Super Rugby Pacific Reaches Midseason Mark with Playoff Race Heating Up
Super Rugby Pacific has reached its midpoint, with the race for the playoffs intensifying. Over the Easter weekend, four exciting matches across Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia will take place, promising thrilling action on all fronts.
Friday, April 18
Crusaders vs. Blues
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Crusaders Name David Havili to Start Despite Achilles Issue for New Zealand Derby Against Blues
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has confirmed that captain David Havili will start in Friday’s New Zealand derby against the Blues, despite struggling with an Achilles injury. Havili led his team to a crucial victory over the Hurricanes last weekend, but was forced to leave the field early due to discomfort in his Achilles tendon.
After missing a few games, Havili made his return last week but was only able to play for 30 minutes before feeling pain and being substituted. However, he completed training on Wednesday without any issues and is set to start this weekend. In case of any setbacks, Dallas McLeod will be on standby.
Currently sitting at the top of the standings, the Crusaders have been bolstered by the returns of hooker Codie Taylor and halfback Kyle Preston from injury as they prepare for a huge clash with the defending champions, the Blues.
Crusaders
Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili (captain), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.
Blues Lose Clarke, Sullivan Joins Back Three
The Blues will be without their star winger Caleb Clarke, with Zarn Sullivan stepping into a reshuffled back three.
Blues
Zarn Sullivan, Cole Forbes, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Mark Tele’a, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), Angus Ta’avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu’a. Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Lachlan McWhannell, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer.
Officials: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Matt Kellahan ; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction
The Blues secured back-to-back wins for the first time this season last week and are beginning to resemble the championship-winning team from last year. However, their next challenge comes against the Crusaders, who are currently sitting at the top of the standings. With their All Blacks players dominating across the field, can Beauden Barrett lead an upset?
Saturday, April 19
Fijian Drua vs. NSW Waratahs
Churchill Park, Lautoka, 12:05pm (AEDT)
Drua Make Major Changes as Rabitu Replaces Muntz at Fullback in Bid for Comeback
The Drua, with just one win in 2025 and in dire need of a comeback after several narrow defeats, have made significant changes to their lineup. Isikeli Rabitu will start at fullback, replacing Caleb Muntz.
Drua
Isikeli Rabitu, Taniela Rakuro, Iosefo Masi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Longanimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Simione Kuruvoli; Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Etonia Waqa, Leone Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai. Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou
Waratahs Without Key Wallabies Forwards as They Face Drua in Lautoka
The Waratahs will be without Wallabies forwards Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, and Rob Leota for their clash with the Drua in Lautoka due to rest.
In their absence, Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, and Daniel Botha will form the new-look front row, as NSW looks to build on their impressive win against the Chiefs and continue their growth.
Waratahs
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Lawson Creighton, Teddy Wilson; Leafi Talataina, Charlie Gamble, Jamie Anderson, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclai, Daniel Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea. Replacements: Julian Heaven, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O’Donnell.
Officials: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction
Last week, those who backed the Waratahs were certainly right. The $4.50 outsiders thoroughly deserved their win over the Chiefs, and it was a victory worth celebrating. What stood out most was their defensive resilience, especially after conceding over 45 points in heavy losses to the Hurricanes and Moana. However, the Waratahs are still winless on the road in 2025, and this upcoming match in Lautoka presents a significant challenge. While the Drua’s season seems all but over, they will fight with everything for their passionate supporters. If the Waratahs can withstand the early onslaught and avoid getting dragged into a chaotic attacking battle, they might just have a chance of defeating the Fijians.
Moana Pasifika vs. Brumbies
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Moana Pasifika Welcome Julian Savea Back for 2025 Season Opener
Moana Pasifika may be missing one Savea, but they’re welcoming another for their first match of the 2025 season.
Ardie Savea has been rested ahead of their clash with the Brumbies, but Julian Savea makes his return and will start at inside centre.
Coach Tana Umaga has also brought Patrick Pellegrini back into the No.10 jersey, with Jackson Garden-Bachop set to come off the bench. Tevita Ofa replaces William Havili at fullback.
Moana
Tevita Ofa, Fine Inisi, Pepesana Patafilo, Julian Savea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Sione Havili Talitui (captain), Miracle Faiilagi, Michael Curry, Tom Savage, Sione Mafile’o, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Danny Toala.
Brumbies Freshen Up Their Line-up for Moana Pasifika Clash
Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has made changes to his front row for the upcoming clash against Moana Pasifika, with Wallabies duo James Slipper and Billy Pollard moving to the bench.
In their place, Rhys van Nek and Lachlan Lonergan will start, while Ollie Sapsford replaces Len Ikitau (concussion) at outside centre.
Brumbies
Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Tuaina Taii Tualima, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek. Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton.
Officials: Angus Mabey; Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Ben O’Keeffe ; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction
This is a vital game for both teams. Moana need to stay in touch with the top six, while the Brumbies know that a third road win for 2025 will put them in an excellent position for a top-two finish given that four of their closing five games are at home. We’ll also see two of the premier forwards go at it here; can Ardie Savea inspire another memorable Moana win, or will Rob Valetini use his size and physicality to drag the Brumbies to victory?
Chiefs vs. Highlanders
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs Head Coach Makes Key Changes for Highlanders Clash After Waratahs Defeat
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan has responded to their loss to the Waratahs by bringing Damian McKenzie back into the No.10 jersey for their upcoming match against the Highlanders.
After a tough performance in Sydney, McKenzie will replace Josh Jacomb as the team’s primary playmaker. This shift allows Shaun Stevenson to return to fullback, with Emoni Nawara rejoining the starting lineup. Naitoa Ah Kui will return to the second-row, while Brodie McAlister and Aidan Ross will form a new-look front row.
The biggest change, however, is the return of veteran centre Anton Lienert-Brown, who will make his comeback to the bench after missing the last month of action.
Chiefs
Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson (captain), Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Highlanders Stick with Winning Line-up
The Highlanders have selected a largely unchanged lineup following their home victory over the Drua last weekend.
Highlanders
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Taniela Filimone, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton (co-capt), Veveni Lasaqa, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Sosefo Kautai, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Te Kamaka Howden, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Sam Gilbert, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Officials: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Matt Kellahan; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction
The Highlanders managed to stay in contention for the top six with their victory over the struggling Drua, but the challenge intensifies as they head to Hamilton to face a Chiefs side eager to bounce back after a poor performance in Sydney. Coach Clayton McMillan is likely to have given his team a stern talking-to, especially after Damian McKenzie’s costly seven turnovers. The Highlanders may find themselves facing the Chiefs’ full fury in this one.
Western Force vs. Hurricanes
HBF Park, Perth, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Bayley Kuenzle Returns to the Force Starting XV for Key Hurricanes Clash
Bayley Kuenzle will start on the left wing in place of the injured Dylan Pietsch. This marks his first appearance of the 2025 season, as he is set to play on the wing for Saturday’s crucial clash against the Hurricanes. The 26-year-old was injured in club rugby after last year’s Super Rugby season and has been sidelined for nine months following knee surgery.
His return is the only change to Simon Cron’s team, which was victorious over the Highlanders two weeks ago.
The bench remains familiar, with the only change being the inclusion of the promising halfback, Henry Robertson.
Force
Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, George Poolman.
Ruben Love to Start at Fly-Half as Hurricanes Make Changes for Crucial Clash
Fullback Ruben Love will make his first start of the season in the Hurricanes’ No. 10 jersey, replacing Riley Hohepa. After consecutive losses to their New Zealand rivals, the Hurricanes are looking for a response, and head coach Clark Laidlaw has shifted Love to fly-half, with Callum Harkin starting at fullback in his place.
The Hurricanes have named a powerful front row, with Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, and Tyrel Lomax making up the trio. In the back row, Brad Shields starts alongside Du’Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai.
All Blacks centre Billy Proctor returns to the squad from the bench.
Hurricanes
Callum Harkin, Ngane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-capt), Brad Shields (co-capt), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-capt), Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Zach Gallagher, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor.
Officials: Damon Murphy; Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Jordan Kaminski; TMO: Graham Cooper
Prediction
This is a highly intriguing match for both tippers and supporters alike. The Force should be refreshed after a week off, but their last outing against the Highlanders, despite the win, wasn’t all that convincing. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have only shown glimpses of their best and left it too late against the Crusaders last week, resulting in a frustrating loss. The Force has demonstrated plenty of scoring potential this year, but what they need to focus on here is their defense. If they can keep the Hurricanes under 20 points, they should come out on top. However, that’s easier said than done, especially if players like Cam Roigard, Kini Naholo, and their athletic back-row start to find their rhythm.
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