A big weekend of Rugby is upon us as the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific season kicks into Round Five, while the SMARTECH Super Rugby Women's is just getting started after an entertaining opening round.
The action begins in Auckland with the ACT Brumbies travelling to Eden Park to face the Blues.
The Queensland Reds' Super W side kick off their season with a clash in Lautoka against the Fijian Drua, whilst there's a double header in Sydney with the NSW Waratahs facing the Western Force.
The Reds' SRP team conclude the jam-packed weekend on Sunday as they face the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Cameron Suafoa, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Cole Forbes.
Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Tristyn Cook, Che Clark, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Corey Evans
- Beauden Barrett starts at flyhalf, with Cole Forbes moving into the starting side at fullback.
- Cameron Suafoa slots into number eight for Hoskins Sotutu (suspension), allowing Cam Christie to start at blindside flanker.
- Anton Segner starts in place of Dalton Papali'i.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
- David Feliuai plays his first game for the club after a finger injury, starting at inside centre.
- Harrison Goddard and Lachlan Lonergan start for the first time in 2025
- Tom Hooper has been cleared from a concussion and starts at blindside flanker.
- The Blues have won eight of their last ten games against the Brumbies, conceding more than 20 on two occasions.
- The Brumbies have lost their last six games at Eden Park by an average of 14.2 points per game.
- The Blues have won 23 of their last 24 games against Australian sides. The only side to beat them in this period? The Brumbies in 2023 (25-20).
Ricky Riccitelli v Lachlan Lonergan
The Brumbies' success will be dictated by how they stop Riccitelli and the Blues' rolling maul.
Riccitelli has scored in his last two matches for the Blues, including helping them power over for a penalty try.
Lonergan comes in for his first start of 2025 looking to re-spark his Wallabies ambitions.
Blues by 9
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu, Taniela Rakuro
- Explosive winger Selestino Ravutaumada makes his first appearance for 2025 after recovering from injury.
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula starts at flyhalf, whilst Frank Lomani takes over the captaincy.
- Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge come into the front-row, with Peni Ravai named on the bench.
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Manaaki Selby Rickit, Tupou Vaa'i (c), Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Jimmy Tupou, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Malachi Wrampling, Xavier Roe, Shaun Stevenson
- Damian McKenzie is the big out, with Emoni Narawa named at the back to replace him.
- Leroy Carter fills his spot on the wing after a strong debut
- Samisoni Taukei'aho starts at hooker after a successful return from injury.
- The Chiefs have never lost to the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby history
- The Drua have won their last six games at Churchill Park, including every game there in 2024
- The Chiefs have made 34 tackles busts per game this year, more than double that of the Drua (15.7), who sit in last.
Josh Jacomb v Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Both flyhalves have big shoes to fill in the quest to come away with the win.
Jacomb has started every game this season but takes on a whole lot more responsibility with no Damian McKenzie in the side.
As for Armstrong-Ravula, he turned the game for the Drua against the Waratahs, and the Fijians are hoping for a similar impact this week.
Chiefs by 2
PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Sione Mafile'o, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Aisea Halo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa
- Patrick Pellegrini earns his first start at fly-half after his debut from the bench last week.
- Lalomilo Lalomilo has recovered from concussion and returns to the starting lineup at outside centre.
- Samiuela Moli and Abraham Pole come onto the bench.
HURRICANES (1-15): Siale Lauaki, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Replacements: Nic Souchon, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Jone Rova
- Ruben Love is the big return for the Hurricanes after his long-term injury, starting at fullback.
- Brayden Iose returns to the starting side at number eight, joined by Eretara Enari at scrum-half.
- Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, and Cam Roigard will finish the game after being named among the replacements.
- Moana Pasifika have lost their last four games to the Hurricanes and conceded an average of 53.8 points per game in those defeats.
- They have also lost their last 20 games against NZ teams, with their only win against Kiwi opposition coming in 2022 against the 'Canes.
- Each of the Hurricanes' last five games away from Sky Stadium has been decided by less than nine points.
Ardie Savea v Brayden Iose
It had to be Ardie, right?
When the draw was announced, Savea's return clash with his old side was one of the first to be circled on the calendar.
Iose is fighting Peter Lakai for a starting spot, but all eyes will be on how he compares to Hurricanes icon Savea.
Hurricanes by 15
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Lawson Creighton, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton, Henry O'Donnell, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly
- Lawson Creighton gets the start for the first time in sky blue, pushing Tane Edmed to the bench.
- Ben Grant starts in the second row, with Miles Amatosero dealing with a back injury.
- Felix Kalapu and Leafi Talataina are in line for their club debuts via the bench.
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Josh Smith, Josh Thompson, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa
- Jeremy Williams and Sio Tomkinson return to the starting XV after their concussions.
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been named for his first start for the Force
- Will Harris comes into the back-row against his old side.
- The Force have not beaten the Waratahs away from HBF Park since 2021
- The Waratahs have held the Force to 20 points or fewer in their last five meetings in NSW
- Six of the last nine Waratahs games at Allianz Stadium have been decided by five points or less.
Ben Grant v Darcy Swain
The effectiveness of the Waratahs' lineout will go a long way to deciding the game.
Grant has the responsibility with no Amatosero and is a lineout nerd, calling them in his sleep (literally).
However, Swain is one of the best in the business and will be tasked with disrupting their flow to shut down an imposing Waratah rolling maul.
Waratahs by 4
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, James O'Connor, Levi Aumua
- Codie Taylor is a big inclusion after his return from injury
- Dallas McLeod is the only other change, swapping with Levi Aumua to start in the centre
REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Dre Pakeho, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Frankie Goldsbrough
- Harry McLaughlin-Philips has been named to start at flyhalf
- Tim Ryan returns to the starting side, with Filipo Daugunu shifting to outside centre
- Teenager Frankie Goldsbrough is in line for his Super Rugby debut
- The Reds snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Crusaders last year
- 11 of the last Crusaders' 12 games have been won by the home sides.
- The Crusaders lost five of their last six games against Australian teams. Before this, they'd won 34 of their last 36.
David Havili v Dre Pakeho
The young Queenslander has a tough task against an All Black regular in Havili.
Pakeho was solid against the Force, but the job gets harder in Christchurch against one of the best in Super Rugby Pacific.
Havili has been excellent to start the season and will be looking to continue their revival.
Reds by 5
DRUA (1-15): Salaniete Nabuli, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu (c), Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Alfreda Fisher, Salaseini Railumu, Karalaini Naisewa, Kolora Lomani, Salanieta Kinita, Alowesi Nakoci, Josivini Naihamu, Vitalina Naikore, Repeka Tove, Luisa Tisolo
Replacements: Loraini Senivutu, Anasimeci Korovata, Tiana Robanakadavu, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Nunia Daunimoala, Setaita Railumu, Litiana Vueti, Merewairita Neivosa
- The Drua have kept the same starting side that defeated the Waratahs
- They have made four changes to the reserve bench, with Tiana Robanakadavu and Merevesi Ofakimalino among the new faces
REDS (1-15): Bree-Anna Browne, Tiarna Molloy, Eva Karpani, Deni Ross, Tiarah Minns, Jemma Bemrose (cc), Carola Kreis, Sarah Riordan, Layne Morgan, Carys Dallinger, Ivania Wong (cc), Shalom Sauaso, Faythe Manera, Caitlin Urwin, Lori Cramer
Reserves: Cristo Taufua, Sky-Yvette Faimalie, Jiowana Sauto, Vineta Teutau, Bella Nasser, Nat Wright, Kahli Henwood, Teagan Levi
- Eva Karpani and Layne Morgan start their first Super Rugby W games for the Reds
- Sevens convert Faythe Manera comes in to start at outside centre
- Aussie Sevens captain Bella Nasser, Kahli Henwood and Teagan Levi will play their first games of 15s via the bench.
- The Fijian Drua have won their last two games against the Queensland Reds, including the 2023 Final.
- In just seven seconds last weekend, Vitalina Naikore scored the fastest try in Super Rugby history.
- The Reds are coming off their worst finish in club history, missing the finals and finishing last.
Carys Dallinger v Salanieta Kinita
It's a big year for Dallinger as she tries to reclaim her spot in the Wallaroos set-up.
Dallinger found herself out of favour after the tough Super Rugby W season and will be motivated to find her best form
Drua by 8
WARATAHS (1-15): Siusiuosalafai Volkman, Britt Merlo, Bridie O’Gorman, 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: Adiana Talakai, Emily Robinson, Falika Pohiva, Tahlia Morgan, Ruby Anderson, Tiarne Cavanagh, Nicole Nathan, Amelia Whitaker
- The NSW Waratahs have been boosted by the return of several Wallaroos stars, headlined by captain Piper Duck.
- Duck starts in the back row, with the former Wallaroos skipper joined by Arabella McKenzie and Desiree Miller (both concussions).
- Tatum Bird joins McKenzie in the starting halves.
FORCE (1-15): Allana Sikimeti, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Braxton Walker, Sera Naiqama, Pia Tapsell, Tamika Jones, Anneka Stephens, Ashley Marsters, Georgia Cormick, Grace Freeman, Adi Vani Buleki, Trilleen Pomare (c), Cecilia Smith, Haylee Hifo, Sheree Hume
Replacements: Loretta Mailangi, Hannah Palelei, Alapeta Ngauamo, Libya Teepa, Rosie Ebbage, Mio Yamanaka, Nicole Ledington, Ngamihi Monk
- Seven-cap Black Fern Pia Tapsell replaces the injured Michaela Leonard after she went off during their draw with the Brumbies due to a chest injury.
- Winger Haylee Hifo comes into the starting side for Brooklyn Teki Joyce (HIA)
- Meanwhile, former Japan Sevens scrumhalf Mio Yamanaka and Ngamihi Monk are among the potential debutants.
- The Force have never defeated the Waratahs in Super Rugby W
- The Waratahs have never started the season with a defeat.
- Arabella McKenzie was the top point scorer of last year's competition with 67
Piper Duck v Ash Marsters
Duck's return is a huge boost for the Waratahs, now desperate for victory.
The Wallaroo was one of the best in last year's competition and needs to find this form quickly against one of the best players in the competition in Marsters.
Marsters was at her brilliant best against the Brumbies and plays like her flick pass to Cecilia Smith show her ability to break open a game in an instant.
Waratahs by 10
