Slipper Set for Historic 200th Super Rugby Milestone as Round Two Kicks Off
Veteran prop James Slipper is poised to etch his name further into Australian rugby folklore, set to become the first Australian to reach the 200-game milestone in Super Rugby Pacific. While he has stepped away from the international arena, Slipper continues to be a formidable presence at the domestic level, lining up for the ACT Brumbies against the formidable Crusaders this Sunday. This landmark achievement underscores his enduring impact on the game.
The second round of Super Rugby Pacific promises a thrilling slate of matchups across the Tasman, with significant team news and key positional changes shaping the upcoming fixtures. Fans can catch all the action live and on demand, with every match streamed on Stan Sport, the undisputed home of rugby.
Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika: Shifting Sands in Wellington
Friday, 20 February: Sky Stadium, Wellington (5:05pm AEDT kick-off)
The Hurricanes will be without their regular number 10, Ruben Love, who is sidelined for 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury sustained during the bye week. Coach Clark Laidlaw described the incident as “totally innocuous,” but it opens the door for Brett Cameron to start at fly-half.
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has opted for a strategic shift, benching captain Miracle Faiilagi despite his match-winning hat-trick in their previous outing. Hooker Samiuela Moli will lead the side in his stead.
- Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Siale Lauaki, Hugo Plummer, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (c), Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
- Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Matolu Petaia, Brad Shields, Arese Poliko, Cam Roigard, Billy Proctor
Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli (c), Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Veikoso Poloniati, Alefosio Aho, Semisi Paea, Konrad Toelafoa, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Patrick Pellegrini, Tuna Tuitama, Faletoi Peni, Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Simon Peter Toleafoa
- Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Tito Tuipulotu, Lolani Faleiva, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao, William Havili, Tevita Ofa
Referee: Angus Gardner
- Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan
- TMO: Graham Cooper
NSW Waratahs vs Fijian Drua: Debut and Familiar Faces in Sydney
Friday, 20 February: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (7:35pm AEDT kick-off)
The NSW Waratahs are set to welcome former Crusaders hooker Ioane Moananu for his debut, named on the bench for their clash against the Fijian Drua. The starting XV remains unchanged from their previous encounter. Waratahs coach Dan McKellar expressed his delight at Moananu’s opportunity, highlighting his hard work since joining the club. He also anticipates a “cracking game” against the Drua, stressing the need for discipline and consistency against their unpredictable style.
Wallabies outside back Andrew Kellaway is still absent from the Waratahs’ 23, with McKellar citing that he was “a little bit underdone” after the spring tour and had a minor knee issue.
- Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, James Hendren
- Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Jack Debreczeni, Triston Reilly
Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), Joseva Tamani, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (co-c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese
- Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawaka, Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Inia Tabuavou, Manasa Mataele
Referee: Nic Berry
- Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley
- TMO: Brett Cronan
Highlanders vs Chiefs: Personal Tributes and Family First in Dunedin
Saturday, 21 February: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (5:05pm AEDT kick-off)
The Highlanders will be without prop Angus Ta’avao, who is unavailable for Saturday’s game following the tragic death of his son, Leo. Rohan Wingham will step into the starting tighthead prop role.
For the Chiefs, Cortez Ratima, who proved to be a match-winner last week, will not travel to Dunedin due to the impending arrival of his second child. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is named on the bench as cover. Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes anticipates a fierce contest, describing these local derbies as “brutal” and expecting the intensity to be dialled up against the Highlanders.
- Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Rohan Wingham, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
- Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a
Chiefs (1-15): Jared Proffit, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Kaylum Boshier, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Kyren Taumoefolau, Etene Nanai-Seturo
- Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Benet Kumeroa, Reuben O’Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Emoni Narawa
Referee: Angus Mabey
- Assistant Referees: Michael Winter, Ben Wollerton
- TMO: Aaron Paterson
Western Force vs Blues: Swain Returns as Force Hosts in New Locale
Saturday, 21 February: HBF Health Insurance Oval, Joondalup (7:35pm AEDT kick-off)
Wallabies lock Darcy Swain makes a welcome return to the Western Force starting line-up for their encounter with the Blues. Swain replaces Nick Champion de Crespigny, who is sidelined with a knee injury. The Force will be playing at Joondalup for the first time, with their usual home ground, HBF Park, unavailable due to the Asian Cup football tournament.
The Blues see Laghlan McWhannell partnering Josh Beehre in the second row, with experienced lock Sam Darry out due to a head knock sustained against the Chiefs. Blues coach Vern Cotter acknowledged the challenge of travelling to Perth, describing the Force as a “tough, well-organised side at home” and emphasizing the need for his team to be at their best, focusing on accuracy, discipline, and connection for the full 80 minutes.
- Force (1-15): Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Franco Molina, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams (c), Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Divad Palu, Mac Grealy
- Replacements: Leonel Oviedo, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Lopeti Faifua, Kane Koteka, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale
Blues (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan
- Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Che Clark, Torian Barnes, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Codemeru Vai
Referee: Damon Murphy
- Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey
- TMO: James Leckie
Crusaders vs ACT Brumbies: Slipper’s Milestone Match Amidst Brumbies’ Form
Sunday, 22 February: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (1:35pm AEDT kick-off)
Crusaders coach Rob Penney has made significant changes to his squad following their round one defeat, bringing All Blacks Will Jordan and Fletcher Newell into the starting lineup.
For the ACT Brumbies, the focus is squarely on James Slipper’s historic 200th Super Rugby game. The veteran prop has been named in an unchanged 23, a testament to his consistent performance and the team’s strong start to the season. Slipper now trails only Crusaders legend Wyatt Crockett in games played. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham lauded Slipper’s achievement, calling him “one of the most respected players in Australian rugby” and highlighting his continued dedication to preparation, training, and competition.
The Brumbies enter this fixture at the top of the table after a dominant 56-24 victory over the Western Force in round one. Analyst Justin Harrison, speaking on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven, praised the Brumbies’ evolving attacking strategy under Larkham, noting their effectiveness in ball-in-hand play and their ability to capitalize on turnovers. He also commented on the team’s positive morale, hinting at a relaxed atmosphere post-victory.
Despite their strong form, the Brumbies have opted for an unchanged lineup, a decision that drew a comment from Cameron Shepherd, who, while a strong admirer of Larkham’s coaching prowess, expressed some surprise given the team’s travel schedule.
- Crusaders (1-15): Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
- Replacements: Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Louis Chapman, Taha Kemara, Leicester Fainga’anuku
Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Rhys van Nek, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead
- Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
- Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert
- TMO: Richard Kelly
BYE: Queensland Reds
