The Reds will be looking to follow up their stirring victory over the Chiefs when they host the Blues, while there is a Saturday night treat for late owls when the Force – unbeaten in their last five at home – host the Brumbies.

The Reds have made a late change to their team ahead of Friday night’s match against the Blues.

A source told The Roar that Junior Wallabies rep Louis Werchon, who was in line for a potential Super Rugby debut off the bench, has been stood down due to a late arrival for a team meeting on Thursday morning and replaced by Kalani Thomas.

The source said Werchon was gutted to miss out.

Friday

Moana Pasifika vs Crusaders, 5.05pm

All Blacks rest week and injuries have seen Scott Robertson make significant changes to his side for their round 13 clash against Moana Pasifika.

Richie Mo’unga, David Havili, Braydon Ennor and Leicester Fainga’anuku have all been given the week off, leaving Scott Barrett as the lone All Black still needing to sit out a match before the playoffs.

Barrett will miss out against the Waratahs next week.

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Miracle Faiilagi, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki (c), Ereatara Enari, Christian Lealiifano, Neria Foma’i, Levi Aumua, Fine Inisi, Tima Fainga’anuku, William Havili.

Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Mahonri Ngakuru, Jonah Mau’u, Jonathan Taumateine, Henry Taefu, Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Crusaders (1-15): Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Noah Notham, Fergus Burke, Macca Springer, Dallas McLeod, Jack Goodhue, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan.

RESERVES: Ioane Moananu, Andrew Turner, Seb Calder, Dom Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Taha Kemara, Wil Gualter.

Referee: Reuben Keane.

Reds vs Blues, 7.35pm

After being hailed for a coaching masterclass against the Chiefs, Brad Thorn has again opted for changes up front to start the game against the Blues.

Josh Flook has been named to return at outside centre after recovering from a quad injury, with Sef Fa’agase starting at prop and Taj Annan at inside-centre in the other two changes to the starting XV who defeated the Chiefs in New Plymouth last round.

After scoring two tries in his first three Super Rugby games, George Blake retains his starting spot alongside Richie Asiata and Fa’agase in the front row.

Angus Blyth and Connor Vest again run-on in the second row, with the backrow trio of co-captain Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Seru Uru unchanged.

Lawson Creighton partners co-captain Tate McDermott in the halves, with Flook set to combine with Annan after James O’Connor was ruled out due to concussion.

Filipo Daugunu moves back to his preferred position on the wing alongside Suliasi Vunivalu and Jock Campbell in the back three.

Dane Zander and Taj Annan are new additions to the bench, while the likes of Matt Faessler, Harry Wilson and Ryan Smith will again provide impact as finishers after leading Queensland to a memorable win over the Chiefs last Friday.

A reshuffled Blues team will have five players on All Blacks rest.

Senior backs Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke and Fin Christie are all on designated All Blacks rest this week, as is prop Ofa Tuungafasi. 

Patrick Tuipulotu, will lead the side while another AB, Dalton Papalii, serves a three-week suspension.

In the pack, Jordan Lay, Cameron Suafoa and Akira Ioane return to the starting XV while in the backs Sam Nock starts at halfback with Bryce Heem getting the nod at centre and AJ Lam on the left wing.

Head Coach Leon MacDonald said despite a few changes, the vast majority of the team have already seen big minutes this Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

“The likes of Beauden and Harry have been developing their combination well over recent weeks and it’s good to have two big talkers and game drivers out there on the park directing us around.”

“These next three games are crucial, we’re sitting just outside that top four so if we want to be playing at home in the playoffs we need to go on a little run of wins, starting with the Reds on Friday night.”

MacDonald was pragmatic about losing Papalii for the next three weeks of the campaign.

“Dalts is obviously a big loss for us, he’s a big game player and a leader in the team. We are lucky to have a battery of excellent loose forwards to call on to help ease the disruption and in Patty we have an experienced campaigner who’s no stranger to the captaincy.”

Captain Patrick Tuipulotu said his side have previewed the Reds and are well aware of the dangers they possess across the park.

“We saw just last week how good they can be by knocking over the Chiefs at home. This is going to be a stern test for the boys, but I feel we have the team who can get the job done on Friday.”

“It’s a quick turnaround for us so it will be good to get over to Brisbane, get settled, and get a training in before we look to inject some momentum into our campaign before two games at Eden Park to round out the regular season.”

Cameron Suafoa partners Tuipulotu in the locking department for this match with both players up for the challenge against a strong opposing lineout.

“Cam and I have been chatting this week and working out where we think we can attack their ball. The stats show they have the strongest lineout in the competition, and it will no doubt be an area they’ll look to utilise. For us it’s about being precise, disciplined and clear in what we want to achieve at lineout time.”

Reds (1-15): George Blake, Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Taj Annan, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy.

Blues (1-15):  Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Cameron Suafoa, Rieko Ioane Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Harry Plummer, Bryce Heem, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan.

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Josh Fusitu’a, Nepo Laulala, James Tucker, Anton Segner, Taufa Funaki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Referee: Jordan Way

Saturday

Highlanders vs Rebels, 2.35pm

Matt Philip’s hopes of playing in this year’s Rugby World Cup have received a boost, with the Wallabies lock named for his first Super Rugby Pacific match of the season.

Philip will start for the Melbourne Rebels in their must-win match against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.

However, in a blow for the Rebels, in-form playmaker Carter Gordon will miss the crucial clash with a knee issue.

Philip hasn’t played since suffering a serious knee injury during Wallabies training last October, with the 29-year-old relegating Trevor Hosea to the bench.

The lock’s inclusion is one of four changes to last week’s starting XV, with Stacey Ili and Lukas Ripley combining at centre, while Reece Hodge replaces Gordon at 10.

Hodge, 28, will become the most-capped player in club history when he plays his 98th Super Rugby match.

He has scored 547 points over eight seasons, and has represented the Wallabies 62 times.

The Rebels have won three of the past four Super meetings between the two sides and will be returning to Dunedin for the first time since 2020’s thrilling 28-22 win over the Highlanders.

Both teams are locked on 15 points, three points outside the top eight, with three games to play.

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Shannon Frizell, Max Hicks, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Fetuli Paea, Jonah Lowe, Connor Garden-Bachop.

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.

Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Matt Philip, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Reece Hodge, Monty Ioane, Stacey Ili, Lukas Ripley, Lachlan Anderson, Andrew Kellaway.

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Pone Fa’amausili, Trevor Hosea, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste, Joe Pincus.  

Referee: Paul Williams

Chiefs vs Hurricanes, 5.05pm

Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (co-c) Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson.

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi.

Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Owen Franks, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Aidan Morgan, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby.

Replacements: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Caleb Delany, Jamie Booth, Riley Hohepa, Salesi Rayasi.

Referee: James Doleman.

Waratahs vs Drua, 7.35pm

Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman has made just one change to the starting XV – promoting Joey Walton – and two changes to the bench with the return of Taleni Seu and Wallaby Ned Hanigan to face the Drua.

The starting front row remains the same for the third week in a row. David Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Te Tera Faulkner look to continue their good form at scrum time.

Jed Holloway and Hugh Sinclair will partner together back in the second row. Lineouts were a key for the Waratahs last Saturday, Holloway leads the competition in stolen lineouts (9), two more than any other player in the competition.

Will Harris returns as the blindside flanker; he will be joined by Michael Hooper who is now fifth in the competition for tackles made (127). Langi Gleeson had another standout performance, playing a solid 75 minutes and led the team in carries with 9.

Jake Gordon and Ben Donaldson continue in the halves. Gordon was awarded player of the match against the Melbourne Rebels where Donaldson made a statement performance, with one try assist and kicking perfectly from the tee. 

Joey Walton moves into the starting XV, replacing injured Lalakai Foketi. Walton will bring depth to this backline as a second five-eight option. Try scorer Izaia Perese will resume at outside centre.

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

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Archer Holz, Ned Hanigan, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Harry Wilson.

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Mesake Doge, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Apisalome Vota.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Force vs Brumbies, 10pm

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has made 12 changes to his starting side for Saturday’s round 13 clash against the Western Force at HBF Park in Perth. 

Rugby Australia’s Rugby World Cup resting policy sees James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Nic White, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright rested for the Brumbies’ trip west. 

Hudson Creighton will make his first Super Rugby start, combining with Tamati Tua in the midfield after making his return to Larkham’s gameday selection in last week’s bonus-point win against the Highlanders. 

Up front, Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek start at prop with Billy Pollard at hooker. 

Tom Hooper makes his return to the Brumbies run-on side after getting valuable minutes off the bench in the last two weeks. Hooper will partner Darcy Swain in the second row with Jack Wright coming onto the bench to form an all-Vikings lock group. 

In the backrow, Charlie Cale comes in at blindisde with Rory Scott back at openside after a rest in the last two rounds. Pete Samu is a valuable inclusion for the Brumbies at number eight. 

Ryan Lonergan will lead the side at halfback with Jack Debreczeni getting a start at flyhalf. 

Creighton and Tua’s midfield combination sees Ollie Sapsford shift to the right wing, with Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead at fullback forming the back-three. 

Connal McInerney, Fred Kaihea and Sefo Kautai will come on in the front row, with Wright covering lock and Luke Reimer bringing bags of energy to the backrow. 

Jesse Mogg will add plenty of experience to the Brumbies side with the fullback named to a gameday squad for the first time this year. 

“While we’ve made a lot of changes, mostly due to Wallaby rest, the message from us doesn’t change and we’re backing this group to go to Perth and execute their role for the team,” said Larkham

“It’s an exciting team for us, with Hudson getting his first start, Klayton on the bench and Jesse there as well with his leadership and voice at the backend of the game.

“We know this is a big game for the Force so we’ll have to match there energy but everyone in this group knows what’s expected of them and our focus is on preparing well for Saturday night.”

Force head coach Simon Cron has made just one change to his match day 23, after Round 12’s convincing bonus point win over Fijian Drua.

The team is unbeaten at home in four games this season (and five all up), and a win this weekend will equal the club’s longest home streak.

Experienced winger Toni Pulu has been called into the finishers, rested after receiving a head knock in the win against the Highlanders at home in Round 9.

Manasa Mataele’s eye injury has been cleared of serious damage and he will run out on the wing against the Brumbies. Mataele has scored four tries against the Brumbies, including two in his most recent game against the ACT side in Round 6, 2022.

After a standout match last week, dominating in the set-piece and driving strong carries across the pitch, Folau Fainga’a will be looking to continue this form going into his first match against his former side.

Signing on for an additional two years, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is named as scrum-half, tested to control the pace of the game against an experienced Brumbies pack.

Ruled off in the second half last Friday, Ryan McCauley has torn his pectoral muscle and will miss the remainder of the ’22 season.

Force (1-15): Angus Wagner, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Robertson, Felix Kalupu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirige, Chae Tiatia.

Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman, Toni Pulu.

Brumbies (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Billy Pollard, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni,Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead.

Replacements: Connal McInerney, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Jack Wright, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Noah Lolesio, Jesse Mogg.

Referee: Damon Murphy.