Round 15 of Super Rugby Pacific sees several teams fighting for their finals hopes with two rounds remaining.
The NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies add to their rivalry in Sydney, with the loser in danger of missing the top six.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Meanwhile, the Queensland Reds face the difficult challenge of taking on Moana Pasifika in what could be their last home game, whilst the Western Force look for a big win over the Fijian Drua to keep their hopes alive.
Rugby.com.au previews Round 15 of Super Rugby Pacific, presented by Bet365.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Manumaua Leita, Jack Sexton, Seb Calder, Liam Jack, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Johnny McNicholl
- Will Jordan is a massive return, cleared from a calf injury to start at fullback.
- Chay Fihaki is also back, named on the wing.
- Liam Jack, son of Crusader Graham and nephew of Crusader Chris, is set for his club debut off the bench.
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Isaac Hutchinson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Daniel Rona
- Isaac Hutchinson fills the void left by Damian McKenzie’s concussion at fullback.
- Sione Ahio slots into an All Black heavy pack, with seven Test internationals in the starting forwards.
- Star centre Quinn Tupaea returns after his week off, replacing Lalakai Foketi (calf).
- The Crusaders have won their last two against the Chiefs, as many as they won across their seven prior meetings.
- The Crusaders have won eight of their last nine games in Christchurch.
- The Chiefs have won their last seven matches by an average of 21.1 points and their last four away from Hamilton by an average of 21.3 points.
Will Jordan v Isaac Hutchinson
The return of Will Jordan is massive for a Crusaders side hunting for a home final.
Jordan is one of the best in the world on his days and adds further artillery to a dangerous Crusaders backline that can take over a game.
Meanwhile, Hutchinson is at the start of his career, but the Canterbury standout will have a point to prove against his NPC teammates after rising through the pathways.
Chiefs by 8
WARATAHS (1-15): Jack Barrett, Ioane Moananu, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Michael McDonald, Jack Debreczeni, Joey Walton
- One change for the Waratahs with Joey Walton cleared of a neck injury, returning via the bench.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Toby Macpherson, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Andy Muirhead
- Billy Pollard and Cadeyrn Neville both return to the starting tight five, with Lachlan Lonergan and Nick Frost on the bench alongside Luke Reimer.
- Kadin Pritchard re-takes his spot at outside centre after his week off.
- Allan Alaalatoa is set for his 150th appearance for the Brumbies.
- The Waratahs are looking for consecutive wins over the Brumbies for the first time since 2015.
- They have led at half-time in their last six games against Australian opposition, converting at 50% (three wins, three losses).
- Rob Valetini leads the competition with 177 carries, 38 higher than the next best. In fact, the gap from Valetini to second (Timoci Tavatavanawai) is greater than the gap between second and tenth (22).
Max Jorgensen v Tom Wright
Two explosive fullbacks that can change a game in an instant.
Jorgensen has settled into the role nicely after his move from the wing, starting to make his influence felt with his blistering speed.
It’s a similar story for Wright following his long injury layoff, showing plenty of signs that he’s close to being back to his best.
Brumbies by 4
MOANA (1-15): Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Allan Craig, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota, William Havili
Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama
- Patrick Pellegrini is back from concussion, starting at flyhalf.
- The move sees William Havili shift back to fullback.
- Tevita Latu shifts into the centres alongside Solomon Alaimalo
REDS (1-15): George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Treyvon Pritchard, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Lachie Anderson
- Tate McDermott is a big return for the Reds, starting in his first appearance for 2026.
- Josh Canham comes back into the second-row for the first time since Round Four
- Fraser McReight, Filipo Daugunu, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Flook all return from rest, with Daugunu and Flook starting in the centres.
- The Reds have won three of their last four matches against Moana Pasifika, although they lost their last game in New Zealand.
- Moana Pasifika have lost their last 11 matches by an average of 27.7 points.
- The Reds have lost six of their last eight games away from Suncorp Stadium.
Josh Canham v Allen Craig
The Reds’ lineout woes has been the main Achilles Heal, with the return of Canham massive.
If they keep faltering, there’s an opportunity there for the hosts to control territory and put them under significant pressure.
Craig and the Moana pack need to disrupt their calls as much as possible if they are to secure the upset.
Reds by 17
HURRICANES (1-15): Siale Lauaki, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Eretara Enari, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Bailyn Sullivan, Ngane Punivai, Josh Moorby
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Allen, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Jordi Viljoen, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova
- Du’Plessis Kirifi returns after his week off, named on the bench.
- Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Billy Proctor and Xavier Numia have all been rested.
- The changes see Ngane Punivai and Josh Moorby start in the outside backs.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Tomás Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nic Shearer, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jona Nareki, Xavier Tito-Harris, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Stanley Solomon, Meihana Grindlay
- Hugh Renton returns at number eight, taking the co-captaincy alongside Timoci Tavatavanawai.
- Young gun Nic Shearer starts for the second time in 2026, partnering Cam Millar in the halves.
- Stanley Solomon and Meihana Grindlay are set for their Highlanders debuts off the bench.
- The Hurricanes have won their last 10 matches against the Highlanders, the longest winning run by either team.
- This includes their last nine matches against the Highlanders at Hnry Stadium.
- The Highlanders have won four of their last 21 matches away from Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Ruben Love v Cameron Millar
Love has been exceptional for the Hurricanes since settling into the flyhalf position.
His attacking flair has complemented their backline perfectly, hoping to do the same with a vastly changed outfit this week.
For the Highlanders, they need to lean on Millar’s boot for success, one of the best kickers in the competition.
Hurricanes by 12.
FORCE (1-15): Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vailoni Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa'agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Boston Fakafanua, Kurtley Beale
- Bayley Kuenzle shifts into the starting side at outside centre.
- Boston Fakafanua comes onto the bench for his potential Super Rugby debut.
- Kurtley Beale is set to go third all-time for appearances (186) when he comes off the bench.
DRUA (1-15): Meli Tuni, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Kemu Valetini, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu
Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Iosefo Namoce
- Meli Tuni starts in the front-row, his first appearance of 2026.
- Kemu Valetini swaps with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and starts at flyhalf.
- Foundation player Kitione Salawa is set for his 50th game for the Drua, named in the back-row as he becomes the fifth Drua player to do so.
Nathan Hastie v Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
Hastie will be eager to fill the void left by Henry Robertson after a strong showing against the Reds last week.
The Force’s success has come largely off the back of the injured scrumhalf, with Hastie’s mission clear as he looks to keep the momentum flowing.
As for Fines-Leleiwasa, it’s a return home for one of the Force’s favourite sons as he looks to spoil their finals hopes.
Force by 15
