FULL TEAMS AND VENUES
Friday’s action kicks off with Moana Pasifika taking on the Chiefs in Pukekohe, a rare venue for this matchup.
Saturday features a triple-header, starting with the Reds facing the Highlanders in Dunedin. Later, two fierce rivalries take center stage as the Blues battle the Crusaders, followed by the NSW Waratahs clashing with the ACT Brumbies.
On Sunday, the Western Force welcome the Fijian Drua west to HBF Park.
FRI 21 March: Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe (19:05)
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
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
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Shane McDermott
Moana Pasifika are set to pay the price for their dramatic victory over the Hurricanes. Without their inspirational leader, Ardie Savea, they face an even tougher challenge in their bid to topple the table-topping Chiefs.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have refreshed their front row while resting some key players. Despite the changes, they are likely to assert their dominance against an injury-hit Moana side.
Highlanders v Queensland Reds
SAT 22 March: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (16:35)
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
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
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
Riding high after a dominant win over their Australian rivals, the Reds head to Dunedin full of confidence, believing they have a strong chance against their New Zealand opposition.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, welcome back Thomas Umaga-Jensen, adding strength to their backline, while Finn Hurley slots in at fullback. On the other hand, the Reds suffer a major blow with the absence of key back-rower Fraser McReight.
This one is set to be a thriller, with the outcome likely to be decided in the final moments.
Blues v Crusaders
SAT 22 March: Eden Park, Auckland (19:05)
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
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
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referee: Mike Winter, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
This match is set to be a highly anticipated showdown. With Beauden Barrett sidelined, Stephen Perofeta steps into the playmaker role for the first time, taking on a crucial leadership responsibility.
For the Blues, who have struggled to find consistency this season, this game could be a turning point. Meanwhile, the Crusaders come in with momentum after a dominant win over the Force last week, backed by a powerful backline ready to make an impact.
NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies
SAT 22 March: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (19:35)
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
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
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referee: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Glenn Newman
After a heavy defeat to the Reds last week and still without Joseph Suaalii-Akuso, the Waratahs face an uphill battle to break their losing streak against the Brumbies. However, they remain unbeaten in Sydney this season and have shown they can grind out unexpected wins at home.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies head into this derby clash with confidence after a dominant victory over the Drua. The timely return of Rob Valetini adds further strength to their squad, giving them an extra boost for this crucial matchup.
Western Force v Fijian Drua
SUN 23 March: HBF Park, Perth (14:05)
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
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
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
After resting their key players against the Crusaders last week, the Force are back at full strength for a crucial home clash against the Drua. They fell apart in the second half of their last match, and if they want to get the job done this time, they’ll need to stay sharp until the final whistle.
Meanwhile, the Drua have struggled with just one win from five games, as if luck has completely abandoned them. With two seasons without an away victory, they’ve made sweeping changes to their line up in hopes of turning their fortunes around.
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