WEEK 7
This round kicks off in Wellington, where the Hurricanes host a red-hot NSW Waratahs side. The Waratahs welcome back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, adding further intrigue to the matchup.
Next, the ACT Brumbies take on the Highlanders in Canberra, followed by the Crusaders facing off against Moana Pasifika on Saturday.
The round concludes in Brisbane, with the Queensland Reds hosting the Western Force at Suncorp Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Blues, Chiefs, and Fijian Drua have a bye this week.
Hurricanes v NSW Waratahs
FRI 28 March: SKY Stadium, Wellington (19:05)
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Jordi Viljoen, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Kade Banks
Asafo Aumua will co-captain the home side alongside Du’Plessis Kirifi for the first time this season.
In the forward pack, Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax have been named in the starting lineup this week, posing a tough challenge for the Waratahs.
Meanwhile, Harry Godfrey has suffered a lower leg injury and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks. In his absence, Riley Hohepa will take over the No. 10 jersey.
Additionally, NPC standout Kade Banks will look to make an impact off the bench, while Sevens star Fatafehi Fineanganofo is set to take the field.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Julian Heaven, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton (c), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Archie Saunders, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Lalakai Foketi
The Ferrari is finally back. After missing the last four matches, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii makes his highly anticipated return for the Waratahs. He has been sidelined with a toe injury since their Round 1 victory over the Highlanders.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar had previously expressed his desire for Suaalii to have an extended run at fullback, but despite Andrew Kellaway’s absence, the 21-year-old has been named at outside centre.
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
ACT Brumbies v Highlanders
FRI 28 March: GIO Stadium, Canberra (19:35)
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
Stephen Larkham has welcomed back centre David Feliuai for Friday night’s clash with the Highlanders in Canberra. However, the Brumbies will be without two key players.
Wallaby Luke Reimer and Australia A captain Ryan Lonergan have both been rested as part of Rugby Australia’s player management plan ahead of this year’s Lions series.
As a result, Rory Scott returns to the back row, while Harrison Goddard will partner Noah Lolesio in the halves.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Ajay Faleafaga, Tanielu Tele’a
Following their loss to the Reds last week, Jamie Joseph has welcomed back Daniel Lienert-Brown from suspension, replacing the rested Ethan de Groot in the starting lineup. TK Howden moves to blindside flanker, while vice-captain Sean Withy shifts to No. 8 to replace the injured Nikora Broughton.
In the backs, captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to the midfield, allowing fellow Fijian Jona Nareki to return to the left wing. Sam Gilbert will complete the back three. The refreshed bench sees Henry Bell replacing Jack Taylor, with potential debuts for loose forward Michael Loft and Taranaki halfback Adam Lennox.
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
CRUSADERS V MOANA PASIFIKA
SAT 29 March: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (19:05)
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Ioane Moananu, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Fletcher Anderson, Noah Hotham, James O’Connor, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Xavier Saifoloi, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Levi Aumua
Wallaby James O’Connor will make his first start for the Crusaders.
Jamie Hannah, who has been sidelined since the start of the season due to a shoulder injury, finally returns to the lock position and will partner with All Black Scott Barrett in the second row.
George Bower will start at prop alongside Fletcher Newell, while Ioane Moananu, who was named Man of the Match in last week’s Blues game, will start at hooker.
Cullen Grace retains the No.6 jersey, and Ethan Blackadder returns from injury to start at openside flanker.
22-year-old Fletcher Anderson also makes his return from injury, completing the forward pack at No.8.
Noah Hotham is back starting at halfback, alongside O’Connor at flyhalf.
Xavier Saifoloi, who made his Crusaders debut against the Western Force, returns to the reserves, as does Rivez Reihana, who has recovered from an ankle injury.
PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Sam Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Paea, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Alamanda Motuga, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tuna Tuitama
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea and winger Solomon Alaimalo return to the starting lineup for their clash with the Crusaders.
There are five changes in the forwards, with Tito Tuipulotu making his first start at prop and tighthead Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou returning to the starting 15. Samuel Slade will partner Allan Craig to form a strong lock pairing.
Semisi Paea is set to make his first start of the year at openside flanker.
Tevita Ofa will make his debut on the right wing, while fullback William Havili will face his older brother, Crusaders captain David Havili.
On the bench, experienced Samoan international Alamanda Motuga makes his first appearance of the year. Motuga was part of the Samoa sevens team that competed in their first-ever Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Angue Mabey
Queensland Reds v Western Force
SAT 29 March: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (18:35)
REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Richie Asiata, Massimo De Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith (c), Seru Uru, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, 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
Relacements: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Brett Cronan
Top Tips, Hurricanes, Brumbies, Crusaders, Reds.
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