The Rebels will host the Reds in a Friday night battle that is sure to pack a punch, while the Waratahs face a massive match after last week’s heartbreak when they host the Blues.

See all the team news as it unfolds below.

(All times AEDT)

Friday

Crusaders v Hurricanes, 5.05pm

All Blacks forward Scott Barrett has served a further blow to the 0-3 Crusaders – with a broken finger set to keep him out for six weeks.

Lock Zach Gallagher returns but the Crusaders have a long injury list including Ethan Blackadder (calf), flyhalf Fergus Burke (Achilles), prop Tamaiti Williams (hamstring), hooker Brodie McAlister (knee), fullback Leigh Halfpenny (shoulder) and flyhalf Rivez Reihana (shoulder).

They’d already lost Will Jordan and Braydon Enner for the season. Meanwhile Joe Moody will miss the match due to a positive test for Covid.

The Hurricanes have stuck with the bulk of the side that beat the Blues last weekend.

Du’Plessis Kirifi is back on the bench after sitting out the past two games through injury while Devan Flanders starts at No. 6 jersey. Loosehead prop Xavier Numia is the other change.

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Zach Gallagher, Dominic Gardiner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Riley Hohepa, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki

RESERVES: Ioane Moananu, Finlay Brewis, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Mitchell Drummond, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod

HURRICANES (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Josh Moorby, Ruben Love

RESERVES: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du’Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon

Rebels vs Reds, 7.35pm

After back-to-back wins, the Rebels have made minor changes to their side for Friday’s Australian derby against the Reds in Melbourne.

Indeed, there’s just one change to the pack, but it’s a big one with Kevin Foote opting to start Taniela Tupou at tight-head prop against his former side.

In a boost, too, captain Rob Leota starts in the back-row despite coming off early in last week’s win over Moana Pasifika.

There’s one change to the backline, with Andrew Kellaway starting at fullback and Glen Vaihu returning to the left-wing. That sees Jake Strachan return to the bench, with Foote opting for a six forwards, two backs split.

Foote’s counterpart Les Kiss has also made minor changes to his side following their important win over the Chiefs.

The main change sees Harry McLaughlin-Phillips start at fly-half, with Tom Lynagh named on the bench.
After missing much of the pre-season, Kiss spoke of wanting to manage his young playmaker on Tuesday.

But it’s also a golden opportunity for McLaughlin-Phillips to show what he can do from the outset in his debut start in the No.10 jersey.

Elsewhere, Peni Ravai comes into the starting side at loose-head prop following Se Fa’agase’s staggering four-week ban for a high shot against the Chiefs.

Jordan Petaia, meanwhile, makes his return from a concussion via the bench. Hunter Paisami is still out which means Isaac Henry gets another opportunity in the No.12 jersey.

REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway

RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Angelo Smith, Jake Strachan, James Tuttle

REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Mac Grealy, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jordan Petaia

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, George Myers

Force vs Moana Pasifika, 10pm

Simon Cron has tweaked his side for Friday’s must-win clash against Moana Pasifika on Friday night.

After letting consecutive fixtures slip through their fingers, the Force need to put away an improved Moana Pasifika season if they want to be considered finals contenders.

They haven’t been helped by the loss of Michael Wells, who is out of the match with a knee-injury.

That sees Tim Anstee come into the starting side, with Reed Prinsep, who has joined the Force on injury cover, brought onto the bench.

The biggest change sees Issak Fines-Leleiwasa named to start, with Nic White to bring some experience off the bench.

Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has been able to name his three most experienced players in the starting XV for the first time this season. Julian Savea, Christian Lealifano and Sekope Kepu will all be there at kick off against the Western Force.

FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Thomas Franklin, Jeremy Williams (c), Tim Anstee, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Max Burey

RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Ollie Callan, Nic White, George Poolman

PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Sama Malolo, Sekope Kepu, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, Christian Lealiifano, Kyren Taumoefolau, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu, Nigel Ah Wong, Danny Toala

RESERVES: Samiuela Moli, Sateki Latu, Sione Mafileo, Ola Tauelangi, Irie Papuni, Melani Matavao, William Havili, Pepesana Patafilo

Referee: Graham Cooper

Assistant Referees: Jordan Kaminski, Ben Jones

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Saturday

Highlanders vs Brumbies, 2.35pm

After almost being run over the top at the death against the Force last week, Stephen Larkham will bring some experience off the bench to ensure they finish well against the Highlanders on Saturday.

Indeed, Wallabies James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan will come off the bench.

That has seen young Wallabies Blake Schoupp and Billy Pollard named to start as two of five changes in the front-row.

The other sees Cadeyrn Neville named to start after coming off the bench in the early rounds.
Larkham has also brought in a bigger body at openside flanker, with Jahrome Brown named in the No.7 jersey. Darcy Swain and Rory Scott will come off the bench.

Highlanders No.10 Cam Millar replaces the rested Rhys Patchell. coach Clarke Dermody has also opted to leave lock Pari Pari Parkinson out of his 23, with Max Hicks and Fabian Holland starting in the second row.

Captain Billy Harmon returns after missing the starting team last week due to a disciplinary issue.

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Max Hicks, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon (c), Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogado, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

RESERVES: Henry Bell, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Connor Garden-Bachop

BRUMBIES (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Billy Pollard, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw

Chiefs vs Fijian Drua, 5.30pm

Two Taranaki forwards will make their first feature in the 23 since pre-season; All Black Josh Lord and rookie Tom Florence.

“Josh Lord’s return is timely given an injury to Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tupou Vaa’i on an All Blacks load management week,” said coach Clayton McMillan. “Tom Florence also gets his first opportunity this year after impressing over the pre-season and in training.” 

The return of versatile Ilaisa Droasese to the starting 15 headlines this week’s matchday 23. Also making their first starts of the season are Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua and Vilive Miramira.

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson

RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tom Florence, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Quinn Tupaea

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Junior Ratuva, Michael Naitokani, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro

Referee: Dan Waenga

Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter

Waratahs vs Blues, 7.35pm

Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has had to go to the well to find another hooker after losing Mahe Vailanu.

With Dave Porecki and Theo Fourie also out, Coleman got on the blower to send out an SOS to Two Blues rake Jay Fonokalafi.

The 27-year-old is in line to make his debut off the bench, with Julian Heaven to start in the No.2 jersey.

Given the inexperience at hooker, Coleman will call on Test star Angus Bell off the bench with Hayden Thompson-Stringer named to start at loose-head prop.

Fergus Lee-Warner also comes into the starting side, with Hugh Sinclair to come off the bench.

There’s one changes to the back line, with Max Jorgensen ruled out with a hip injury.

That sees Mark Nawaqanitawase shift from the wing to fullback, with Dylan Pietsch returning after suffering a knock to the eye against the Crusaders.

The Waratahs do have some experience to call upon from the bench, with Lachie Swinton to play his first match of the year while halfback Jack Grant comes in for Teddy Wilson.

Number 8 Hoskins Sotutu and wing Caleb Clarke return to the Blues’ starting side with Bryce Heem slotting in for his second start of the season at inside centre.

Prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi also makes a return to the starting side, partnering Kurt Eklund and Marcel Renata in the front row.

“This Super season has already thrown up a mixed bag of results; you get the feeling that anyone can get tipped up on any given day,” said captain Dalton Papali’i. 

“These away games are important for us early in the season, we have a run of home games through the middle of the competition, and we don’t want to look back at these early season games and have any regrets,” he said.

WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Fergus Lee-Warner, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase

RESERVES: Jay Fonokalafi, Angus Bell, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Lachlan Swinton, Jack Grant, Harry Wilson

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan

RESERVES: Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, James Palmer