The weekend kicks off with an exciting top-of-the-table clash between the Chiefs and Queensland Reds, followed by a thrilling quad-header on Saturday.
First up, Moana Pasifika will take on the NSW Waratahs, before the Fijian Drua hosts the Crusaders in Suva.
Next, the Blues are looking for a crucial win against the Hurricanes, while the Western Force heads back to Perth for their showdown with the Hurricanes.
The ACT Brumbies will have the weekend off with the bye.
Chiefs v Reds
FRI 4 April: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (19:05)
Chiefs (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Reds (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jock Campbell
Referee: Nic Berry, Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Angus Mabey, TMO: Brett Cronan
TIP It’s a showdown between the top two teams in Hamilton, as the Reds aim to replicate their 2023 heroics and knock off the Chiefs on their home turf in New Plymouth. While they managed to defeat the Chiefs in Brisbane last year, they’ve struggled on their recent visits to Hamilton. The Reds welcome back Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson to the pack, and Josh Canham teams up with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto in the second row. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are coming off a bye and have bolstered their bench, ready to unleash fresh energy up front. This match will provide valuable insight into the Reds’ potential to challenge deep into the 2025 season.
Moana Pasifika v Waratahs
SAT 5 April: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (14:05)
Moana (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Sam Slade, Allan Craig, Semisi Paea, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi
Waratahs (1-15): Angus Bell, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair, Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O’Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Issac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Joey Walton
Referee: James Doleman, Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon, TMO: Richard Kelly
TIP The two teams couldn’t be entering this game under more different circumstances. The Waratahs were dismal in their loss to the Hurricanes last week, while Moana Pasifika achieved the biggest win in their history by upsetting the Crusaders. In response, the Waratahs have made seven changes, hoping that Ethan Dobbins will have more success at the lineout, and Taniela Tupou can provide some much-needed power off the bench. Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii will return to fullback, and Andrew Kellaway moves to the wing for his comeback. Moana Pasifika, on the other hand, is largely unchanged but welcomes back Kyren Taumoefolau, though they will be without star back-rower Miracle Faiilagi. Expect plenty of points in this one, but it’s hard to see the Waratahs recovering after their disappointing performance last week.
Crusaders v Drua
SAT 5 April: HFC Bank Stadium, Suva (15:35)
Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Longanimasi, Inia Tabuavou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu
Crusaders (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor (c), Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe, Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw, TMO: Glenn Newman
TIP After being taken aback by a spirited Moana Pasifika performance, the Crusaders face another tough challenge in Fiji this week. Taha Kemara returns to the No. 10 jersey, and Codie Taylor will lead the team as captain from hooker, with David Havili still sidelined. I was also surprised by the Crusaders coaching staff’s decision to rest seven regular starters last week. The Fijian Drua, fresh off their bye, can’t afford another loss, especially on home soil, if they want to keep their finals hopes alive. The Crusaders should be concerned heading into this one.
Blues v Hurricanes
SAT 5 April: Eden Park, Auckland (19:05)
Blues (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Stephen Perofeta
Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, 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, Pasilo Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo
Referee: Angus Gardner, Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Mike Winter, TMO: Paul Williams
TIP The Blues have received a much-needed boost with the return of Beauden Barrett, who has recovered from a broken hand. After having last week off to regroup, the Auckland side is facing a must-win game—another home defeat could spell the end of their season, especially since they have yet to leave New Zealand this year. On the other hand, the Hurricanes seem to have turned a corner after their strong performance against the Waratahs, with captain Du’Plessis Kirifi in exceptional form. The Hurricanes are also eager to avenge their earlier loss to the Blues this season.
Force v Highlanders
SAT 5 April: HBF Park, Perth (16:35)
Force (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep (vc), Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, 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: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson
Referee: Jordan Way, Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Graham Cooper, TMO: James Leckie
TIP This game feels like a massive one for both teams, almost like an eight-point battle for the playoffs, as they say in football. Both the Force and the Highlanders were a bit unlucky to lose last week, with the Kiwis in particular feeling wronged by some of the refereeing decisions, unfortunately, from the same official who will be in charge this week. The Force should be feeling confident at home, hoping to dominate the scrum in the same way the Reds and Brumbies have against the Highlanders in recent weeks. Carlo Tizzano is also arguably the best player in Super Rugby Pacific right now. However, this won’t be an easy game, and the Highlanders’ ability to secure the ball—if they do so legally—means this will be a real fight until the final whistle.
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