Super Rugby returns on Friday with an all-Kiwi clash before the Waratahs host the Highlanders in Sydney. The Brumbies have rested several Wallabies starters for a tough away trip in Fiji while the Western Force tackle Moana Pasifika in Perth.
Here is all the team news as it unfolds.
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(All times are AEDT)
Friday
Crusaders vs Hurricanes, 5.05pm
Former Wallaby James O’Connor has been named on the bench ahead of a potential debut for the Crusaders.
Taha Kemara has won the No.10 jersey ahead of the former Reds fly-half.
Rob Penney’s team has 13 players missing through injury including All Blacks hookers Codie Taylor (hamstring) and George Bell (foot).
Harry Godfrey will start at 10 for the Hurricanes, alongside All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard.
In the absence of injured first-fives Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore and Ruben Love, classy Hawke’s Bay product Godfrey has been handed No 10 alongside All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard.
The Hurricanes backline includes two debutants in fullback Callum Harkin and winger Fehi Fineanganofo, while Billy Proctor misses out with a leg injury.
He joins fellow All Blacks Love (ankle), Asafo Aumua (foot) and Tyrel Lomax (ankle) on the sidelines, with Bailyn Sullivan named to partner Peter Umaga-Jensen in the midfield.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Ioane Moananu, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christin Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahil, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Cameron Roigard, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputou, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane & Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Brett Cronan
Waratahs vs Highlanders, 7.35pm
He might have been picked in the midfield for the Wallabies, but cross-code star Joseph-Aukuso will wear the No.15 jersey in his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs.
After training across multiple positions, McKellar settled with fullback first-up – the same position former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who was pivotal in Israel Folau’s transition to the game – to tackle the Highlanders in their season opener in Sydney on Friday night.
Suaalii is one of seven new faces to the Waratahs, with Wallabies Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota also included in their season opener.
In total, there are 12 Wallabies in McKellar’s first up team, with Isaac Kailea, one of the breakout stars under Joe Schmidt in 2024, missing selection.
Kailea’s absence points to the star-studded squad McKellar has at his disposal, with Tom Lambert selected on the bench behind Angus Bell.
“Probably the hardest one (team) I had to pick,” McKellar said. “It was so competitive. We’ve got all but three players available for selection.
“A number have been with us the whole time. A number have been with us for three weeks.
“After all the work by the ‘S and C [Strength-Conditioning,] medical groups and other coaches, to have most players available for selection made it difficult.
“That’s what you want. You want to have to make the tough decisions. And we’re confident we’ve picked a team that’s ready to perform well on Friday.”
McKellar said Suaalii’s selection at fullback was about trying to get him an involved as possible.
“We’re just looking to have him involved in the game, aren’t we?” he said.
“We’re not playing under-8s, let’s just give it to Joseph, but he’s a point-of-difference player that we want to have in the game.
“He’s got a number of different strengths, and we look to build the game around making sure that he gets access to use those.”
Bell, Dave Porecki and Tupou combine in an all-Wallabies front-row.
The Test trio can expect a difficult first-up challenge, with All Blacks star Ethan de Groot to go head-to-head with Tupou.
Experience forward Hugh Sinclair partners rising lock Miles Amatosero, while Leota starts for the first time alongside Charlie Gamble and Langi Gleeson in the back-row.
It’s the same backline that drew against the Brumbies in their sole trial earlier this month, with one-capped playmaker Tane Edmed partnering captain Jake Gordon in the halves.
It’s an exciting back three, with Andrew Kellaway, who is poised to play his first Super Rugby match for the Waratahs since 2017, combining with Max Jorgensen and Suaalii.
Mahe Vailanu is back at hooker, while Siosifa Amone joins Lambert on the bench.
Former Hurricanes and Force lock Ben Grant provides bench cover alongside ex-England sevens international Jamie Adamson, while Jack Grant and Jack Bowen are provide backline cover alongside Wallaby Darby Lancaster.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph has named seven debutants.
Taine Robinson will start at No. 10 ahead of Cameron Millar, while Nathan Hastie starts at No. 9 with Folau Fakatava on the bench.
Joseph said that Fakatava had meniscus surgery after the NPC and hadn’t played a full part in the Highlanders’ preseason, opening the door for Hastie.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Lui Naeata, Sean Withy, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Finn Hurley
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper & Matt Kellahan
TMO: Ollie Kellett
Saturday
Fijian Drua vs Brumbies, 2.35pm
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham says he’s taking a calculated risk by leaving out several of his big-name Wallabies for their difficult round-one assignment against the Drua in Fiji.
With Wallabies rest protocols in place dictating that players of national interest can’t play seven straight games, and a difficult few weeks to follow including fixtures against last year’s finalists the Chiefs and Blues in the opening month, Larkham opted to leave out Test stars Len Ikitau and Tom Wright from the season opener on Saturday.
The Wallabies’ most capped player James Slipper won’t be on the plane and nor will his front-row partner and Brumbies skipper Allan Alaalatoa, who is coming back from an injury.
Wallabies lock Nick Frost is another who is absent, while Charlie Cale is coming back from injury and Rob Valetini is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
“We’re going to take a bit of a risk and we’re going to travel to Fiji without the bulk of our Wallaby contingent,” Larkham said.
“The other players have trained exceptionally well. There is a real connection in the team at the moment. If I compare this season to last, I think we’re in a slightly better place.
(Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
“The plan is to bring most of them back next week.”
There are still several Wallabies who are making the trip to the Island Nation though, with Test front-rowers Blake Schoupp and Billy Pollard packing down alongside Feao Fotuaika.
Exeter-bound Tom Hooper is in the second-row alongside Lachie Shaw, while Rebels recruit Tuaina Tualima joins Luke Reimer and Rory Scott in the back-row.
Ryan Lonergan partners Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio in the halves, while Austin Anderson forms a new midfield combination alongside Hudson Creighton.
There’s plenty of experience in the back three, with Corey Toole and Ollie Sapsford joining fullback Andy Muirhead in the starting side.
Rising loose-head prop Lington Ieli is one of three new faces on the bench, with a healthy blend of experience joining the youth in Larkham’s side.
New Drua coach Glen Jackson has handed starting debuts to Drua newcomers – Flying Fijians Vuate Karawalevu and Ponipate Loganimasi who will start on the wings.
Young Suva flanker Isoa Tuwai has forced his way into the matchday 23, with Jackson naming him on the bench for a potential debut.
There’s also return for flanker Joseva Tamani, who last featured for the Fijian Drua against the Reds in Round 15, 2023.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (co-c), Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Vuate Karawalevu, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isikeli Rabitu
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Meli Tuni, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Frank Lomani (co-c), Peni Matawalu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
BRUMBIES (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Billy Pollard, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Tuaina Tualima, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Austin Anderson, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Judah Saumaisue, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Kadin Pritchard.
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: Michael Winter & Stu Curran
TMO: Marcus Playle
Blues vs Chiefs, 5.05pm
The Chiefs have selected off-season recruits Brodie McAlister and Leroy Carter to face the Blues at Eden Park in a 2024 Grand Final rematch.
McAlister, with his 41 Crusaders caps, will debut between Ollie Norris and George Dyer in the front row with All Black Josh Lord returning from injury in the five jersey alongside Naitoa Ah Kuoi. The forward pack is rounded out with the loose forward trio of Simon Parker, Kaylum Boshier and Luke Jacobson.
Xavier Roe and Josh Jacomb combine in the nine and ten jerseys. Etene Nanai-Seturo joins debutant Carter on the wings, with both players boasting NZ Sevens experience. The midfield due consists of Quinn Tupaea. Damian McKenzie is at fullback.
The Blues have named a powerful team with eight All Blacks in the starting line-up.
The team will be led out by All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who will celebrate his 150th game for the Blues, only the second player to achieve 150 games for the club, behind Keven Mealamu on 164 caps.
“The team can draw confidence from the championship title last year, but this is 2025, a new season and we all start on zero points,” said coach Vern Cotter.
“There is no magic formula, just loads of hard work, clarity of roles and game plan, and execution.”
The pack will be led by skipper Patrick Tuipulotu and fellow All Blacks Tu’ungafasi and Dalton Papali’i with the return of powerful loose forward Cameron Suafoa.
There is experience and class in the backs, with All Blacks Harry Plummer, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a and Caleb Clarke who boast almost 500 Super Rugby appearances between them.
There are two potential debutants in the reserves in former New Zealand Sevens representative Che Clark and hooker Nathaniel Pole, a New Zealand Under-20 representative.
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Cameron Suafoa, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Beauden Barrett.
Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Josh Fusitua, Angus Ta’avao, Che Clark, Adrian Choat, Fin Christie, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAllister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Simon Parker, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert Brown, Emoni Narawa
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane & Ben O’Keeffe
TMO: Brett Cronan
Force vs Moana Pasifika, 7.35pm
Simon Cron has named a new-look side with nine debutants for Saturday’s season-opener against Moana Pasifika in Perth.
Cron, who is in his third season as Force coach, was once again one of the most active officials in the off-season market and the former Junior Wallabies coach didn’t hesitate in immediately calling them up.
Nic Dolly, the one-Test England hooker, is one of the new faces, with the Sydney-born rake preferred over Force regular Tom Horton, while incumbent Wallaby Brandon Paenga-Amosa was left out.
Dolly forms a front-row trio alongside Marley Pearce and returning international Tom Robertson.
Captain Jeremy Williams is joined by discarded Wallaby Darcy Swain, who is one of the big additions to the Force’s squad in 2025.
The back-row sees Wallaby Carlo Tizzano joined by Nick Champion de Crespigny, who carved out a successful career in the French Top 14, and Rebels recruit Vaiolini Ekuasi.
Wallabies Nic White and Ben Donaldson provide plenty of experience in the halves.
The backline has also been overhauled with former Reds utility back Mac Grealy starting at fullback. Grealy forms a back three combination with Harry Potter and Divad Palu.
Two-Test Wallaby Hamish Stewart is joined by former Highlanders midfielder Sio Tomkinson.
The bench is an exciting one for the Force, with former All Blacks star Atu Moli finally poised to play his first Super Rugby match for the side after being sidelined last year.
Reed Prinsep provides some abrasiveness alongside Will Harris, while Waratahs recruit Dylan Pietsch will come off the bench.
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Divad Palu, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch
PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Feteleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Samuel Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Sione Havili Talitui, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Tupou Tailoa, Melani Matavo, Danny Toala
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: George Myers & Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie