Super Rugby Pacific Round Three Preview

Round Three of Super Rugby Pacific has a host of exciting match-ups as teams look to make their mark on the competition.

It kicks off with Moana Pasifika hosting Melbourne Rebels as both teams come off a win, followed by last week's shock victors NSW Waratahs facing the Highlanders.

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The Fijian Drua and Crusaders head to Fiji looking for their first win whilst the ACT Brumbies look for revenge against the Western Force after last year's defeat helped prevent a top four finish.

The round finishes with rivals Blues and Hurricanes facing off in the NZ capital whilst the impressive Chiefs travel to Brisbane to face the Queensland Reds.

Rugby.com.au previews all the action from round three, presented by Bet365

PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Sama Malolo, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu, Pepesana Patafilo, Danny Toala

RESERVES: Tomasi Maki, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Irie Papuni, Melani Matavao, Christian Lealiifano, Kyren Taumoefolau

• Pepesana Patafilo comes into the side on the wing, joined by Anzelo Tuitavuki 
• Samiuela Moli earns a starting spot at hooker. 
• Melani Matavao and Tomasi Maka come onto the bench for their potential debuts

REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jake Strachan

RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Glen Vaihu, Lukas Ripley

• Vaiolini Ekuasi starts at open side flanker after a hamstring injury to Brad Wilkin
• Filipo Daugunu moves to the centres, pushing Andrew Kellaway to wing as Jake Strachan starts at fullback
• Taniela Tupou comes off the bench with Sam Talalkai starting

• The Rebels have won both of their matches with Moana Pasifika, scoring four tries of each of their two wins
• Melbourne Rebels have only won one of their last nine games away from AAMI Park whilst Moana has won only one of their last 17 games in NZ
• The Rebels have made 16.5 attacking 22m entries per game, whilst only conceding 7.5 attacking 22m entries - leading the comp in both

Henry Taefu v Filipo Daugunu

Taefu is the key spark around Moana’s backline, unlocking the electric backline that tormented Fijian Drua last week.

The former Force centre continues to get better and faces a tough task against winger-turned-centre Filipo Daugunu.

Daugunu impressed in his move to the centres for the Reds last year, with his defence an underrated strength of his game

Rebels by 5

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen

RESERVES: Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Teddy Wilson, Harry Wilson, Mosese Tuipulotu

• Ned Hanigan starts in the back row after his strong stint off the bench last week
• Izaia Perese returns to the side after overcoming a concussion
• Dylan Pietsch (eye) is replaced by Triston Reilly for his first Waratahs start

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Max Hicks, Tom Sanders, Nikora Broughton, Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Rhys Patchell, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

RESERVES: Ricky Jackson, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Jonah Lowe

• Tom Sanders and Nikora Broughton start after captain Billy Harmon and Sean Withy were dropped to the bench for disciplinary reasons
• It means loosehead prop Ethan de Groot captains the side for the first time in his career
• James Arscott replaced Nathan Hastie on the bench as the backline remains unchanged 

• The Waratahs have won back-to-back games over the Highlanders, their longest winning streak against the side since 2000
• The Waratahs will be aiming for back-to-back wins against NZ teams for the first time since 2015
• The Highlanders (335) and Waratahs (357) have gained the fewest metres per game of any team

Max Jorgensen v Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Two of the most exciting young players in Super Rugby get the chance to test themselves against each other.

Jorgensen had a breakout season in 2023 and is slowly building from his return from a broken leg.

As for Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, he has shone after taking the opportunity to leave the Blues and has thrived in the opening fortnight of the competition

Waratahs by 3

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Epeli Momo, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: Mesulame Dolokoto,  Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Junior Ratuva

• Ilaisa Droasese returns to the side, slotting straight back in at fullback
• Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua and Vilive Miramira all come into the starting pack for their first starts of the year
• Epeli Momo swaps wings with Selestino Ravutaumada

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Dominic Gardiner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Taha Kemara, Manasa Mataele, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki

RESERVES: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Mitchell Drummond, Jone Rova, Riley Hohepa

• Willi Heinz steps into halfback to partner Taha Kemara
• Manasa Mataele starts on the wing for his first game back since rejoining the club from the Force
• Tahlor Cahill, Jone Rova and Riley Hohepa are in line to make their debuts from the bench

• The last time the Crusaders were on a two game winning streak was the inaugural Super season, where they lost their first three games of the campaign
• Fijian Drua have won five of their last six games in Fiji
• The Crusaders have made just nine line breaks in two rounds, which is tenth in the competition, only ahead of the Highlanders and Reds (both four)

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula v Taha Kemara

Two young halves who are desperate to lead the side to their first win of the season.

Armstrong-Ravula has a bright future for Fiji after spending time in the NPC, still finding his feet in Super Rugby.

As for Kemara, he had a tough starting debut against the Waratahs and has to learn quickly how to deal with the pressure that comes with guiding the Crusaders around the park

Crusaders by 10

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Jahrome Brown, Klayton Thorn, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford

• Darcy Swain comes into the starting side for the first time in 2024 to replace an injured Charlie Cale
• Tamati Tua starts at inside centre alongside Len Ikitau
• Luke Reimer and Andy Muirhead once again start after re-signing with the club on Thursday

FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Tom Franklin, Jeremy Williams (c), Michael Wells, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Max Burey

RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Charlie Hancock, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tim Anstee, Lopeti Faifua, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman

• Bayley Kuenzle starts in place of Sam Spink after he suffered a calf strain
• Ryan Coxon retains his spot after overcoming a neck injury
• Nic White starts at scrum half for his first game back in Canberra since his off-season switch 

• The Force snapped a 14-game losing streak against the Brumbies last year, going for back-to-back wins against the Brumbies for the first time since 2009
• The Brumbies have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby games at GIO Stadium.
• The Force have conceded 40+ games in each of their last four Super Rugby matches

Ryan Lonergan v Nic White

Nic White will have all the attention on him as he returns to Canberra for the first time in Force colours.

White is a ‘natural target’ according to team-mate Michael Wells but he will still have a soft spot in Brumbies fans' hearts after his years of service.

Meanwhile, Lonergan can show why the Brumbies have put their future in his hands if the captain can outplay his opposite nine and get the win

Brumbies by 8

HURRICANES (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere, TK Howden, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Josh Moorby, Ruben Love

RESERVES: James O'Reilly, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi

• Riley Higgins starts in place of Jordie Barrett at inside centre after his three game suspension
• TJ Perenara comes onto the bench for his first appearance in Super Rugby since his Achilles injury in 2022
• James Tucker makes his club debut with Isaia Walker-Leawere in the second-row.

BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i (c), Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele'a, Zarn Sullivan

RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Cole Forbes

• Rieko Ioane and Finlay Christie return after sitting out the win over the Highlanders due to load management 
• Anton Segner comes back to the starting side at blindside flanker
• Laghlan McWhannell and Cameron Suafoa partner in the second row following Sam Darry’s knee injury 

• The Blues have won six of their last eight matches against the Hurricanes, only enjoying  a longer winning run in their first eight meetings in Super Rugby
• The Hurricanes have won seven of their last nine matches at Sky Stadium, scoring 6.1 tries per game across the nine games.
• The Hurricanes have made 40 tackle breaks per game in the 2024 season, the most of any team.

Zarn Sullivan v Ruben Love

Both fullbacks will be eager to impress to establish their credentials as an All Blacks bolter.

Sullivan has been quietly impressive for the Blues at the back, forming a great partnership along with Stephen Perofeta, Mark Tele'a and Rieko Ioane.

Love spent the off-season with renowned sprint coach Roger Fabri and is showing the fruits of his labour with a nice try last weekend.

Blues by 4

REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Tom Lyngah, Mac Grealy, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suli Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan 

• Sef Fa’agase starts with Alex Hodgman ruled out with a shoulder injury, allowing Jeffery Toomaga-Allen to debut off the bench
• Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami have been ruled out with concussion
• This allows Isaac Henry to start at centre, with Mac Grealy coming on the wing following Jock Campbell’s shift to fullback

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Tupou Vaa'i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson, Josh Ioane

RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Reuben O'Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown

• Aidan Ross and Samisoni Taukei’aho start in the front row
• Josh Ioane comes into fullback, pushing Shaun Stevenson to the wing
• Wallace Sititi and Josh Jacomb are set to make their debuts off the bench

• Each of the last five meetings between the Reds and Chiefs has been decided by single figure margins
• The Chiefs have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby matches away from FMG Stadium, scoring 37 points per game across that span
• The Reds (18) and Chiefs (17.5) have made more successful defensive 22m exits per game than any other side

Harry Wilson v Luke Jacobson

Both number eights are crucial to the side’s fortunes and have started the season on fire.

Wilson has come out with a point to prove after once again missing Wallabies selection.

A strong performance against an All Black regular in Jacobson will be crucial to announcing his intention, with Jacobson at his consistent best in the opening two rounds

Chiefs by 12