The second installment of Brumbies vs Waratahs for 2023 and the Reds hosting Crusaders highlight round six of Super Rugby Pacific.

While the Chiefs and Blues have named some big additions to their squads as they prepare for one of the games of the season.

Check back here to see the teams as they drop.

Friday

Moana Pasifika vs Highlanders, 5.05pm AEDT

The challenges don’t get any easier for Moana Pasifika.

After being held to zero by a red-hot Hurricanes side, Aaron Mauger faces his former side, the Highlanders, who are starting to find some form.

Making matters worse, Moana Pasifika will be without their captain and playmaker Christian Lealiifano who has been ruled out with a neck injury. He will be replaced by Lincoln McClutchie in the No.10 jersey.

Moana Pasifika are still on the hunt for their first win.

The Highlanders, who have had a horrid injury toll to start the year, are bolstered by the return of All Blacks back-rower Shannon Frizell and fellow loose forward Marino Mikaele Tu’u. Both men will be injected in the second half.

Connor Garden-Bachop starts on the wing while Thomas Umaga-Jensen remains a key player in the midfield.

Mitch Hunt once again partners All Blacks star Aaron Smith in the halves.

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Samiuela Moli, Suetena Asomua, Mitchael Curry, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki (c), Ere Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai, William Havili.

Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole, Joe ‘Apikotoa, Mike McKee, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, D’Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi.

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Leni Apisai, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Will Tucker, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Connor Garden -Bachop, Sam Gilbert.

Replacements: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Miller, Marino Mikaele Tu’u..

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe.

Reds vs Crusaders, 7.35pm AEDT

Brad Thorn has made four changes to his starting XV against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.

Fijian international Peni Ravai will make his starting debut at loosehead prop and co-captain Tate McDermott will start, while Suliasi Vunivalu will return to the side on the wing.

Isaac Henry replaces injured Hunter Paisami, while Angus Blyth makes a welcomed return from injury via the bench.

Thorn said: “The Crusaders are one of the world’s best teams and have been for a long time. We look forward to the challenge this Friday night.

“We’re pleased to see Angus return to the team. He’s worked hard to get fit and will bring a lot to our forward pack.”

Ravai is the sole change to the Reds forward pack and will start alongside Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr in the front row.

Ryan Smith and Seru Uru start at lock, with co-captain Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, playing his 50th game for the Reds and Harry Wilson continuing their partnership in the backrow.

After being given a breather against the Rebels, McDermott returns to the run-on team to partner James O’Connor.

Josh Flook starts at outside centre fresh from his third brace of the year, which saw him become the first Queensland player to score three doubles in a season since Chris Latham in 2002.

Vunivalu returns on the wing in place of Filipo Daugunu, with Jock Campbell and Jordan Petaia running on at fullback and wing respectively.

Blyth will make his return from a syndesmosis injury from the bench, with outside back Mac Grealy also back in the 23.

Rookie halfback Noah Notham will make his first start for the Crusaders – his first game since coming off the bench against the Drua where he gave up a game defining penalty.

The Crusaders have 16 players sidelined through injury, with Ethan Blackadder the latest casualty with a a calf injury which will keep him out for six weeks.

Sione Havili-Talitui will start in Bthe No 6 jersey, while Christian Lio-Willie will start at the back of the scrum.

A high-ankle sprain to Macca Springer means Will Gualter will get another run off the bench.

“It’s [injuries] a part of playing rugby, and it’s a part of being an athlete, you’d like it to be a bit more spread out or not happen at all, but it’s just a part of it,” coach Scott Robertson said.

“Guys that have taken that spot, you back them and you trust them and Dom is a prime example, coming in and doing a great job at lock.”

Reds (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Taj Annan, Mac Grealy.

Crusaders (1-15):

Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Dom Gardiner, Sione Havili-Talitui, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Enner, Pepesana Patafilo, Fergus Burke.

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Willi Heinz, Will Gualter, Chay Fihaki.

Referee: Damon Murphy

Saturday

Fijian Drua vs Rebels, 2.35pm AEDT

Wallabies regulars Andrew Kellaway and Reece Hodge are back for the Rebels, as Kevin Foote’s side attempt to go back-to-back against the Fiji Drua in Suva.

Their returns are timely ones, with the Drua a different proposition when playing at home.

Kellaway will play his first match of the season off the bench after injuring himself against Ireland in Dublin last November, while Hodge makes a surprise return after a hand injury against the Chiefs earlier this month and returns at outside centre. Jordan Uelese also returns via the bench.

Up front and Josh Canham’s return eases the blow of losing Trevor Hosea.

Drua (1-15): Emosi Tuqiri, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Tiko, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Eroni Sau, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Kaloipasi Uluilakepa, Joseva Tamani, Ella Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Michael Naitokani, Taniela Rakuro.

Rebels: Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Stacey Ili, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Joe Pincus.

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, David Feliuai Andrew Kellaway.

Referee: James Doleman

Chiefs vs Blues, 5.05pm AEDT

Get ready for one of the games of the season, as the Blues travel to Hamilton to take on the Chiefs.

Both sides have some big inclusions, particularly in the second-row with Tupou Vaa’i returning for the home side and big Patrick Tuipulotu for the Blues.

The unbeaten Chiefs have named a settled side, with Damian McKenzie returning to the No.10 jersey and Shaun Stevenson moving to fullback after coming off the bench last week.

“This is a game that the boys look forward to,” head coach Clayton McMillan said. “They are our closest neighbours and they are a team stacked with All Blacks.

“They understand how they want to play and they have the ability to impose that game on you if you allow them. They present a significant challenge.

“The rivalry seems to bring the best out in both teams and I anticipate this will be a very physical contest.
“We owe it to our loyal supporters to deliver a performance that they can be proud of and hope they arrive in droves to witness what should be a barn-stormer.”

The Blues, meanwhile, had made sweeping changes after resting a handful of stars last weekend.

Halves Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett return, as does Rieko Ioane at outside centre and Caleb Clarke on the wing.

The Blues have some much needed strength coming off the bench after Tuipulotu’s return, while Ofa Tuungafasi and James Lay offer some muscle too.

“Nothing beats the Battle of the Bombays! We’ve had some epic matches over the years and I’m sure this will be no different. Bragging rights are on the line,” Blues captain Dalton Papalii said.

“The Chiefs have been the form side so far this season, they’re unbeaten and playing some good code, but there’s a focus and intensity to what we’ve been doing this week, we’re ready to head down the road and take the game to them.”

Chiefs: Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Aidan Ross, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Liam Coombes-Fabling 

Blues: Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Stephen Perofeta

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Lay,  Patrick Tuipulotu, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Zarn Sullivan)

Referee: Angus Gardner.

Brumbies vs Waratahs, 7.35pm AEDT

It’s normal service resumed for the Brumbies after they put up the white flag against Crusaders last week, with Stephen Larkham opting for his strongest line up to face the Waratahs.

After being rested in line with Rugby Australia’s Rugby World Cup policy, James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White, and Tom Wright return to the Brumbies starting lineup, with Len Ikitau also fit to start at outside centre. 

Slipper will form the front row with Lachlan Lonergan and captain Allan Alaalatoa, with Nick Frost back in the run-on side alongside Cadeyrn Neville in the second row. 

Rory Scott will wear the seven jersey with Valetini and Samu back in the backrow. 

White will partner Noah Lolesio in the halves, with Tamati Tua starting at inside centre to combine with Ikitau in the midfield. 

The back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Wright is restored, Toole having made an impressive start to his Super Rugby career on the left wing. 

In the finishers, Rhys Van Nek will cover hooker with Fred Kaihea and Sefo Kautai coming on at prop.

Lock Sam Thomson is in line for his Super Rugby debut from the bench, the Scottish second rower having played professionally for Edinburgh in the URC, and both Toshiba Brave Lupus and Kintetsu Liners in Japan’s Top League. 

Larkham said: “We’re fortunate to be able to bring back a lot of experience for what is likely to be a game played at test-match intensity.”

“They’ve talked about being underdogs, but the Waratahs have a great squad and they’ll come down here under pressure to get a result so we’ll be aware of that. 

“We’re expecting our biggest crowd in five years for this game so there’s been a great energy around HQ this week and we’re just excited to get to gameday.”

The Waratahs, meanwhile, have named a relatively settled side that has been boltered by the return of Lalakai Foketi at inside centre and Max Jorgensen at fullback.

“It’s really positive for us that we can welcome Max and Lalakai back, they’ve been two of our most dangerous players in the early rounds,” Darren Coleman said.

“We’re also happy to name, for one of the first times this season, a stable and consistent team this week, which we will need against a well organised Brumbies team. 

“We understand the enormity of the challenge but know that if we can get a result, it will erase some of the disappointments of the last few weeks pretty quickly.”

The duo are the only changes to the backline and bring a touch of class to the side that was missing last week during their 24-14 defeat to the Chiefs.

Up front and Lachie Swinton’s neck complaint has seen Taleni Seu come in at blindside flanker.

Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.

Replacements: Rhys Van Nek, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Sam Thomson, Jahrome Brown, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell.

Waratahs: Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Taleni Seu, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Zac Von Appen, Hunter Ward, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson

Referee: Nic Berry

Sunday

Hurricanes vs Force, 1.35pm AEST

The changes keep coming for the Western Force, with Test hooker Folau Fainga’a and captain Michael Wells ruled out of the side’s final match on tour against the Hurricanes.

Fainga’a Achilles heel soreness has seen Tom Horton named at hooker, while Ollie Callan returns at openside flanker with Tim Anstee and Rahboni Vosayaco forming the back-row.

Wallaby Tom Robertson also returns at loose-head prop after his concussion against the Highlanders.

The backline is reasonably settled, with Hamish Stewart once again named at fly-half and Bayley Kuenzle at inside centre. Bryce Hegarty returns via the bench.

“We’ve been watching Gareth now for some time; one thing that was obvious in the ‘A’ games is that he’s an excellent leader,” coach Simon Cron said.

“He’s got clear, precise communication; he focuses on the game and sits in a position where he can connect to both the backs and forwards. So we do want a lot of communication out of Gareth. All those things add up to the fact that he’s the perfect captain for us this weekend. He’s excited, the boys are excited and have got behind him. So an overall really good opportunity for him.

“We’ve had a lot of changes forced upon us through injury. Therefore, one of the things we’re trying to do this week is to keep as many combinations as we can together.”

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland is expecting a physical battle.

“They always have massive intent and massive physicality, and I think with their coaching set up this year, they’re definitely playing a pretty good style of footy,”said Holland.

“I expect them to really challenge us when they’ve got the ball, with some shapes and some variation in the game, I expect them to be tough, so we will have to be right on our game to put them away in Palmy,” said Holland.

Hurricanes (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Dominic Bird, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Bailyn Sullivan, Daniel Sinkinson, Harry Godfrey.

Replacements: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, TK Howden, Peter Lakai, Cameron Roigard, Riley Higgins, Kini Naholo.

Force: Tom Robertson, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson (c), Hamish Stewart, Toni Pulu, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia

Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Jackson Pugh, Issak Fines, Bryce Hegarty, George Poolman

Referee: Paul Williams