Chiefs vs. Crusaders Showdown & Full Weekend Preview
| Round 2 | ||||
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Kick-off | Broadcast |
| Friday 21 February | Chiefs v Crusaders | FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton | 5:05pm | Stan |
| Friday 21 February | Reds v Moana Pasifika | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | 7:35pm | Stan |
| Saturday 22 February | Hurricanes v Fijian Drua | McLean Park, Napier | 2:35pm | Stan |
| Saturday 22 February | Highlanders v Blues | Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin | 5:05pm | Stan |
| Saturday 22 February | Brumbies vs Force | GIO Stadium, Canberra | 7:35pm | Nine/Stan |
| BYE: Waratahs |
Super Rugby Pacific is back with a bang!
The opening weekend delivered everything fans could hope for—two thrilling last-minute victories, a Grand Final rematch, and the Brumbies making a statement with a stunning win in Suva.
Week two promises even more excitement. The action kicks off with a blockbuster clash between the Chiefs and Crusaders, while the Queensland Reds step onto the field for the first time this season. To cap it all off, the Brumbies and Western Force square off in a fiery Australian derby.
Friday, February 21,
CHIEFS v CRUSADERS
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Bradley Slarer, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Brodie McAllister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara; Kyle Preston, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitchell Drummond, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
Officials: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Way; TMO: Brett Cronin
Prediction
The Chiefs were outstanding in their comeback win over the Blues in Auckland last week, with Damian McKenzie right at the heart of the action. Their forward pack looks even more formidable this time around.
Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be relieved to have secured a win after their nightmare 2024 season, though their early defensive lapses were a concern. Adding to their challenges, they’ve suffered further injury setbacks.
Kyle Preston, who made a dream debut off the bench last week with a hat-trick, steps into the starting No.9 role, replacing the injured Noah Hotham.
For the Chiefs, former Brumbies flanker Jahrome Brown is set for his debut, while midfield powerhouse Quinn Tupaea is on track to celebrate his 50th cap.
REDS v MOANA
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 7:35pm (AEDT)
Reds: JockCampbell, Tim Ryan, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Josh Canham, Massimo de Lutiis, Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase. Replacements: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lachie Anderson.
Moana: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine; Ardie Savea, Sione Havili Talitui, Miracle Failagi, Allan Craig, Samuel Slade, Feteleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, James Lay. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Melani Matavao, Danny Toala, Losi Filipo
Officials: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction
This will be our first look at the Reds this season, with Queensland strengthened by the addition of several key Rebels recruits. Filipo Daugunu and Josh Canham are among those set to feature this week. The big question is how they’ll perform after their recent tour of the UK.
The spotlight will be on rising star Massimo de Lutiis, who is set to make his highly anticipated Reds debut.
On the other side, Moana Pasifika showed significant improvement last week but will be ruing a game that slipped through their fingers. The challenge now is whether they can build on that promising performance.
Saturday, February 22
HURRICANES v DRUA
McLean Park, Napier, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cameron Roigard; Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Hugo Plummer, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Junior Ratuva, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Inia Tabuavou, Tanilea Rakuro, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenalagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Leona Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi.
Officials: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Maggie Cogger-Orr; TMO: Marcus Playle
Prediction
The Drua are still searching for their first-ever win over a New Zealand team on Kiwi soil, and this challenge won’t make it any easier. Head coach Glen Jackson has overhauled his matchday squad, making 15 changes and introducing two high-profile rookies.
Inia Tabuavou, a Flying Fijian and former Racing 92 star, will start at inside centre, while fellow international and ex-Queensland Reds prop Peni Ravai provides loosehead cover from the bench.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will be frustrated after letting victory slip away against the Crusaders last week. Expect a strong response, particularly from their dynamic back-row unit.
HIGHLANDERS v BLUES
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Lui Naeata.
Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Cameron Suafoa, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Joshua Fusitua, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Tafua Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.
Officials: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction
The Highlanders came agonizingly close against the Waratahs but were undone at the final moment. Their struggles at set-piece time were a concern—especially with the Blues excelling in that area.
Head coach Jamie Joseph has made a key change in the backline, bringing Finn Hurley in at fullback and shifting Sam Gilbert to the right wing, where he’ll go head-to-head with Caleb Clarke.
To counter the Blues’ forward strength, Joseph has opted for a 6-2 bench split, while flanker Veveni Lasaqa earns a starting spot. Folau Fakatava has also been elevated to the starting No.9 role.
As for the defending champions, they looked a little rusty in their opener, but under the Dunedin roof, their backs should have the perfect conditions to fire—especially if their forward pack delivers as expected.
BRUMBIES v FORCE
GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:05pm (AEDT)
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.
Force: Mac Grealy, Dylan Pietsch, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Harry Potter, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman.
Officials: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Anthony Petrie, Stu Curran; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction
The Brumbies are back from a bruising battle in Fiji but receive a major boost with the returns of Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Charlie Cale, Allan Alaalatoa, and James Slipper. However, they’ll be without playmaker Noah Lolesio.
Western Force coach Simon Cron has kept changes to a minimum, with Reed Prinsep slotting in at No.8 and Dylan Pietsch returning on the wing—the only two adjustments to the starting lineup.
While the Force pulled off a dramatic after-the-siren win last week, conceding 45 points to Moana Pasifika highlighted lingering defensive concerns. Meanwhile, the Brumbies will take confidence from their dominant showing in a pre-season clash between these two sides.
MY PICKS – WEEK 2
A solid start with four out of five last week. The only miss? Backing the Blues over the Chiefs—but the Chiefs proved too strong.
For this round, I’m going with: Chiefs, Reds, Hurricanes, Blues, and Brumbies.
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