| Friday 14 March | Highlanders v Hurricanes | Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin | 5:05pm | Stan |
| Friday 14 March | Brumbies v Fijian Drua | GIO Stadium, Canberra | 7:35pm | Stan |
| Saturday 15 March | Crusaders v Force | Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch | 2:35pm | Stan |
| Saturday 15 March | Chiefs v Blues | FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton | 5:05pm | Stan |
| Saturday 15 March | Reds v Waratahs | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 7:35pm | Nine/Stan |
| BYE: Moana Pasifika |
The defending champions, the Blues, faced the Chiefs in their season opener but suffered a 25-14 defeat at Eden Park, allowing their rivals to get their revenge.
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is now preparing his team for Saturday’s clash, which will take place on home turf in Hamilton.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders are coming off a bye and will host the Hurricanes at Otago Stadium on Friday night.
This match will also mark the first time New Zealand teams wear their special “Marvel Jerseys.” The Highlanders will sport a vibrant green jersey inspired by the Hulk, while the Hurricanes will take the field in a Captain America-themed design.
Also on Friday, the Brumbies will play at home against the Fijian Drua.
Then on Saturday, the Crusaders will welcome the Western Force to Christchurch, donning an Iron Man-themed jersey for the occasion.
Highlanders v Hurricanes
FRI 14 March: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (19:05)
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
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
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Glenn Newman
The Highlanders are proving this year’s surprise packets after a 2-1 start to the season. The Hurricanes have just the one win so far, but are boosted by the return of Cam Roigard and Du’Plessis Kirif to the starting line up this week, while Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax will provide plenty of punch of the bench in their first games of the season. Could the Highlanders be a little rusty after the bye? This will be tight I believe. Be careful betting.
ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua
FRI 14 March: GIO Stadium, Canberra (19:35)
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
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
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan
TMO: James Leckie
Last week, the Brumbies delivered a dominant performance at the Blues’ home ground, securing a historic victory. This week, they receive another major boost with the return of Noah Lolesio.
Meanwhile, the Drua also made a statement by defeating the previously unbeaten Chiefs at home, proving they can go toe-to-toe with any team this season. They are not to be underestimated.
Can the Drua avenge their opening-round defeat in Suva? While they pose a serious threat, the Brumbies appear to have the upper hand in this matchup.
Crusaders v Western Force
SAT 15 March: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (16:35)
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
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
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, George Myers
TMO: Brett Cronan
Last week, the Crusaders delivered a performance reminiscent of their dominant past, blowing the Reds away in the first half in Christchurch. Leading the charge was Will Jordan, who is expected to cause havoc for the opposition defense once again this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Force struggled with discipline in Round 4 in Sydney, which ultimately cost them the match. If they make the same mistakes, they’ll be in for another tough outing. On top of that, they’ll need to reshuffle their halves pairing, and the absence of key flanker Carlo Tizzano is another major setback.
This looks set to be a game where the Crusaders take control.
Chiefs v Blues
SAT 15 March: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (19:05)
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
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
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Glenn Newman
The reigning champions are already facing a tough challenge, and this away trip won’t be any easier. On top of taking on their North Island rivals, they’ll have to do so without Beauden Barrett, adding to their difficulties.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs welcome back Damian McKenzie, who sat out last week’s trip to Fiji to ensure he was in top condition. Additionally, their bench is packed with quality players, giving them the firepower to shift into another gear in the final stages of the match.
Expect the Chiefs to pull away in the last 20 minutes when it matters most.
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs
SAT 15 March: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (18:35)
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
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
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Australia’s oldest rugby rivalry always delivers intense battles, but recent history favors the Queensland side.
The Reds welcome back Hunter Paisami from suspension, while Tom Lynagh also returns from injury. Additionally, Seru Uru is back at No.6, giving them a well-rounded squad.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs will be without their captain, Jake Gordon, and have opted to move Langi Gleeson to the bench. In their place, Teddy Wilson starts at scrum-half, while Leafi Talataina gets the nod at No.8.
There’s no doubt this will be one of the Waratahs’ toughest matches of the 2025 season. However, securing a fourth straight win may be a step too far.
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