Super Rugby Pacific Round Five: Team News and Talking Points
As Super Rugby Pacific heads into round five, the competition is heating up with significant team changes, injury comebacks, and intriguing training dynamics coming to the fore. From the southern tip of New Zealand to the vibrant shores of Fiji, coaches are making strategic decisions to secure crucial wins.
Hurricanes vs. Western Force: Injury Boost for Napier Clash
The Hurricanes welcome back a trio of key players for their Friday night encounter against the Western Force in Napier. All Blacks duo Tyrel Lomax and Ruben Love are set to make their season debuts off the bench, having recovered from respective injuries. Lomax returns after a thumb injury sustained on All Blacks duty last September, while Love has overcome an ankle issue picked up during pre-season. Lock Caleb Delany also completes his return from a calf complaint, partnering Isaia Walker-Leawere in the second row.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw expressed his satisfaction with the returning players: “Having CD, Tyrel, and Ruben all back from their injuries really strengthens our squad and gives us fresh legs and impetus to play the game.” He also acknowledged the Force’s threat, particularly at set-piece, referencing last year’s close draw: “The Force, from a set piece perspective, certainly got us on alert around making sure we get that area of the game right, as well as trying to impose our game on them. We had a draw with them last year, went to golden point and weren’t good enough to get across the line, so we know it’s going to be a tough challenge.”
Meanwhile, Force coach Simon Cron has made five changes to his starting XV, including promoting Kurtley Beale to inside centre. Notably, NRL recruit Zac Lomax is not part of the 23-man squad.
- Hurricanes Squad:
- Starting XV: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Jacob Devery, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Devan Flanders, Cam Roigard, Callum Harkin, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Jone Rova, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby
- Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Warner Dearns, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Ruben Love, Riley Higgins
- Force Squad:
- Starting XV: Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale, George Bridge, Darby Lancaster, Max Burey
- Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Lopeti Faifua, Nathan Hastie, Taj Annan, Hamish Stewart
- Referees: Todd Petrie (Referee), Fraser Hannon, Ben Woolerton (Assistant Referees), Glenn Newman (TMO)
Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies: Brumbies Opt for Shake-up in Ba
The ACT Brumbies have made a significant nine changes to their starting line-up for their challenging away game against the Fijian Drua in Ba. Andy Muirhead will captain the side from fullback, with regular skipper Ryan Lonergan named on the bench. Rob Valetini is set to make his 100th appearance, though James Slipper will have to wait another week for his record-breaking 203rd match.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham believes last week’s loss to the Queensland Reds provided valuable lessons: “We learnt a lot from last week. Sometimes you take more out of a loss than a win. The chaos of that game gave our players some really good learnings around how to adapt and overcome challenges during a match.” He added, “This week presents another opportunity for growth and to test ourselves once more in Fiji.”
- Drua Squad:
- Starting XV: Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isikeli Rabitu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Joji Nasova, Iliasia Droasese
- Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Iosefo Namoce
- Brumbies Squad:
- Starting XV: Lington Ieli, Billy Pollard, Darcy Breen, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Kye Oates, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Hudson Creighton, Andy Muirhead (c)
- Replacements: Liam Bowrn, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Lachie Shaw, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Austin Anderson
- Referees: Paul Williams (Referee), Angus Mabey, Michael Winter (Assistant Referees), Aaron Paterson (TMO)
Crusaders v Highlanders: Training Intensity Sparks Debate
In Christchurch, Crusaders coach Rob Penney has named Will Tucker on the bench, a decision that follows a reported training incident involving lock Tucker and prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin. New Zealand media outlets reported a physical altercation during a training session, which Penney described as a “really lovely sight to see.”
“So there should be,” Penney stated when asked about tension in the camp following their defeat to the Blues. “It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren’t happy with the performances and the outcomes. Very proud young men are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time.” The defending champions, currently eighth on the ladder, are looking to bounce back after an earlier loss to the Highlanders this season.
- Crusaders Squad:
- Starting XV: Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
- Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Will Tucker, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod
- Highlanders Squad:
- Starting XV: Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Tomas Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy (co-c), Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
- Replacements: Soana Viekna, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Oli Haig, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasiota
- Referees: Jordan Way (Referee), Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey (Assistant Referees), James Leckie (TMO)
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs: McKellar Rings Changes After Heavy Loss
The Queensland Reds will host the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium, with the Reds seeing the return of in-form winger Tim Ryan and the experienced Seru Uru starting at lock. Ryan is back after a period of management and rotation, replacing Lachie Anderson who is recovering from a wrist injury. Uru steps into the starting second row for his first start of 2026.
Reds coach Les Kiss is anticipating a strong performance against a familiar rival: “We know how much our fans enjoy the Reds vs Waratahs rivalry and it will be great to see a big turnout. It’s no different for our players. This is a day on the calendar we look forward to. The Waratahs have got the better of us on the two occasions we have played them this season. We know the threats they will bring to the game. We have to be thorough in our preparation.”
The Waratahs have responded to a significant loss to the Hurricanes with six changes to their starting line-up. Newcomers Jack Debreczeni and Sid Harvey are set to make their first starts for the club, as is lock Angus Blyth against his former team. Triston Reilly moves to outside centre to cover for the injured Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii. Head coach Dan McKellar is expecting a tougher challenge from the Reds at home: “The Reds have certainly improved and we understand that when they were in Sydney a few weeks ago, they were down a couple of players. They’ll be a far greater challenge at Suncorp at the weekend and we know that we need to be significantly better than we were at home last week.”
- Reds Squad:
- Starting XV: Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell
- Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Treyvon Pritchard
- Waratahs Squad:
- Starting XV: Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen, James Hendren
- Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Miles Amatosero, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Harry Potter
- Referees: Ben O’Keeffe (Referee), Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert (Assistant Referees), Richard Kelly (TMO)
Blues v Moana Pasifika: Barrett Confirmed at Fly-half
Beauden Barrett has been officially named to start at fly-half for the Blues’ clash with Moana Pasifika at Eden Park. Last week, Barrett was a late switch to the starting XV after Stephen Perofeta sustained a calf injury during warm-ups. Barrett’s composed performance was instrumental in the Blues’ victory over the Crusaders. Perofeta remains unavailable due to his calf issue, and halfback Finlay Christie is being managed under the All Blacks’ rest policy.
- Blues Squad:
- Starting XV: Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai, Cole Forbes
- Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Laghlan McWhannell, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Pita Akhi, Zarn Sullivan
- Moana Pasifika Squad:
- Starting XV: Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, Tevita Ofa, William Havili
- Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Monu Moli, Lolani Faleiva, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Joel Lam, Ngani Laumape, Tuna Tuitama
- Referees: James Doleman (Referee), Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon (Assistant Referees), Glenn Newman (TMO)
BYE: Chiefs
