Kids Round in Super Rugby Pacific is here as Round Five throws up some exciting match-ups.
It begins in Dunedin with the Highlanders taking on the Hurricanes as the ACT Brumbies host the Fijian Drua.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific and Women's live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The Western Force travels to Christchurch to face the Crusaders, and the Chiefs face the Blues.
Meanwhile, the undefeated NSW Waratahs take on the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
The following day, the two sides Super Rugby Women's side will battle it out at Ballymore, with the Fijian Drua and ACT Brumbies facing off on Saturday.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Saula Ma'u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Jake Te Hiwi
- All Black Ethan de Groot and Saula Ma’u come into the starting front-row
- Sam Gilbert moves to fullback, with Finn Hurley out with a quad injury
- Jona Nareki returns from injury to start on the wing
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brad Shields (co-c), Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c) Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Riley Hohepa, Fatafehi Fineanganofo
- Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax have bene named to return from injury via the bench
- Zach Gallagher will make his Hurricanes debut after starting in the second-row
- Tevita Mafileo will play his 50th game for the Hurricanes
- The Hurricanes have won their last seven games against the Highlanders and have not conceded more than 22 points in a game during this span.
- The Hurricanes have trailed at half-time in three of their last four games by exactly one point.
- The Highlanders are out for back-to-back wins over Kiwi sides for the first time since 2018.
Sam Gilbert v Ruben Love
Gilbert has filled the void left by breakout star Finn Hurley as he goes up against one of the most exciting Kiwi talents in Love.
The sniper was big in their win over the Blues with 19 points and will need a similar effort if they wish to upset the Hurricanes.
Love came back and instantly made an impact with a try but needs to produce further attacking wise to get them into the top six.
Hurricanes by 2
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
- Noah Lolesio has been cleared from a concussion and starts at flyhalf
- Billy Pollard and Ryan Lonergan return to the starting side
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Livai Natave, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu
- Iosefo Masi is cleared from injury and starts in the centres
- Tuidraki Samusamuvodre shifts to outside centre
- Elia Canakaivata has been named at number eight, pushing Meli Derenalagi to blindside flanker.
- The Brumbies retained their perfect record over the Fijian Drua with a win in Round One, although continues the stat of every game’s margin being closer than the last.
- The hosts have won six of their last eight games against teams outside of Australia, with only one of their six wins by more than eight points.
- The Fijian Drua are hunting for back-to-back wins for the first time since Round Six last year.
Rory Scott v Motikiai Murray
The battle of the breakdown decided their opening round contest and it’s set to be the deciding factor in Friday’s contest.
Scott has been in incredible form, producing a heroic stint in their upset win over the Blues last weekend.
It’s tasked with young gun Murray to shut him down and create similar pressure on the Brumbies’ breakdown on his return to the starting side.
Brumbies by 7
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O'Connor, Levi Aumua
- Corey Kellow has been named to start at blindside and Tom Christie at openside.
- Macca Springer comes onto the wing for the first time in 2025
- He is joined in the backline by Braydon Ennor, who has overcome injury to start at centre
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Reed Prinsep; Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman, Reesjan Pasitoa, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Josh Thompson, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu
- Homegrown talent Kane Koteka starts at flanker, his first SRP appearance in 1050 days
- Wallabies Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Hamish Stewart and Carlo Tizzano are all rested, with Dylan Pietsch (knee) and Nick Champion de Crespigny (HIA) out
- Flyhalf Coby Miln is in line for debut off the bench
- The Force have never won back-to-back games over the Crusaders, with a 2009-2010 period where they won and drew a game, the only time they have been undefeated against them in consecutive games.
- The Crusaders have won their last five games against the Force at Apollo Projects Stadium by an average of 21.6 points.
- The Force have lost their last three games in NZ by a cumulative score of 113-16
Tamaiti Williams v Tom Robertson
Robertson will look to celebrate his 100th game in style but faces a tough ask of shutting down Tamaiti Williams at scrum-time.
Set-piece dominance is crucial for the Force’s chance of causing an upset with a host of backline and back row talent ruled out.
It’s easier said than done against the Crusaders, who dominated the Reds in this area last weekend.
Crusaders by 18
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona
- Damian McKenzie is the big return, named to start at flyhalf after his return from injury.
- Shaun Stevenson starts at the back following his brief stint in Japan.
- Luke Jacobson takes over the captaincy as he starts at number eight.
BLUES (1-15): Jordan Lay, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Cam Christie, Dalton Papali'i, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Joshua Fusitu'a, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam
- Harry Plummer will replace the injured Beauden Barrett at flyhalf.
- Xavi Taele has been named in the centres, with the exciting U20s talent set to debut.
- Stephen Perofeta is named to return via the bench.
- The Chiefs won 25-14 in their opening round game against the Blues, the most points they’ve scored against them in 10 games.
- The Blues have three of their last four games in Super Rugby, as many as they had lost in their previous 22 games in Super Rugby.
- The Chiefs have won 18 of their last 20 at FMG Waikato Stadium
Damian McKenzie v Harry Plummer
Plummer steps into the shoes left by Beauden Barrett as he takes on one of the best in the world.
The Blues need a spark to kick-start their season and Plummer needs to be that guy to get their team going.
Meanwhile, McKenzie’s absence was notable in Fiji as the Chiefs fell to their first defeat of the year.
Chiefs by 12
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho
- Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr come into the front-row.
- Tom Lynagh has recovered and starts after his late withdrawal.
- Hunter Paisami has serves his suspension for a high tackle and has named in the centres.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O'Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
- Jake Gordon’s injury allows Teddy Wilson to make his maiden start.
- Leafi Talataina will also make his debut start, with Langi Gleeson on the bench.
- Triston Reilly comes into the starting side for the injured Darby Lancaster.
- The Reds and Waratahs are split evenly at 20-all in Super Rugby matches
- The Reds have won six of their last seven games against the Waratahs, including their last four against NSW at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Waratahs are the last remaining undefeated side, only starting their year with more wins in three other seasons (W5 in 2002, W5 in 2005 and W4 in 2009).
Tate McDermott v Teddy Wilson
It’s current v next gen in the halves as Tate McDermott looks to inspire the Reds against fresh face Teddy Wilson.
McDermott is the key threat around the ruck for the Reds and will relish the return to Suncorp.
Meanwhile, it’s an interesting test for Wilson on his long-awaited start, having built a reputation as a player of the future with the Junior Wallabies.
Reds by 2
DRUA (1-15): Anasimeci Korovata, Loraini Senivutu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Fuga Ofakimalino, Carletta Yee, Rusila Nagasau, Nunia Daunimoala, Bitila Tawake, Setaita Railumu, Salanieta Kinita, Vitalina Naikore, Ema Adivitaloga, Merewairita Neivosa, Repeka Tove, Litiana Vueti
Replacements: Keleni Marawa, Salanieta Nabuili, Vika Matarugu, Alfreda Fisher, Karalaini Naisewa, Kolora Lomani, Josivini Naihamu, Luisa Tisolo
- 17-year-old Carletta Yee starts on debut in the second-row.
- Debutant Rusila Nagasau has also been selected as blindside flanker in a new-look forward pack that includes Bitila Tawake.
- Setaita Railumu and Merewairita Neivosa come into the backline.
BRUMBIES (1-15): Martha Fua, Katalina Amosa, Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele, Ashley Fernandez, Easter Savelio, Siokapesi Palu (c), Chioma Enyi, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ella Ryan, Faitala Moleka, Biola Dawa, Merania Paraone, Gabrielle Petersen, Ashlea Bishop, Tia Hinds
Replacements: Ella Hopper, Iroha Kishimoto, Hannah Stewart, Ana-lise Sio, Edwina Munns-Cook, Lily Bone, Jay Huriwai, Manua Moleka
- USA prop Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele has been named to start in the front row.
- Sevens star Tia Hinds will make her Super Rugby W debut at fullback
- Ashlea Bishop returns to the side on the wing
- The Fijian Drua have never lost to the Brumbies in Super Rugby Women’s, although they went down in their pre-season trial.
- The Drua have won just one out of three games in Lautoka, the same amount of losses as the men’s side in ten games there, despite their dominance over Super W
- The Brumbies have been held to seven points in every match in Super Rugby W against the Drua.
Salanieta Kinita v Faitala Moleka
Kinita will be looking to get the Drua back in form as they face Wallaroos breakout star Moleka and the Brumbies.
The Drua looked strong to finish the game and it’s up to the Fijian international to ensure they pick up where they left off.
Meanwhile, Moleka’s combination with Tia Hinds will be crucial in breaking open to Drua if they wish to cause an upset.
Drua by 10
REDS (1-15): Bree-Anna Browne, Tiarna Molloy, Eva Karpani, Vineta Teutau, Tiarah Minns, Jemma Bemrose (c), Carola Kreis, Sarah Riordan, Layne Morgan, Carys Dallinger, Kahli Henwood, Shalom Sauaso, Teagan Levi, Caitlin Urwin, Lori Cramer
Reserves: Zophronia Setu, Cristo Taufua, Charli Jacoby, Deni Ross, Bella Nasser, Nat Wright, Faythe Manera, Charlotte Caslick
- Sevens stars Kahli Henwood and Teagan Levi start in the backline after their debuts last week.
- Eva Karpani and Layne Morgan will start against their old side.
- Charlotte Caslick will make her Super Rugby W debut off the bench.
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, Tahlia Morgan, Ruby Anderson, Tiarne Cavanagh, Nicole Nathan, Amelia Whitaker
- Adiana Talakai starts at hooker for the first time in 2025.
- She is joined in the front-row by Faliki Pohiva
- The Waratahs have never lost to the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby W
- The Waratahs have scored over 30 points in their last six games against the Reds
- The Reds have won two of their last three games
Eva Karpani v Bridie O’Gorman
Karpani will hold the key towards taking down her old side at Ballymore.
The Waratahs’ scrum has been a major point of concern in 2025, with the Reds having the necessary firepower to cause trouble through Karpani.
It’s up to Wallaroo O’Gorman and the front-row to give their backline a stable platform to match it with their Queensland counterparts.
Reds by 5.
