It’s round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific and the run home towards the finals is in full swing. The Reds travel to table-topping Chiefs while the Tahs face the Rebels in what is shaping as an exciting clash.

The teams will be added here as they’re announced.

(All times AEST)

Friday

Chiefs vs Reds, 5.05pm

Reds coach Brad Thorn has opted to rest several of his key men, making seven changes as his seventh placed team travels to meet the top of the table Chiefs.

George Blake set to make his starting debut in the front row, while Seru Uru also returns to the starting side at No.8. There are potential debuts for utility back Paddy James and scrumhalf Louis Werchon.

“The Chiefs provide a tough assignment on Friday night being the completion’s front runner,”said Thorn. “They have threats across the field and we will need to be at our best.

That’s especially true considering the distinctly second XV feel to Thorn’s selection – which resembles similarly weakened selections by the Brumbies and Waratahs for games in New Zealand this season.

Blake starts at loosehead prop in a new-look front row, with both Richie Asiata and Peni Ravai named to start after featuring on the bench last week.

After notching his 50th Queensland cap last round, Angus Blyth returns to the run-on team and will start at lock alongside Connor Vest.

Uru will start in the backrow, with Harry Wilson rested on the bench after starting in every match so far this season.

Co-captain Liam Wright and Fraser McReight retain their positions, as do halves combination Tate McDermott and Lawson Creighton.

Filipo Daugunu will start at outside centre for the first time, with both Taj Annan (concussion) and Josh Flook (cork) unavailable.

Jordan Petaia has been ruled out with a wrist injury, which will see Jock Campbell shift to fullback and Mac Grealy come into the starting side for the first time this season.

Werchon and James are both set for milestone games off the bench, with the likes of Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith to provide impact as finishers.

The Chiefs return to Taranaki and there is a strong local flavour with four local players named – Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater, and All Black locks Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord.
 
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is looking forward to getting down to Taranaki to play the Reds. 
 
“It is home to a number of our players, and it will be a proud moment for those who were fit and available to play in front of friends and family. 
 
“That played a part in our squad selection; alongside All Blacks rest protocols, increasing squad readiness for upcoming games, and respecting the huge challenge the Reds will bring. 
 
“At this stage of the season, every point counts and I have no doubt both teams will come eager to lock horns in the bullring.”

Chiefs (1-15): Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater, John Ryan, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson.

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Atunaisa Moli, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Ioane, Alex Nankivell.

Reds (1-15): George Blake, Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Tom Lynagh, Paddy James.

Referee: Paul Williams.

Force vs Drua, 7.35pm

Force coach Simon Cron has made five changes to his starting XV for the game against Fijian Drua at HBF Park.

Wallaby Tom Robertson returns at tighthead prop while Folau Fainga’a is also back

After the birth of his son, Rahbni Vosayaco is back in the West and will run on in the backrow along with Captain Michael Wells and local product Carlo Tizzano. Tizzano will play his first match at HBF Park on Friday night since his departure in 2019. 

The backs remain unchanged. With flyhalf Max Burey stepping onto HBF Park for the first time in the blue jersey. 

Siosifa Amone and Tim Anstee return to the match day 23, having recovered from injury. 

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta returns for Fiji having missed the past two matches while captain Meli Derenalagi, Eroni Sau and Jone Koroiduadua are also back in the run-on side.

All three came off the bench in last week’s historic win against the Hurricanes. Caleb Muntz returns from an 8-week injury layoff as cover for the inside halves.

Force (1-15): Angus Warner, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Ryan McCauley, Michael Wells (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Vosayaco, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia.

Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Eroni Sau, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Referee: Angus Gardner

Saturday

Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika 2.35pm

Hurricanes (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Tyrel Lomax, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), Jamie Booth, Aidan Morgan, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Salesi Rayasi, Harry Godfrey.

Replacements: Hame Faiva, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Logan Henry, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Josh Moorby.

Moana (1-15): Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Luteru Tolai, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Alex McRobbie, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tuipulotu, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu (c), Danny Toala, Tima Fainga’anuku, Tomasi Alosio.

Replacements: Joe Royal, Tau Koloamatangi, Chris Apoua, Potu Leavasa, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, D’angelio Leuila, Lolagi Visinia.

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

Crusaders vs Blues, 5.05pm

Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock and Blues double code hopper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are the big absentees in the rematch of last year’s final.

Whitelock hasn’t recovered from the Achilles injury suffered against the Chiefs last month while RTS is fit but can’t even get a place on the bench.

Jack Goodhue returns to the Crusaders 23 and will come off the bench after missing last week’s game with a knee injury.

Akira Ioane will make his 100th appearance for the Blues from the bench.

Leon MacDonald has continued his preference for Harry Plummer at No.12 in a midfield partnership with All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane ignoring the claims of RTS who played at 12 against Moana Pasifika last week.

Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan.

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Oliver Jager, Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue.

Blues (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi,Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan.

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cam Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.

Referee: Nic Berry

Waratahs vs Rebels, 7.35pm

Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman has made just one change to the starting team that defeated the Reds last week in Townsville.

The front-row remains the same with David Porecki joining Harry Johnson-Holmes and Te Tera Faulkner in an all-Wallaby front row. 

Hugh Sinclair, who led the team in tackles against the Reds (20), partners the competitions leading lineout winner Jed Holloway (69) in the second row. 

Will Harris is the only change to the XV, replacing Taleni Seu at blindside flanker and joining Langi Gleeson and Michael Hooper in the backrow. Seu came off the field at half-time against the Reds with a minor shoulder complaint and was ruled out late in the week.

Gleeson was again impressive for the Waratahs, leading the team for carries against the Reds (12), and is averaging the 3rd most run metres per 80 minutes in the competition (115.6) – the most by any forward.

Jake Gordon continues his all-Wallaby partnership with Ben Donaldson in the halves, while Lalakai Foketi, fresh off scoring one of the tries of the season, partners Izaia Perese in the midfield. 

Mark Nawaqanitawase who leads the team in carries (76), run metres (640), offloads (13) and defenders beaten (32) is joined in the back three by Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen.

Coleman has made two changes to his bench with Teddy Wilson and Ola Tauelangi joining the match day 23.

Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Will Harris, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen.

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Archer Holz, Ola Tauelangi, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson.

Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, David Feliuai, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway.

Replacements: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Tim Cardell, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Joe Pincus.

Referee: Damon Murphy

Sunday

Brumbies vs Highlanders, 2.35pm

Stephen Larkham has made just one change to his starting side for Sunday afternoon’s game at GIO Stadium. 

Centre Ollie Sapsford comes into the midfield with Hudson Creighton being included in the Brumbies matchday squad for the first time this season. 

James Slipper starts at loosehead prop with Lachlan Lonergan at hooker and captain Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead, the Wallaby leading the team for the 46th time. 

Darcy Swain and Nick Frost combine at lock with the backrow of Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu remaining unchanged from round 11. 

Nic White and Noah Lolesio continue their partnership in the halves with Sapsford forming the midfield with Len Ikitau. 

The Brumbies back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright start for the ninth time this season, Wright having been at his electric best against the Rebels. 

Connal McInerney also returns to the Brumbies matchday selection, the hooker joining Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek as the finishing front row. 

Tom Hooper and Luke Reimer will bring bags of energy to the forwards, with Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni having important roles to play as the finishing halves. 

Creighton completes the Brumbies gameday squad. 

“We’re excited to be home this week against a really good Highlanders side who have been far better than their record this season,” said Larkham.

“It’s great to have Hudson back fit. He’s been in exception form for the Queanbeyan Whites on his return from injury having been one of our best young players last year and we’re looking forward to seeing him get a crack this Sunday.

“Sunday afternoon games are rare and our focus is performing well for our community and building towards the finals.”

Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.

Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.

Highlanders (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Andrew Makalio, Saula Ma’u, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Connor Garden-Bachop.

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe.

TBC

Referee: Graham Cooper