It's another big weekend of Rugby as SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific heads towards the halfway point of the season.
The Queensland Reds face the Chiefs in the match of the round on Friday as the top two sides battle it out.
Watch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
On Saturday, the NSW Waratahs look to bounce back against Moana Pasifika whilst the Western Force return home to face the Highlanders.
Meanwhile, it's semi-final Sunday for Super Rugby Women's as the Queensland Reds face Fijian Drua, followed by NSW Waratahs taking on the Western Force.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
- Quinn Tupaea returns to the starting side at inside centre.
- Brodie McAlister comes in at hooker, with Ollie Norris and George in the front-row.
- Shaun Stevenson starts at fullback in his 100th game for the club.
REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomana-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Richie Asaita, Sef Fa'agase, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jock Campbell
- Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson come back into the team in the back-row
- Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen form a new look front-row
- Harry McLaughlin-Phillips starts at flyhalf, with Tom Lynagh on the bench
- The Reds have won their last three out of four games against the Chiefs.
- The Chiefs have won 19 of their last 21 games at FMG Waikato Stadium.
- The Reds are hunting for back-to-back wins in NZ for the first time since 2013.
Damian McKenzie v Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Les Kiss pulled a selection surprise with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips at fly half, backing the young gun against one of the best of the world.
McLaughlin-Phillips’s running game will be a big factor if the Reds are to secure the win, needing to stay composed.
He faces McKenzie, a true superstar who can open any game with his dazzling skills.
Chiefs by 12
PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Sam Slade, Allan Craig, Semisi Paea, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi
- Kyren Taumoefolau is a big return, slotting back onto the wing.
- Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa is back at number eight, pushing Ardie Savea to openside flanker.
- Fine Inisi has been named on the bench for his first appearance of the year.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O'Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Joey Walton
- Andrew Kellaway and skipper Hugh Sinclair return after missing last week’s defeat.
- Daniel Botha starts at tighthead prop, with Taniela Tupou on the bench.
- Triston Reilly and Henry O’Donnell come into the backline.
- Moana Pasifika have won their last two games against the Waratahs, the only side they have a winning record against.
- Each of their two games in NZ have featured a total of six tries
- The Waratahs’ last six games have been won by their home side
Tito Tuipulotu v Daniel Botha
Not the match-up that was expected at the start of the week but Daniel Botha has a real chance to make a statement amid Taniela Tupou’s dumping to the bench.
Botha has been grinding away in the background and gets his chance to start and put pressure on Moana Pasifika’s scrum.
Tuipulotu is his debut Super Rugby season and will see this as the perfect opportunity to take to the Waratahs, regardless of whether it’s Botha or Tupou on the field.
Waratahs by 7
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Longanimasi, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu
- Josevi Tamani has been named in the back-row, joined by young gun Isoa Tuwai.
- Inia Tabuavou and Selestino Ravutaumada return to the starting backline.
- Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula come back into the starting halves.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor (c), Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O'Connor, Levi Aumua
- Sevu Reece fills in at inside centre, with no David Havili.
- Taha Kemara starts at flyhalf after coming off the bench last week.
- George Bower and Seb Calder join captain Codie Taylor in the front-row.
- The Fijian Drua have won their last two games against the Crusaders in Fiji; however, this is their first game in Suva.
- The Drua are hunting for back-to-back wins over Kiwi sides for the first time in history.
- The Crusaders scored (three) or conceded (two) 40+ points in their last five games.
Iosefo Masi v Sevu Reece
Iosefo Masi will be out to return to peak form as he takes on an All Black regular out of position.
Masi has been below his own brilliant best but still has the capability to torch a defence on his days.
Meanwhile, Reece moves from the wing to midfield in a bold selection strategy and will be tasked with stepping up defensively.
Drua by 3
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta'avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Stephen Perofeta
- Beauden Barrett headlines a host of returning stars for the Blues.
- This includes captain Patrick Tuipulotu, who comes into the starting second-row.
- Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, AJ Lam, Anton Segner and Adrian Choat are also back for the Blues.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilo Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo
- Ere Enari comes onto the bench in the lone change for the Hurricanes
- The Blues have won four of their five games against the Hurricanes, including their last four at Eden Park.
- The Hurricanes have won their last two games after keeping their opposition to few than 20 points, the last time they achieved this was 2021.
- Each of the Hurricanes’ last six games away from home have been decided by nine points or fewer, winning just two.
Dalton Papali’i v DuPlessis Kirifi
Kirifi is one of the form players of the competition and is making his case for an All Blacks call-up thanks to his exceptional form.
His battle with Papali’i will be his big test, who has been a Test regular since his debut in 2018.
The Blues enforcer will have his hands full keeping Kirifi out of the game if they are to secure to crucial win.
Hurricanes by 10
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa starts at hooker after missing last week’s defeat.
- Vaiolini Ekuasi comes into number eight, pushing Nick Champion de Crespigny to flanker.
- George Poolman and Josh Smith have been added to the bench.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma'u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson
- Ethan de Groot starts in the front-row after a week off against the Brumbies.
- Jack Taylor and Michael Manson come onto the bench
- The Highlanders have won seven of their last eight games against the Western Force.
- The Western Force have won six of their last eight games at HBF Park, scoring 40+ points in four of those games.
- The Highlanders have lost 11 of their last 12 games in Australia, including five on the trot.
Dylan Pietsch v Caleb Tangitau
Pietsch and Tangitau have similar journeys and loom as key game-breakers for their respective sides.
Both have come through the Sevens program and are thriving at their second Super Rugby clubs, with Tangitau right up there for Rookie of the Year.
Pietsch has struggled off some injury concerns to be back at full fitness and will be out to send a message to Wallabies selectors against the bright star.
Force by 8
REDS (1-15): Bree-Anna Browne, Tiarna Molloy, Eva Karpani, Tiarah Minns, Veneta Teutau, Jemma Bemrose (co-c), Carola Kreis, Sarah Riordan, Layne Morgan, Lori Cramer, Ivania Wong (co-c), Shalom Sauaso, Faythe Manera, Caitlin Urwin, Charlotte Caslick
Replacements: Zophronia Setu, Cristo Taufua, Charli Jacoby, Deni Ross, Zoe Hanna, Nat Wright, Carys Dallinger, Piper Flynn
- Jemma Bemrose comes back into the starting side after her late withdrawal
DRUA (1-15): Bitila Tawake, Keleni Marawa, Anasimeci Korovata, Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Alfreda Fisher, Salaseini Railumu, Karalaini Naisewa (c), Kolora Lomani, Salanieta Kinita, Alowesi Nakoci, Ema Adivitalonga, Vitalina Naikore, Repeka Tove, Luisa Tisolo
Replacements: Isabella Koi, Loraini Senivutu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Nunia Daunimoala, Rusila Nagasau, Setaita Railumu, Merewairita Neivosa, Evivi Senikarivi
- Captain Vika Matarugu is out with a hip injury, which means Anasimeci Korovata will start in the front row alongside Bitila Tawake.
- Salanieta Kinita returns at fly half to partner Kolora Lomani, who shifts to scrum-half, after the playmaker recovered from a concussion.
- Ema Adivitaloga starts in the centres with no Josivini Naihamu (knee), and Vitalina Naikore returns to the midfield.
- The Reds have never beaten the Fijian Drua at home, but won their only game away in their previous fixture.
- The Drua have never missed the Final since their introduction to Super Rugby Women’s.
- The Reds have made 36 clean breaks in 25, 11 more than the next best, which is the Drua.
Lori Cramer v Salanieta Kinita
Cramer found her best form at flyhalf last week in their thumping of the Western Force.
However, the Wallaroo needs to be at her best to outgun Kinita if the Reds wish to return to the Final.
Kinita’s presence was missed during their defeat to the Force, providing stability to their backline.
Reds by 3
WARATAHS (1-15): Bridie O’Gorman, Adiana Talakai, Faliki Pohiva, Kaitlan Leaney, Annabelle Codey, Leilani Nathan, Emily Chancellor, Piper Duck (c), Tatum Bird, Arabella McKenzie, Desiree Miller, Katrina Barker, Georgina Friedrichs, Maya Stewart, Waiaria Ellis
Replacements: Millie Parker, Emily Robinson, Seneti Kilisimasi, Jayjay Taylor, Ruby Anderson, Martha Harvey, Caitlyn Halse, Jade Sheridan
- Wallaroos fullback Caitlyn Halse is back after a hamstring injury via the bench.
- Ruby Anderson and Jade Sheridan have been added to the bench
FORCE (1-15): Megumi Takagi, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Braxton Walker, Sera Naiqama, Michaela Leonard, Tamika Jones, Ashley Marsters, Pia Tapsell; Mio Yamanaka, Nicole Ledington, Brooklyn Teki Joyce, Trilleen Pomare (c), Cecilia Smith, Ngamihi Monk, Samantha Treherne
Replacements: Madi Schuck, Hannah Palelei, Alapeta Ngauamo, Rosie Ebbage, Nami Dickson, Georgia Cormick, Sheree Hume, Halley Derera
- 18-year-old Ngamihi Monk has been thrust into the starting side with Adi Vani Buleki unavailable.
- She partners Brooklyn Teki Joyce on the wing, with Samantha Treherne selected at fullback.
- The Force have named an unchanged forward pack, with Georgia Cormick and Halley Derera added to the bench.
- The stat remains the same as Round Two: The NSW Waratahs have never lost to an Australian side, whilst the Waratahs are the only side the Force have never beaten.
- The Force have lost their last three games away from home.
- The Waratahs have scored exactly 36 points in their last two games.
Desiree Miller v Ngamihi Monk
Teenager Ngamihi Monk has been tasked with a Herculean mission to shut down Desiree Miller.
Miller has been exceptional for the Waratahs and torched the Force in their previous encounter.
Monk will need to step up to limit her space alongside Maya Stewart.
Waratahs by 12
