All roads lead to Melbourne and AAMI Park this weekend for Super Rugby Pacific’s round two matches. The Rebels are the first of the Australian teams in action on Friday night, and will be trying to arrest a 10-straight game losing streak to the Hurricanes, who romped to a win over Queensland in round one.

The Waratahs face Drua on Saturday night while the Brumbies kick off Sunday against the Blues before the festival wraps up with the Force and Reds battle.

 Under the rules this season the teams are obliged to name their teams around lunchtime two days prior to the game. That means, at the latest, we will be getting Friday teams on Wednesday, Saturday teams on Thursday and Sunday teams on Friday and updating them as they come in.

Here are how the teams match up this weekend.

(All games are at AAMI Park, All times are AEDT)

Friday

Crusaders vs Highlanders, 6pm

The Crusaders were surprisingly turned over by the Chiefs last week and welcome back inspirational All Black Sam Whitelock for this one.

Injuries to Cullen Grace and Fletcher Newell have forced changes elsewhere in the forward pack with Scott Robertson promoting Tamaiti Williams and Christian Lio-Willie. David Havili moves from fullback to inside centre with Fergus Burke at No.15.

The Highlanders are without three All Blacks due to load management programs. Aaron Smith sits out for his second game while flanker Shannon Frizell and loosehead prop Ethan de Groot are also being stood down.

Loose forward Marino Mikaele-Tu’u is absent through injury after suffering rib damage early in the 60-20 loss the Blues.

Nikora Broughton, who captained the NZ Barbarians under-20 team last year, will make his debut at No 8 while coach Clarke Dermody has opeted for a new 9-10 combination after the Blues debacle – Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and Freddie Burns will start ahead of Folau Fakatava and Mitch Hunt.

Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Sevu Reece, Fergus Burke.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Seb Calder, , Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Braydon Enner, Macca Springer.

Highlanders (1-15): Ayden Johnstone, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Paripari Parkinson, Will Tucker, Billy Harmon, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Freddie Burns, Connor Garden-Bachop, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert.

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Mosese Dawai.

Referee: Nic Berry

Key facts: Crusaders have won nine of their past 10 Super Rugby matches against Highlanders (L1 )including the last two. The Crusaders are looking to avoid opening a Super Rugby season with back-to-back losses for the first time since 2014. The Crusaders lead the head-to-head 31-12 with one drawn game.

Melbourne Rebels v Hurricanes, 8.10pm

Trevor Hosea makes his starting debut for the Rebels as one of three changes to the starting XV from the team over run by Western Force on Saturday in Perth.

Hosea will pair with the Josh Canham, forming an all-Victorian second row.

Tuaina Taii Tualima has come in as blindside flanker, while Olympic sevens player Joe Pincus is named at fullback for his SRP debut.

The 2020 Olympian is one of two debutants for the Rebels 2023 home opener along with Angelo Smith.

Cameron Orr is back for his first match of 2023.

“We can’t wait to play our first game at home, during a special week for Melbourne,” said Rebels coach Kevin Foote.

“We’ve selected a side balanced with exciting young talent and international experience. Having guys like Trevor Hosea and Josh Kemeny return, guys who are young and just going to grow, is huge.

“Playing the Hurricanes, the first Kiwi team for the season, will be a great challenge for our group. We were bitterly disappointed with Round 1’s result, so we’re excited for another opportunity to get into it this week.

“We want to play a brand of rugby that is fast, fearless and resolute. Something that represents the energy of Melbourne, and a brand that will make Melburnians proud of the Rebels.”

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has made three changes to the starting team which beat the Reds 47-13 in Townsville.

All Blacks tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax is promoted to the XV with Owen Franks on the bench. There is a change to both flankers with Brayden Iose (blindside) and Du’Plessis Kirifi (openside) promoted to start alongside No. 8 Ardie Savea.

The only change to the 23 is a call up for centre Riley Higgins.

Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Tuiana Taii Tualima, Brad Wilkin, Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Stacey Ili, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Joe Pincus.

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Josh Kemeny, James Tuttle, Lukas Ripley23. Nick Jooste

Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), Cam Roigard, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby

Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, Caleb Delany, Peter Lakai, Jamie Booth, Riley Higgins, Harry Godfrey.

Referee: James Doleman.

Key facts: Hurricanes have won their last nine Super Rugby matches against Melbourne Rebels since losing their first ever meeting with them in March 2011 (25-42); each of the previous 10 meetings between these two sides have been decided by margins of 10+ points. The Hurricanes had an average gain of 8.1 metres per carry in the opening round of the season, the highest of any team in the competition and nearly two metres per carry more than the Melbourne Rebels (6.2m).

Saturday

Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs, 5.05pm

The Chiefs are without All Black Anton Leinert-Brown who suffered an ankle injury in the defeat of Crusaders and is set to be stuck on 99 appearances for around three weeks.

Rameka Poihipi has replaced Lienert-Brown at inside centre. A bruised calf has sidelined prop Aidan Ross with Ollie Norris to start at loosehead.

Etene Nanai-Seturo, a late withdrawal last week, should be fit to start on the wing.

Prop Jared Profit and midfielder Ngatungane Punivai are poised to make their Chiefs debuts off the bench.

Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger has made a raft of changes to the team that played the Fijian Drua on Saturday.

Ezekiel Lindnemuth returns to the squad after being ruled out on match day with a neck injury which sees double try-scorer Abraham Pole named on the bench. Samieula Moli and Chris Apoua retain their starting positions in the front row and will be bolstered by Samuel Slade and Mahonri Ngakuru in the second row.

A hamstring injury to Alamanda Motuga has resulted in a reshuffle of the loose forward trio. Vailele-native Miracle Faiilagi will make his first-class rugby debut in the number 6 jersey in what will be a proud moment for the Samoan-based flanker. The 23-year-old is joined in the back row by Solomone Funaki and Jonah Mau’u at openside flanker and number eight respectively.

Halfback Manu Paea gets his first opportunity to start this season with Ereatara Enari moving to the bench. At just 21 years of age, Paea will play inside of former Wallaby flyhalf Christian Lealiifano who plays in his 163^rd Super Rugby game.

Danny Toala shifts into the boot and will start at fullback, resulting in a new look midfield combination featuring Levi Aumua and Fine Inisi. Anzelo Tuitavuki is elevated into the match-day 23 and will start on the left wing with Timoci Tavatavanawai cementing his spot on the right wing.

There is plenty of experience on the bench with Manu Samoa internationals Ereatara Enari and Henry Taefu ready to provide impact. Ray Niuia and Lotu Inisi are also returning from injury

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Samiuela Moli, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Mahonri Ngakuru, Miracle Faiilagi, Solomone Funaki, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, Christian Lealiifano, Anzelo Tuitavuki,
Levi Aumua, Fine Inisi, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala.

Replacements: Ray Niuia, Abraham Pole, Suetena Asomua, Michael Curry, Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Henry Taefu.

Chiefs (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Alex Nankivell, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Shaun Stevenson.

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Profit, John Ryan, Laghlan McWhannell, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Ngatungane Punivai.

Referee: Angus Gardner

Key facts: This will be the third meeting of Moana Pasifika and Chiefs in Super Rugby; Chiefs have won both of their previous meetings by an average margin of 40 points. Moana Pasifika have scored 30+ points in each of their last two games in Super Rugby after not reaching that margin any of their 13 games prior.

Fijian Drua v NSW Waratahs, 7.35pm

Former Wallabies hooker Tolu Latu gets his chance to impress Eddie Jones and make a late play for this year’s tournament with hiws call up on the bench for the Tahs match against Fijian Drua.

Latu was a controversial pick up by Darren Coleman who is banking on a cultural shift to benefit the former bad boy of Australian rugby.

Coleman has made a change in his pack with Langi Gleeson coming into the No.8 jersey. Charlie Gamble, who played there in the opening round loss to the Brumbies, goes to the bench. Coleman has stuck with Tane Edmed at No.10 and Ben Donaldson at No.15 for the second week running while Nemani Nadolo is out of the 23.

Drua (1-15): Jone Tiko, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, lestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela, Taniela Rakuro

Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, David Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Max Jorgensen, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Te Tera Faulkner, Daniel Botha, Taleni Seu, Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Harrison Goddard, Ben Dowling.

Referee: Jordan Way

Key facts: This is the third meeting between the teams with the Tahs winning both by margins of 24+ points each. The Drua are looking to secure back-to-back wins in Super Rugby for the first time since joining the competition. Drua have lost their last five straight games against Australian teams.

Sunday

Blues v ACT Brumbies, 2pm

Stephen Larkham has stuck with the halves combination of Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni after they led the the Brumbies to a win over the waratahs last weekend.

Test halves Nic White and Noah Lolesio will have to come off the bench again. There has been a change up front with Test skipper James Slipper starting and Blake Schoupp ging to the bench.

The backline remains unchanged for the blockbuster clash.

The Blues will be are without All Black Akira Ioane. Ioane suffered a knee injury last Saturday.The starting backline that blitzed the Highlanders remains the same.

Blues Head Coach, Leon MacDonald, said he felt for Ioane, but is confident that the team has the depth to cover his absence.

“You never want to see players get injured and it’s an unfortunate blow for Akira this early in the season, but he’s working with our medical staff on a rehab programme to get him back and fit,” said MacDonald.

“It’s great to have several options at loose forward and we’ll make a call on Tom and Adrian closer to Sunday with both players making the trip to Melbourne.”

MacDonald also highlighted the changes in the front row, with Joshua Fusitu’a getting his first start in a Blues jersey, Ricky Riccitelli starting at hooker and James Lay making his return after a rough run with injuries.

“All three front rowers deserve their starts this week which double as an opportunity to put their hand up in a hotly contested area of the park for us – I’m looking forward to seeing how this front row gel on Sunday,” said MacDonald.

Blues Captain, Dalton Papalii, is equally excited for the return of Lay and the opportunity for Fusitu’a to make his mark.

“I’m stoked to see Jimmy Lay back in blue after a long lay-off with injuries. He’s a superb club man and a great guy to have around the group, so to see him run out on Sunday will be reward for all his hard work in getting back to playing fitness,” said Papalii.

Papalii acknowledged the challenge the Brumbies present and emphasised the team’s focus on constant improvement.

“You can’t stand still in this competition, otherwise teams will run straight past you. We know the Brumbies will bring a physical, confronting game and we have been preparing all week to meet that challenge,” he said.

Blues (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, James Lay, Patrick Tuipulotu, Cameron Suafoa, Tom Robinson (Adrian Choat), Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta.

Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Adrian Choat (Anton Segner), Taufa Funaki, Bryce Heem, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.
Replacements: John Ulugia, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Key facts: Blues have won six of their last seven games against the Brumbies including their past three. The most recent two matches were decided by just two and one point. But the Blues have not won back to back games against the Brumbies on Australian soil since 2000.

Western Force v QLD Reds, 4,30pm

The Queensland Reds have welcomed back four big guns for their match against the Western Force in Melbourne.
 
Co-captain Liam Wright will return to the side at blindside flanker after a week’s lay-off with concussion, while fellow Wallabies Suliasi Vunivalu, James O’Connor and Jock Campbell will also feature in their first matches of 2023.
 
Campbell is in line to play his 50^th Queensland game off the bench.

Head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’re looking forward to getting down to Melbourne for Super Round. Having all 12 teams in the one city is a great spectacle for our game.
 
“The Force kicked off their season with a good win last week, they’ll be a tough contest as always.
 
“We’ll welcome back Liam, Suli, James and Jock. They’re all experienced players who will bring a lot to our team.”
 
Wright’s inclusion sees Seru Uru shift to lock where he’ll partner Ryan Smith, with Harry Wilson and Fraser McReight starting in the backrow.
 
Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a and Manasa Mataele return for the Force.

Fainga’a will start at hooker for the first time in the Force jersey. Consistent front rowers Robertson and Medrano add weight against a hard-hitting Reds uniform. 

Mataele returns to the right wing after pulling up tight moments before the team was due to run on at HBF Park.

Fresh out of his short-lived retirement, comeback king Jeremy Thrush earns a start after securing the match-winning try in the final minutes of last week’s home game, partnering with Williams as the locking combination makes for an exciting duo. 

Force (1-15): Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Williams, Jeremy Thrush, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bryce Hegarty, Zach Kibirige, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Manasa Mataele, Chase Tiatia.

Replacements:  Tom Horton, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, George Poolman, Jake Strachan.

Reds (1-15): Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru Liam Wright, Fraser McReight,  Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Jock Campbell.

Referee: Paul Williams

Key facts: The Reds have won four of their past five games against the Force but only enjoy a 12-10 win loss record with one draw. The Force have won their past three matches in the comp – the longest winning stretch since their five in a row back in 2014. The Force struggle outside WA – winning just three of their past 16 games elsewhere in Australia.