SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific and Women's is filled with big match-ups across the weekend.
The Queensland Reds will take on a dangerous Highlanders side in Dunedin, with the ACT Brumbies set to resume their rivalry with the NSW Waratahs.
Catch every game of SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific and Women's live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
Before that, Charlotte Caslick makes her starting debut for the Reds as they face the Brumbies in Canberra to kick off the Women's Round.
On Sunday, it's a double header as the Western Force host the Fijian Drua at HBF Park.
Other big match-ups from the round include a grudge match between the Blues and Crusaders along with the Chiefs hosting Moana Pasifika.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from the weekend presented by Bet365
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Sione Mafile'o, Tom Savage (c), Allan Craig, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Losi Filipo, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama
- Tom Savage captains the side after Ardie Savea’s short-term hamstring injury.
- Abraham Pole and Ola Tauelangi come into the starting side
- Samoa Sevens star Tuna Tuitama is in line for a debut via the bench.
CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Profitt, Bradley Slater, Reuben O'Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Gideon Wrampling, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, James Thompson, Jahrome Brown, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Quinn Tupaea
- Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater and Reuben O’Neill form an all-new front-row
- Gideon Wrampling and Daniel Rona start in the centres, with Quinn Tupaea on the bench
- James Thompson has been named for a potential debut off the bench
- The Chiefs have never lost to Moana Pasifika in their five games
- In their last three, they have outscored Moana Pasifika 78-3 in the first halves.
- Six of Moana Pasifika’s eight wins in Super Rugby have come as the home side.
Shaun Stevenson v William Havili
Stevenson has returned from his stint in Japan with a point to prove after his apparent All Blacks snubbing.
The outside back is one of the most damaging players on his day and will be the key spark for the rotated Chiefs outfit.
Meanwhile, Havili has been one of Moana Pasifika’s best to start the year and needs to step up leadership wise with no Ardie Savea.
Chiefs by 24
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma'u, TK Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Sam Gilbert
- Soane Vikena starts at hooker, with TK Howden moving to the second-row
- Thomas Umaga-Jensen will make his debut for the 2025 season following an early season injury.
- Finn Hurley returns from a quad injury to earn his place at fullback
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, John Bryant, Harry Wilson (c), Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo De Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho
- Harry Wilson captains the side with no Tate McDermott (rested)
- John Bryant fills the void left by Fraser McReight after his shoulder injury
- Kalani Thomas and Richie Asiata are among the fresh faces in the starting side
- The Reds are looking for back-to-back wins over the Highlanders for the first time since May 2014
- The Highlanders have won their last five home games against the Reds and have scored at least 35 points in each of their last four.
- The Highlanders have won one of their last six SRP games against Australian opposition.
Veveni Lasaqa v John Bryant
Both young gun flankers have been tasked to step up with leaders out, emerging as key game-breakers in the back-row.
Lasaqa has flown under the radar but has been one of the finds of the tournament for the Highlanders after moving from the Hurricanes.
Meanwhile, Bryant finally gets a chance to shine as he’s toiled away stuck behind a group of Wallabies.
Reds by 5
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: James Mullan, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Tristyn Cook, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
- Hoskins Sotutu is a major boost to the back-row after serving his suspension.
- Stephen Perofeta moves into flyhalf after a successful return from injury on the benc.h
- Joshua Fusitu’a returns to the starting side in the front-row alongside Angus Ta’av.ao
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, James O'Connor, Macca Springer
- Five try hero Macca Springer is dropped to the bench for Chay Fihaki.
- Cullen Grace returns from injury in the back-row.
- Noah Hotham has been added to the bench for his first appearance since Round One.
- The Crusaders have won five of their last six games against the Blues despite trailing at half-time in their last two games.
- The Crusaders have won 32 games against the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific, the joint-most wins of any team against a single opponent in the competition's history; the Crusaders have also won 32 games against the Highlanders.
- The Blues are looking to avoid three straight losses at Eden Park for the first time since 2018
Sevu Reece v Mark Tele’a
The two wingers are amongst the competition's most dangerous players and will be marked by their ability to shut each other down.
Reece is in career-best form as he eyes off the all-time Super Rugby try-scoring list.
Meanwhile, Tele’a has been quiet by his standards with just two tries in five games and needs to be at his brilliant best to turn around their season.
Crusaders by 2
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O'Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
- Langi Gleeson starts in the back row.
- Isaac Kailea and Daniel Botha have been added to the bench.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Austin Anderson
- Rob Valetini is a big return from a hamstring at number eight.
- Ollie Sapsford replaces David Feliuai (concussion) in the centres
- Jack Debreczeni and Austin Anderson have been added to the bench.
- The ACT Brumbies have won their last 13 games against the Waratahs, with another win on Saturday equaling their record for consecutive wins against a single opponent (Western Force 2014-2022)
- The Waratahs have won their last three at Allianz Stadium, with their 34-10 win over the Western Force their biggest at the ground since the redevelopment.
- The Brumbies are out to avoid back-to-back Australian derby defeats, which last happened in 2019
Langi Gleeson v Rob Valetini
The battle of the number eights is a massive showdown in this rivalry.
Valetini’s return is a massive boost for a Brumbies team rolling over the past fortnight.
It’s up for Gleeson to step up to the challenge against the premier back-rower to send a message.
Brumbies by 6
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, 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, Marley Pearce, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Reed Prinsep, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa
- Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and Nic White all return to bolster the starting side.
- Back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny returns from head injury protocols.
- Ryan Coxon and Nic Dolly come into the starting front row.
DRUA (1-15): Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Meli Tuni, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Meli Derenalagi, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Vuate Karawalevu
- Livai Natave and Meli Tuni starts in the front-row.
- Simione Kuruvoli and Caleb Muntz form a new-look halves partnership
- Taniela Rakuro comes into the back-three, with Ilaisa Droasese returning to the starting line-up at fullback.
- The Western Force has won three of its last four games against the Fijian Drua, conceding fewer than 20 points in each of those wins.
- The Force has won both of its games at HBF Park against the Fijian Drua, outscoring the Drua 50-7 in the second half.
- The Western Force have scored 10 tries down the left channel this Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the joint-most of any team in the competition alongside the ACT Brumbies, while no team has conceded more tries down this edge than the Fijians (5)
Nic Dolly v Tevita Ikanivere
Dolly has been a great signing for the Force and has the chance to establish himself as the starter.
He faces a tough match-up with Ikanivere, with the Drua skipper the ultimate spark for the Fijian side.
Ikanivere will be disappointed in the Drua’s failed comeback, with his disallowed try giving the skipper further motivation.
BRUMBIES (1-15): Sally Fuesaina, Katalina Amosa, Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele, Ashley Fernandez, Lily Bone, Siokapesi Palu (c), Chioma Enyi, Tabua Tuinakauvadra, Ella Ryan, Faitala Moleka, Biola Dawa, Merania Paraone, Manua Moleka, Gabrielle Petersen, Ashlea Bishop
Replacements: Tania Naden, Martha Fua, Iroha Kishimoto, Easter Savelio, Edwina Munns-Cook, Piper Rankmore, Jay Huriwai, Kyah Little
- Brumbies coach Andy Friend has named Lily Bone and Manua Moleka for their debut Super Rugby W starts.
- Bone starts in the second-row whilst Moleka comes into the centres.
- Wallaroos Sally Fuesaina and Tania Naden return to the side after missing the trip to Fiji, with Naden named on the bench.
REDS (1-15): Bree-Anna Browne, Tiarna Molloy, Eva Karpani, Tiarah Minns, Deni Ross, Jemma Bemrose (co-c), Carola Kreis, Zoe Hanna, Layne Morgan, Lori Cramer, Ivania Wong (co-c), Shalom Sauaso, Faythe Manera, Caitlin Urwin, Charlotte Caslick
Reserves: Zophronia Setu, Cristo Taufua, Charli Jacoby, Veneta Teutau, Maraea Tupai, Nat Wright, Carys Dallinger, Piper Flynn
- Meanwhile, Charlotte Caslick will make her first start, named at fullback.
- It leaves Lori Cramer as the surprise flyhalf for the Reds, with Carys Dallinger shifting to the bench.
- Co-captain Ivania Wong returns to the team with Teagan Levi, Kahli Henwood and Bella Nasser returning to the Sevens program.
- The Reds have won three of their last four games against the Brumbies, although lost their last encounter 31-14.
- The Reds lead the competition with the highest tackle rate (87.3%) in Super Rugby.
- The Reds have been held to 14 points in three of their last four defeats, while they have won two of their three games when they have scored more than 14.
Charlotte Caslick v Ashela Bishop
All eyes are on Caslick as the Sevens star makes her first start in Reds colours.
Caslick showed glimpses off the bench but this will be a true test of her skill.
As for Bishop, the fullback is an integral member of the Brumbies’ attack and will be tasked with inspiring them to victory.
Reds by 10
FORCE (1-15): Allana Sikimeti, Loretta Mailangi, Braxton Walker, Sera Naiqama, Michaela Leonard, Tamika Jones, Pia Tapsell, Ashley Marsters, Mio Yamanaka, Grace Freeman, Brooklyn Teki Joyce, Trilleen Pomare (c), Cecilia Smith, Adi Vani Buleki, Sheree Hume
Replacements: Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Megumi Takagi, Alapeta Ngauamo, Rosie Ebbage, Nami Dickson, Ana Afuie, Nicole Ledington, Samantha Treherne
- Wallaroos captain Michaela Leonard has been cleared to return from injury.
- Australia A hooker Loretta Mailangi and Japanese scrum-half Mio Yamanaka come into the starting XV in Super Rugby W for the first time.
- Winger Brooklyn Teki Joyce is also back after clearing HIA protocols.
DRUA (1-15): Salaniete Nabuli, Keleni Marawa, Vika Matarugu (c), Merevesi Ofakimalino, Asinate Serevi, Nunia Daunimoala, Salaseini Railumu, Karalaini Naisewa, Evivi Senikarivi, Kolora Lomani, Merewairita Neivosa, Josivini Naihamu, Vitalina Naikore, Repeka Tove, Luisa Tisolo
Replacements: Loraini Senivutu, Anasimeci Korovata, Tiana Robanakadavu, Alfreda Fisher, Bitila Tawake, Setaita Railumu, Ema Adivitalonga, Alowesi Nakoci
- Kolora Lomani starts at flyhalf, with Salanieta Kinita ruled out after failing her HIA.
- Vika Matarugu re-gains the captaincy, with the likes of Salaniete Nabuli and Keleni Marawa returning to the starting pack.
- Josivini Naihamu returns to the midfield, partnered by Vitalina Naikore, who shifts from the wing.
- The Western Force won the only clash between the two in Perth, with the Drua three from three in clashes outside of WA.
- The Fijian Drua (87%) and Western Force (86%) have the two most successful scrums in Super Rugby Women’s.
- In the Drua’s last six games, they have won every game they have kept their opposition under 20 points, but lost every game when their opposition has gone over 20.
Adi Vani Buleki v Repeka Tove
After a strong start to the season, Buleki gets the chance to impress against her fellow internationals.
Buleki and Brooklyn Teki-Joyce's combination had been a bright spot for the Force, which needs the duo to step up in its quest for the finals.
She goes up against Tove, who was elevated her game since joining the squad last year.
Force by 5
