Super Rugby Pacific Round-Up: Hurricanes, Highlanders, and More – Team News and Match Previews
Super Rugby Pacific action heats up as teams battle for position in the standings. This week features key matchups including the Hurricanes hosting the Queensland Reds, Moana Pasifika facing the Highlanders, and the Brumbies clashing with the Waratahs. Here’s a comprehensive look at the team lists, key storylines, and what to expect from each game.
Hurricanes vs. Reds – Wellington, Saturday, 4:35 PM
The Hurricanes welcome the Queensland Reds to Wellington in a top-of-the-table clash. All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax returns to the Hurricanes’ starting lineup after recovering from injury [Rugbypass]. Co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi also rejoins the starting side, while Ruben Love retains his spot at first five-eighths, and Josh Moorby shifts to fullback due to Callum Harkin’s concussion [Rugbypass]. Assistant coach Jamie Mackintosh emphasized the need for continued intensity, stating the team is aware of the challenges ahead in the playoff push [Rugbypass].
For the Reds, captain Fraser McReight returns to the starting side, and playmaker Tom Lynagh is set to make his season debut from the bench [Rugbypass]. Reds coach Les Kiss acknowledged this will be their toughest test of the season [Rugbypass]. The Hurricanes have won their last 10 consecutive Super Rugby Pacific games against the Queensland Reds.
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett (cc), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Bailyn Sullivan, 15. Josh Moorby. Bench: 16. Vernon Bason, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Lucas Cashmore, 23. Jone Rova.
Reds: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Nick Bloomfield, 4. Seru Uru, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Louis Werchon, 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Isaac Henry, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell. Bench: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. George Blake, 18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19. Hamish Muller, 20. Vaiuta Latu, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Treyvon Pritchard.
Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders – Auckland, Friday, 7:05 PM
Moana Pasifika will host the Highlanders in Auckland. Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is calling for his squad to take more responsibility after a heavy loss to the Hurricanes [ODT]. He noted the team is lacking spark after nine consecutive games [ODT]. Moana Pasifika welcomes back veteran duo Jackson Garden-Bachop and Solomon Alaimalo to the starting side, while prop Paula Latu is in line to make his debut off the bench [Rugbypass]. Julian Savea is sidelined with a shoulder injury [Rugbypass]. Moana Pasifika claimed their first win over the Highlanders in six attempts when the two sides last met.
Moana Pasifika: 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 4. Veikoso Poloniati, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Niko Jones, 8. Dominic Ropeti, 9. Joel Lam, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 13. Tevita Latu, 14. Solomon Alaimalo, 15. William Havili. Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18. Paula Latu, 19. Alefosio Aho, 20. Ola Tauelangi, 21. Siaosi Nginingini, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Tevita Ofa.
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Oliver Haig, 5. Tomas Lavanini, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Hugh Renton (cc), 9. Nic Shearer, 10. Reesjan Pasitoa, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Tanielu Tele’a, 13. Jonah Lowe, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Andrew Knewstubb, 23. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc).
Brumbies vs. Waratahs – Canberra, Friday, 9:35 PM
The Brumbies and Waratahs will face off in Canberra. James Slipper will become a Brumbies centurion in this match [Nine.com.au]. The Brumbies have won their last eight games against the Waratahs, and 14 of their last 15.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Darcy Breen, 4. Lachie Shaw, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Charlie Cale, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Ollie Sapsford, 15. Andy Muirhead. Bench: 16. Liam Bowrn, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Tevita Alatini, 19. Toby MacPherson, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Hudson Creighton.
Waratahs: 1. Tom Lambert, 2. Ethan Dobbins, 3. Daniel Botha, 4. Matt Philip (c), 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Clem Halaholo, 7. Jamie Adamson, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Max Jorgensen, 12. Lawson Creighton, 13. Joey Walton, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Sid Harvey. Bench: 16. Folau Fainga’a, 17. Jack Barrett, 18. Siosifa Amone, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. Charlie Gamble, 21. Angus Scott-Young, 22. Teddy Wilson, 23. Triston Reilly.
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