It all begins in the vibrant heart of Suva, where the Blues welcome the Fijian Drua in what promises to be an electrifying clash. From there, the action intensifies as the fierce rivalry between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds unfolds, a battle that fans of both teams eagerly await.
Saturday sets the stage for a thrilling showdown at the top of the table, as the Crusaders face off against the Chiefs in a match that will have championship implications. Later in the day, the Western Force will challenge the ACT Brumbies in a contest that promises plenty of passion and grit to close out the weekend.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders, Hurricanes, and Moana Pasifika take a well-earned break, watching from the sidelines as the drama of the weekend unfolds.
Fijian Drua v Blues
FRI 9 MAY: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva (19:05)
Injury has forced Drua flanker Etonia Waqa out this week, meaning Josefa Tamani gets a start and youngster Sailosi Vukalokalo is in line for a Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge (c), Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ponipate Loganimasi
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu
The Blues are set to take the field in Suva with a familiar, yet finely tuned lineup, as they prepare to face the Fijian Drua. Head coach Vern Cotter has opted for minimal changes to the team that delivered an impressive victory over the Western Force in Round 12, making just two adjustments to the starting XV.
Corey Evans steps into the spotlight, earning his place at fullback, while AJ Lam makes his way to the left wing after a late change last week saw him come off the bench. The balance of the team remains strong, but there’s no shortage of anticipation as these fresh faces look to make their mark.
Unfortunately, Stephen Perofeta won’t feature this week due to injury, making way for Zarn Sullivan to return to the reserves. He’ll be joined by Harry Plummer and Finlay Christie, ready to provide the depth and support the team needs as the match unfolds.
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Zarn Sullivan
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Damon Murphy
NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds
FRI 9 MAY: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (19:35)
In a move that signals both change and opportunity, NSW Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar has made six key adjustments to the starting 15 ahead of their showdown with the Queensland Reds.
Among the most notable changes, Tane Edmed earns a rare starting spot for 2025, with the team eager to see what he can bring to the field. But the Waratahs’ lineup is not just about new faces; they are bolstered by the returns of two powerhouse players. Wallabies hooker David Porecki, a stalwart in the forward pack, makes his long-awaited comeback, alongside the imposing lock Fergus Lee-Warner, who returns from injury.
Lee-Warner’s journey has been a tough one. After suffering a Lisfranc injury during a pre-season trial in Japan against Kubota Spears last November, he’s finally fit and ready to take his place in the starting XV. It’s a moment of redemption for the lock, who has worked tirelessly to return to full strength.
However, not all familiar faces are in the mix this week. Lawson Creighton, the former Reds playmaker who has been preferred to Edmed in recent weeks, finds himself left out of the match day 23, as McKellar turns to a new combination for this crucial clash. The stage is set for a dramatic contest, and the Waratahs are hoping their strategic changes will pay off.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Daniel Botha, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Felix Kalapu, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster
The Queensland Reds have been handed a timely boost with the return of Wallaby Filipo Daugunu to the centres. Having been in sensational form this season, with six tries already to his name, Daugunu will be eager to continue his explosive performances and make his mark once again. He’ll team up with Dre Pakeho in the midfield, as Wallaby Hunter Paisami remains sidelined, still needing more time to recover from a painful corked leg.
At flyhalf, Tom Lynagh steps into the starting role, ready to guide the Reds’ attack with his skillful playmaking. Meanwhile, the back row sees John Bryant get the nod at No. 8, bringing his physicality to the forefront. The versatile Joe Brial, known for his ability to cover multiple backrow positions, will be called upon from the bench, ready to make an impact when needed.
The Reds are also strengthened by the return of Wallabies hooker Josh Nasser, who will bring his experience and energy to the bench, marking his fourth appearance of the season. As the Reds gear up for their challenge, these fresh and returning faces could be the key to their success on the field.
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Dre Pakeho, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Crusaders v Chiefs
SAT 10 MAY: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (19:05)
In a battle of playmakers, Damian McKenzie will face off against Rivez Reihana, who steps into the No. 10 jersey for the Crusaders against his former team. Reihana, given the opportunity to start in the pivotal role, will be looking to prove himself after Taha Kemara’s season-ending knee injury opened the door for him. This is his moment, a chance to show his worth in the spotlight, just ahead of Wallaby hopeful James O’Connor, who has been patiently waiting for his turn.
For the Crusaders, this match is as much about comebacks as it is about new beginnings. Braydon Ennor makes his return to the field after recovering from a hamstring injury, bringing much-needed depth and experience to the backline. However, it’s not all good news, as the Crusaders will still be without their dynamic flanker, Ethan Blackadder, who is sidelined with his own hamstring injury. With key players returning and others still on the mend, this clash promises to be a thrilling one, with plenty at stake for both sides.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
The Chiefs are fired up and ready for a top-of-the-table showdown with the Crusaders, and they’ve got some key players returning to make a difference. Damian McKenzie, who has been sidelined for the past two games due to a hand injury, is back at No. 10, eager to lead his team and make an impact when it matters most.
But McKenzie isn’t the only big name making a return. All Blacks sensation Wallace Sititi, after two games back from the bench, is set to start for the first time this season. He’ll take his place at No. 8, with Luke Jacobson shifting to No. 7, adding power and experience to the Chiefs’ pack.
The changes don’t stop there. Three more adjustments have been made to the Chiefs’ forward pack: Brodie McAlister replaces Bradley Slater at hooker, while lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi and loose forward Simon Parker are promoted to the starting lineup. As a result, Josh Lord and Samipeni Finau will move to the bench, ready to make their presence felt when called upon.
With so many changes and returns, the Chiefs are looking stronger than ever as they prepare to take on the Crusaders in what promises to be an intense and thrilling contest at the top of the table.
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Jackson Henshaw, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Glenn Newman
Western Force v ACT Brumbies
SAT 10 MAY: HBF Park, Perth (17:35)
The Western Force are set to celebrate a milestone as they mark their 20th season in a thrilling encounter against the team they first faced in Round 1 back in 2006. And with just one change to their starting XV, the Force are primed for a battle that blends history with the excitement of the present.
Will Harris steps into the starting lineup at blindside flanker, replacing Reed Prinsep, in the only alteration to the Force’s XV. It’s a crucial opportunity for Harris to show his worth, while Nick Champion de Crespigny shifts into No. 8, with the ever-dangerous Carlo Tizzano leading the charge at openside flanker.
The forward pack remains largely unchanged, with the front row of Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, and Tom Robertson retaining their places, providing the solid foundation the Force will need. Jeremy Williams, the captain, and Darcy Swain continue their rock-solid lock combination, with Swain set to take on his former side for the first time in Perth, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
On the bench, the Force make a handful of tactical changes, adding front-rower Tiaan Tauakipulu, hooker Tom Horton, lock Lopeti Faifua, and midfielder Sio Tomkinson, all of whom are ready to make an impact when called upon.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the atmosphere will be electric, especially with the pre-game celebrations. Around 50 past players will be paraded onto the field, forming a guard of honour for the two teams as they run out, a powerful reminder of the Force’s rich legacy.
In the backs, Henry Robertson continues at scrum-half for the third consecutive game, partnering with fly-half Ben Donaldson to orchestrate the attack. Hamish Stewart and Bayley Kuenzle will hold the centre position, while Mac Grealy and Harry Potter offer pace and flair on the wings. And at fullback, Kurtley Beale, fresh off his try-scoring return, is ready to light up the game once again.
It’s a celebration of the past, a clash of the present, and a chance for the Force to write another chapter in their storied history.
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Kurtley Beale
Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Nic White, Max Burey, Sio Tomkinson
The Brumbies have made a couple of key adjustments to their starting XV, with two familiar faces returning to the lineup. Hooker Lachlan Lonergan and second row Lachie Shaw are both back in the mix for their first starts since Round 10 and Round 7, respectively. Their return brings added strength and experience to the pack, as they prepare to face a tough challenge.
In a reshuffled forward pack, Shaw’s inclusion in the second row means that Wallaby Tom Hooper will shift to No. 8, where he’ll add power and dynamism to the back row. Meanwhile, the backline remains unchanged, giving the Brumbies consistency where it matters most.
There’s a special milestone on the horizon, as Ollie Sapsford stands poised to earn his 50th cap for the Brumbies, a moment he’ll no doubt cherish if he takes to the field.
On the bench, Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, and Harrison Goddard provide depth and versatility, with Billy Pollard being rested this week to ensure he’s fresh for the challenges ahead.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and with these changes, the Brumbies will be looking to bring both experience and fresh energy to the field.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: Graham Cooper
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