Waratahs Coach Calls for Patience in Crucial TMO Decisions as Super Rugby Pacific Admits Error
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has urged rugby officials to exercise more patience and diligence when making critical Television Match Official (TMO) decisions, especially after Super Rugby Pacific acknowledged that a spectacular try scored by Triston Reilly on Saturday night should have been awarded. The controversy has prompted McKellar to rejig his back three for a pivotal round six home clash against the Blues in Sydney.
The upcoming round six fixtures promise a thrilling slate of matches, with teams looking to solidify their positions and build momentum. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of all the team news and key talking points for the weekend’s games.
Highlanders vs Hurricanes
When: Friday, March 20th
Where: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 5:05 PM AEDT
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has received a significant boost with the return of co-captain Hugh Renton for Friday’s encounter against the Hurricanes. The number eight has been sidelined since April of last year, having undergone surgery for a pelvis and groin injury.
“As our co-captain and most experienced loose forward, it’s great to have Hugh back playing Super Rugby,” Joseph commented. “He has worked extremely hard to come back from injury setbacks in recent seasons, and it demonstrates his character, professionalism, and real passion for the club.”
For the Hurricanes, Ruben Love is set to make his first start of the season, named at flyhalf (No. 10). Love made a successful return from an ankle injury, coming off the bench against the Force last weekend. His recall sees Callum Harkin shift to fullback and Josh Moorby move to the wing.
Halfback Ereatara Enari and utility back Bailyn Sullivan are the only two backs named on the bench for the competition leaders. “With the type of game we anticipate, we’ve opted for a 6-2 split,” explained Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw. “They’ve been doing that sort of thing, so we feel with a 6-2 split, we’ll have plenty of energy throughout the entire game.”
New Zealand under-20s captain Vernon Bason is in line to make his debut after being named as the backup hooker. “It’s a big day for Vernon on the bench,” Laidlaw added. “We’re really excited. He’s a player who has come through our pathway, has been training with us for over a year, and is as ready as he’s going to be to get out there and make his debut, so that’s really exciting for him and his family.”
Highlanders Squad:
1-15: Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Oliver Haig, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, Lucas Casey, Hugh Renton (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Reesjan Pasitoa, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Tanielu Tele’a
Hurricanes Squad:
1-15: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Bailyn Sullivan
ACT Brumbies vs Chiefs
When: Friday, March 20th
Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 7:35 PM AEDT
Brumbies stalwart James Slipper is poised to make Super Rugby history in his record-breaking 203rd appearance. The experienced prop was rested for last weekend’s trip to Fiji but will start at loosehead prop against the Chiefs, surpassing Wyatt Crockett’s mark of 202 games.
“The way he carries himself and came back after his little spell was really inspiring,” said Brumbies teammate Blake Schoupp. “He hasn’t had the easiest run, but what he’s done is come back and continue to play at a high level. To see him break the record this week is just super impressive.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson returns at number eight after missing the win over Moana Pasifika due to a hip injury. “The Brumbies are a terrific side, and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini tour for us,” stated Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes. “If we get things right, it will help set us for the rest of the season.”
ACT Brumbies Squad:
1-15: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Darcy Breen, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, Hudson Creighton, Kadin Pritchard, Kye Oates, Andy Muirhead
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Austin Anderson
Chiefs Squad:
1-15: Jared Proffit, Samisomi Taukei’aho, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Quinn Tupara, Daniel Rona, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Lalakai Foketi
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley
TMO: Brett Cronan
Fijian Drua vs Queensland Reds
When: Saturday, March 21st
Where: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Kick-off: 2:35 PM AEDT
Reds coach Les Kiss has made a bold decision, granting Wallabies trio Carter Gordon, Fraser McReight, and Zane Nonggorr the week off for a challenging trip to Fiji. “It’s part of the process of having regeneration weeks for players,” Kiss explained. Gordon has been in exceptional form, scoring three tries in the last two weeks as the Reds secured thrilling derby wins over the Brumbies and Waratahs.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will lead the Reds in McReight’s absence, while Ben Volavola is set to make his debut off the bench. “The Drua have had back-to-back wins at home in good fashion,” Kiss noted. “They’ve certainly grown their game, and we know they have dangerous players across the pitch. We expect a massive challenge.”
Fijian Drua Squad:
1-15: Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isikeli Rabitu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Joji Nasova, Iliasia Droasese
Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Motikiai Murray, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Inia Tabuavoa
Queensland Reds Squad:
1-15: Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, John Bryant, Harry Wilson (c), Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Glenn Newman
Moana Pasifika vs Crusaders
When: Saturday, March 21st
Where: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
Kick-off: 5:05 PM AEDT
Moana Pasifika have been dealt a blow with the loss of halfback Augustine Pulu, but welcome back centre Julian Savea for their clash against the defending champions. Pulu has been suspended for three weeks due to a high tackle on Blues rival Sam Nock last weekend. Savea will play his first game of 2026 in the number 12 jersey after recovering from a groin injury.
For the Crusaders, Cooper Grant is set to make his debut at flyhalf (No. 10) after Rob Penney’s three top playmakers were ruled out. Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana are both unavailable due to concussion, while James White has been sidelined for the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury.
“Cooper’s got an opportunity, and it’s wonderful for him to step up,” said Penney. “He’s got a very confident demeanour, uses his voice really well, and has an outstanding skill set. He’s new to this level, but he’s surrounded by experience, and we’re confident he’ll have the right answers when the blowtorch comes on.”
Moana Pasifika Squad:
1-15: Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Niko Jones, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, William Havili
Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa
Crusaders Squad:
1-15: Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Cooper Grant, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan (c)
Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leciester Fainga’anuku, Kurtis Macdonald
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
TMO: Aaron Paterson
NSW Waratahs vs Blues
When: Saturday, March 21st
Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 7:35 PM AEDT
Exciting young talent Sid Harvey will make his first Waratahs start at fullback against the Blues, with incumbent James Hendren ruled out due to a broken wrist. Former sevens star Harvey previously started on the left wing in the loss to the Reds. The reshuffling of the back three also sees Max Jorgensen revert to the left wing instead of the right, with Harry Potter promoted to wear the number 14 jersey. Andrew Kellaway, who has been out of favour, has been ruled out of consideration with a corked thigh.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has stated he has moved on from the disappointment of the Triston Reilly no-try controversy. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Ben O’Keeffe,” McKellar said. “We had a good chat during the week. He’s been an outstanding referee for a long time, Ben, and we’re all human beings. Unfortunately, in the game that we play, rugby, it’s pretty complex. Mistakes happen every now and then. They’ve been good enough to admit they got it wrong. From our end, it’s just disappointing that when we’ve got the technology – and this isn’t on Ben or any particular referee – if we’ve got the technology, I think we just need to take the time to make sure we get the decision right. And unfortunately, on Saturday night, that didn’t occur.”
NSW Waratahs Squad:
1-15: Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Harry Potter, Sid Harvey
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, George Poolman
Blues Squad:
1-15: Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i (c), Malachi Wrampling, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Marcel Renata, Che Clarke, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Xavi Taele, Payton Spencer
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey
TMO: James Leckie
BYE: Western Force
