Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific promises a compelling slate of matches, highlighted by fierce rivalries and crucial contests as teams solidify their positions in the competition. This weekend sees the Highlanders and Crusaders renew their South Island rivalry, while the Queensland Reds prepare to host the NSW Waratahs in a highly anticipated Brisbane clash. Further afield, the Hurricanes welcome the Western Force to Napier, and the Fijian Drua will play their first-ever home game in Ba against the ACT Brumbies.
The competition is heating up as teams navigate the midway point of the season. The Chiefs enjoy a bye week following a convincing victory over Moana Pasifika, allowing them to regroup before their next challenge. All team lists for Round 5 were published at 2pm AEDT/4pm NZT, as per Super Rugby, providing fans with ample time to analyze the selections and prepare for the weekend’s action.
Match Details and Team Lineups
Here’s a detailed glance at the confirmed lineups and key match information for each game:
Hurricanes v Western Force – Friday, March 13th, McLean Park, Napier (19:05 local time)
The Hurricanes will field a strong side led by co-captains Pouri Rakete-Stones and Jordie Barrett. Key players include Cam Roigard at halfback and Josh Moorby in the back three. The Western Force, captained by Jeremy Williams, will counter with a lineup featuring Kurtley Beale at fly-half and Pete Samu at number eight. The match officials include referee Todd Petrie, assistant referees Fraser Hannon and Ben Woolerton, and TMO Glenn Newman.
- Hurricanes (1-15): 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 (1-15): 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
Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies – Saturday, March 14th, Four R Stadium, Ba (15:35 local time)
The Fijian Drua will play their inaugural home game in Ba, captained by Frank Lomani. The ACT Brumbies, led by Andy Muirhead, will look to disrupt the Drua’s momentum. Paul Williams will oversee the match as referee, assisted by Angus Mabey and Michael Winter, with Aaron Paterson as TMO.
- Drua (1-15): 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 (1-15): 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, Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead (c)
- Replacements: Liam Bowrn, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Lachie Shaw, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
Crusaders v Highlanders – Saturday, March 14th, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (19:05 local time)
The Crusaders, captained by David Havili, will host the Highlanders in a classic South Island derby. The Highlanders, with co-captains Sean Withy and Timoci Tavatavanawai, will aim to upset the defending champions. Jordan Way will referee the match, with Damon Murphy and Jeremy Markey as assistant referees, and James Leckie as TMO.
- Crusaders (1-15): 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 (1-15): 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
Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs – Saturday, March 14th, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (18:35 local time)
The Queensland Reds, led by Fraser McReight, will face off against the NSW Waratahs, captained by Matt Philip, in a fierce Australian derby. Ben O’Keeffe will be the referee, with Maggie Cogger-Orr and Warwick Lahmert as assistant referees, and Richard Kelly as TMO.
- Reds (1-15): 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 (1-15): 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
Blues v Moana Pasifika – Sunday, March 15th, Eden Park, Auckland (15:35 local time)
The Blues, captained by Dalton Papali’i, will host Moana Pasifika, led by Miracle Faiilagi, in Auckland. James Doleman will referee the match, assisted by Marcus Playle and Fraser Hannon, with Glenn Newman serving as TMO.
- Blues (1-15): 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 (1-15): 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
As Super Rugby Pacific continues to unfold, these Round 5 clashes will undoubtedly provide further insight into the competitive landscape and the teams vying for playoff contention. The outcomes of these matches will have significant implications for the standings and the momentum each team carries into the remainder of the season.
What key matchups are you most looking forward to this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
