerous match against Moana Pasiifka in Sydney.
It's followed by a double header on Saturday with the ACT Brumbies welcoming Tom Wright back against the Fijian Drua, followed by a host of returning stars boosting the Western Force against the Crusaders.
Rugby.com.au previews round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific, presented by Bet365.
BLUES (1-15): Mason Tupaea, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Codemeru Vai, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklind, Ben Ake, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Pita Akhi
- Skipper Patrick Tuipulotu is a massive in, taking back the captaincy and starting in the second-row.
- Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu both return in the back row, with Papali’i overcoming a back issue.
- Codemeru Vai and Cole Forbes start on the wing, with Caleb Clarke (calf) ruled out.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Te Kemaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Taniela Tele'a, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma'u, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Xavier Tito-Harris, Finn Hurley
- Sean Withy starts in the back-row, with TK Howden shifting into the second row.
- Adam Lennox has been elevated to start in the halves, with Folau Fakatava on the bench.
- Finn Hurley has been cleared of injury, named to return via the bench.
- The Highlanders are gunning for back-to-back wins over the Blues for the first time since 2018.
- The Blues have won eight straight games against the Highlanders at home.
- They have also won seven of their last eight matches at Eden Park, scoring 40+ points in their last two games.
Patrick Tuipulotu v Mitch Dunshea
Tuiputlotu is a massive return for the Blues, bolstering their finals hopes and their pack.
The All Black remains one of the best in the world at his position, providing significant power to their set-piece game.
This is where the Highlanders have dominated teams in the past this year, particularly at scrum time, with Dunshea tasked with neutralising the big lock.
Blues by 11
WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Max Jorgensen, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Sid Harvey
Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly
- Angus Scott-Young makes his first start in sky blue, partnering Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu.
- Lawson Creighton returns to the team at inside centre after missing the Round 8 clash with the Chiefs due to a sc-joint injury.
- He partners Jake Gordon, who swaps back into the starting side with Teddy Wilson.
MOANA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c) Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Jimmy Tupou, Ola Tauelangi, Jonathan Taumateine, Faletoi Peni, Tyler Pulini
- Patrick Pellegrini starts on his return to Sydney, named at flyhalf.
- Joining Pellegrini in the backline is the experienced and skilful duo of Melani Matavao and Jonathan Taumateine, with Matavao getting the nod to start at halfback.
- Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua and Semisi Paea have all been named in the starting pack.
- Moana Pasifika have won their last three games against the NSW Waratahs, with a fourth making it their most wins against any team.
- The Waratahs have lost their last five matches against NZ opposition by an average of 27.6 points.
- Moana Pasifika have conceded 45.5 points per game in the competition, the fourth most of any team in a single campaign.
Jack Debreczeni v Patrick Pellegrini
The Sydney contest shapes as a perfect statement game for Pellegrini as he returns home to NSW.
With their future uncertain, a big game for Pellegrini would send a message to the rest of the Australian clubs, particularly the Waratahs.
Meanwhile, Debreczeni has turned around the Waratahs’ attack and remains the key towards unlocking the likes of Max Jorgensen and Sid Harvey.
Waratahs by 14
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Reon Paul, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Fiti Sa, Kaylum Boshier, Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb
- Quinn Tupaea shifts to outside centre, allowing Reon Paul to start at inside centre.
- Luke Jacobson becomes the 14th Chief to bring up 100 caps, named as captain.
- Wallace Sititi returns for the first time since Round Three, overcoming a hamstring injury.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova
- Experienced lock Isaia Walker-Leawere comes into the run-on side, partnering Warner Dearns in the second row.
- Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, and Caleb Delany all have been named on the bench.
- The Hurricanes have won their last three regular season games against the Chiefs, with their fourth equalling their all-time record against the Chiefs.
- The Hurricanes have won 11 of their last 13 games, including their last five in a row.
- The Chiefs have held their opponents to fewer than 20 points per game in their last three games, winning all three.
Luke Jacobson v Du’Plessis Kirifi
Both back-rowers loom as the key linchpin for each pack as they look to inspire their respective teams to victory.
They find themselves likely battling for spots in the All Blacks set-up, with a contest of this stature the perfect chance to impress.
For Jacobson, it adds more significance as he reaches 100 caps, with Kirifi looming on his own milestone.
Hurricanes by 3
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby MacPherson, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Andy Muirhead
- Tom Wright has been cleared to start at fullback, fully overcoming his knee injury.
- Tuaina Taii Tualima starts at number eight, replacing Charlie Cale (shoulder).
- Luke Reimer swaps with Rory Scott, named to start at blindside flanker.
DRUA (1-15): Emosi Tuqiri, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatava, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Isikeli Basiyalo, Isikeli Rabitu
Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Joseva Tamani, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou
- The Drua welcomes co-captain Temo Mayanavanua, who returns after a six-week injury layoff.
- Emosi Tuqiri makes his first start of the season, named at loosehead prop.
- Kemu Valetini and Kavaia Tagivetaua come onto the bench, with Valetini set to come up against brother Rob.
- The ACT Brumbies have won all five games in Australia against the Fijian Drua by an average of 20 points per game.
- The Drua have lost their last 14 games in Australia and have never defeated a current competing Super Rugby team in Australia.
- Four of the Brumbies last six games have been decided by a margin of four points or fewer.
Tom Wright v Isikeli Rabitu
All eyes are on Tom Wright after his long return from a serious knee injury.
Wright is one of the most explosive players in World Rugby and Brumbies (and Wallabies fans) will be desperate to see back at full flight.
But don't sleep on Rabitu, the Fijian was excellent against the Western Force and has serious game-breaking ability.
Brumbies by 13
FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Bayley Kuenzle, George Bridge, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Hamish Stewart, Kurtley Beale
- Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain and Carlo Tizzano all start on their return from injury/illness.
- Zac Lomax makes his debut start for the Force on the wing.
- Nathan Hastie returns from a rib injury on the bench.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie (c), Louis Chapman, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, Dallas McLeod, Leciester Fainga'anuku, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Will Tucker, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece
- Christian Lio-Willie skippers the side, with David Havili (concussion) ruled out.
- Dallas McLeod comes into the starting side as a result, with Macca Springer onto the wing.
- Noah Hotham and Sevu Reece have been rotated onto the bench.
- The Crusaders have won seven of the last eight against the Western Force, although they lost their last game at HBF Park.
- With that win, the Force are hunting for back-to-back victories against the Crusaders for the first time ever.
- The Crusaders have won just two of their last seven games in Australia.
Carlo Tizzano v Christian Lio-Willie
Tizzano will be itching to return for the Force as he looks to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Crusaders have taken a big risk in rotating a host of players, leaving Lio-Willie to pick up the load as skipper.
Force by 2
