The Brumbies are boosted by the return of Rob Valetini for the grudge match against the Waratahs but Tahs’ star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is missing again. Meanwhile Lukhan Salakaia-Loto makes his season debut for the Reds.
See all the team news as it’s revealed below.
(All times are AEDT)
Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs, 5:05pm
Friday
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has named a new-look front row to take on Moana Pasifika on Friday night, while off the bench a club debut looms for Counties Manukau forward James Thompson.
Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater and Reuben O’Neill form the engine room after all sitting out last week’s thrilling 32-31 victory over the Blues in Hamilton, with Kaylum Boshier and Thompson the other new faces added to the group from last week.
Veteran midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown will miss the match after being a late withdrawal in Round 5 due to a minor leg injury, while forward Simon Parker is also laid up with a knee issue.
Tom Savage will lead Moana Pasifika against the Chiefs at Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday night.
Savage has been instrumental for the team, filling in as captain for Ardie Savea who recovers from a short-term hamstring injury.
Rising Manu Samoa star Tuna Tuitama also has a chance to debut off the bench. He was part of Moana Pasifika’s wider training squad in 2024 and shined on the world sevens stage.
“I’m so excited and humbled to have this opportunity,” Tuitama said. “I can’t wait to get out there and play with the boys.”
This is one of a number of changes head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has made to his side.
Other changes in the forwards sees Abraham Pole earn a start at prop, Miracle Faiilagi moves to 7, while Ola Tauelangi gets a start at blindside flanker.
In the backline Losi Filipo earns his first start on the wing. Meanwhile Lalomilo Lalomilo moves to inside centre while Pepesana Patafilo rejoins him in the starting lineup at 13.
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Sione Mafile’o, Tom Savage (c), Allan Craig, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Losi Filipo, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama
CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Profitt, Bradley Slater, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Gideon Wrampling, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, James Thompson, Jahrome Brown, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Quinn Tupaea
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Shane McDermott
Saturday
Highlanders vs Reds, 2:35pm
Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson will captain the Reds for the first time, with Liam Wright and Fraser McReight injured and Tate McDermott rested.
But in a sign of the times and growing depth in Australian rugby following the Rebels’ unfortunate demise, the Reds will still roll out a strong outfit against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday afternoon which has been bolstered by the return of Wallaby Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.
“I feel very privileged to be able to captain Queensland,” Wilson said.
“I’ve always liked to lead in my own way and help the team in any way I can. It just happens I’ll have the (c) next to my name this week. A week later I’ll probably be back to my normal role.
“I definitely feel more relaxed in this captaincy situation because of the Wallabies experiences I had last year. I just want to really enjoy this with a squad that has the opportunity to go to New Zealand and get a win in a city where we haven’t done so for 12 years.”
Harry Wilson. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Indeed, with injuries and Rugby Australia’s high performance protocols taking place, the Reds have made several changes from the one that put away the Waratahs at home.
Up front, hooker Richie Asiata comes in for Matt Faessler, who came off early against the Waratahs last week. Asiata joins Sef Fa’agase and Zane Nonggorr in the front-row.
Ryan Smith’s stand-down allows for Angus Blyth to join Josh Canham in the second-row, with re-signed Wallaby Salakaia-Loto to play his first minutes of this year’s Super Rugby season since injuring his leg during a pre-season tour to the United Kingdom.
Rising loose-forward John Bryant replaces Fraser McReight, who is expected to miss a couple of weeks because of an AC issue in his shoulder.
Kalani Thomas earns a rare start, with McDermott given a week to recharge the batteries. Louis Werchon provides cover from the bench.
On the bench, George Blake will show his versatility by providing cover at hooker. Massimo De Lutiis returns after having a week off last week.“
There’s going to be some really rowdy students in the stands under the roof. It’ll be a good atmosphere and a challenge to enjoy,” Reds coach Les Kiss said.
“We have a game we think we can win with. We just have to put it on the park with the balance we have been working on.
“Harry has been part of our leadership group from the start this season and his presence in the locker room makes him the ideal man for the captaincy this week.
“Guys like John Bryant and Joe Brial step up for us with lots of qualities and Lukhan is a massive addition who will add leadership as well.”
The Highlanders have rejigged their forward pack. Soane Vikena starts at hooker with Jack Taylor to the bench. TK Howden moves from loose forward to lock and Fabian Holland will provide bench impact.
Thomas Umaga-Jensen will make his debut for the 2025 season following early season injury and a few warm-up games for the Highlanders Bravehearts Development team. His reinstatement to the midfield means Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai reverts to his more familiar position on the left wing. Finn Hurley returns from a quad injury to earn his place at fullback which means regular starter Sam Gilbert will make his 50th Super Rugby appearance as an impact player.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, TK Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Finn Hurley
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Sam Gilbert
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, John Bryant, Harry Wilson (c), Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo De Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
Blues vs Crusaders, 5:05pm
Crusader Macca Springer has been rewarded for his five-try performance last weekend with demotion to the bench to face the Blues.
Chay Fihaki returns on the wing in Springer’s place.
Other changes see Cullen Grace return and Dallas McLeod back in midfield for the Saturday night meeting with the Blues at Eden Park.
Injury has ruled out Ethan Blackadder (quad), while the recently returned Brayden Ennor has picked up a hamstring injury in training. Ennor missed the entire 2024 season through injury.
Noah Hotham and Quin Strange are both back from injury and will return to the bench.
It’s Strange’s first game of the 2025 season and Hotham’s second after injuring his ankle in round one against the Hurricanes in just the eighth minute.
Stephen Perofeta gets his first crack at No.10 for the Blues this season with six changes for the 1-4 injury-hit Blues.
The champions have 12 players missing this week including new additions Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (concussion) and AJ Lam (leg).
Perofeta had missed the first month of the season with a calf injury and replaces Harry Plummer, who drops to the bench.
No 8 Hoskins Sotutu returns after suspension while All Black Caleb Clarke returns on the left wing after he was a late withdrawal from the Chiefs match.
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: James Mullan, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Tristyn Cook, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, James O’Connor, Macca Springer
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referee: Mike Winter, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Waratahs vs Brumbies, 7:35pm
Dan McKellar has made just one change to his starting side for Saturday’s showdown against Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies in Sydney, as the Waratahs attempt to end a 13-match winless run against their local rivals.
Langi Gleeson returns at No.8, with Leafi Talataina dropping back to the bench.
The only other couple of changes see Isaac Kailea and Daniel Botha named on the bench, with Tom Lambert and Siosifa Amone left out.
“Daniel has been working hard under [NSW Waratahs Set Piece coach] Dan Palmer and has shown significant improvement in his scrum work,” McKellar said.
“This will be a big contest up front, and he deserves this opportunity.”
Wallabies star Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was slated to return via the bench, but McKellar will give the 21-year-old another week off before targeting a return against the Hurricanes.
“Joseph is back training, but he’s only had one full session with the team,” McKellar said.
“It wouldn’t be fair to throw him in at this stage as he still needs more load in his training before being match-ready.
“He’ll continue to build over the next couple of weeks and should be available for selection against the Hurricanes.”
The return of Rob Valetini is a massive boost for the Brumbies, with the reigning back-to-back John Eales Medallist in line to play his first minutes of 2025.
As first revealed by The Roar, Valetini suffered a hamstring injury in mid-January but has made his way back and the reports coming out of Canberra is that the wrecking-ball Wallaby has been fit and firing for more than a week.
(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
There’s just a couple of minor tweaks to Stephen Larkham’s side, with Billy Pollard returning at hooker ahead of Lachie Lonergan.
“It’s a huge boost to have Rob back in our side. He’s a world-class back row who possesses so many qualities that help our team,” Larkham said. “We’re looking forward to taking on the Waratahs in their own backyard. They’ve made a strong start to the season, despite their slip-up against the Reds last weekend.
“Everyone at the club wants to play in these sorts of matches against our biggest rivals.”
Nick Frost is joined by his Test teammate Cadeyrn Neville, with rising talent Lachie Shaw to come off the bench.
Valetini is joined in the midfield by Tom Hooper and on-ball specialist Luke Reimer, with Rory Scott to provide cover from the bench.
The one change in the backline sees Ollie Sapsford come in to join Len Ikitau in the midfield after David Feliaui suffered a concussion early against the Drua last week.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Austin Anderson
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referee: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Glenn Newman
Sunday
Western Force vs Fijian Drua, 5:05pm
After standing down several players of national interest for last week’s loss to the Crusaders, Simon Cron has welcomed back a swathe of first-XV players back into his side for Sunday’s vital clash against the Drua in Perth.
Needing to adhere to Rugby Australia’s management protocols, Cron chose the difficult clash against the Crusaders in Christchurch to do so. It showed on the field, with the Force falling away in the second half after closing the margin to 27-21 before falling away badly in the second half.
There won’t be any excuses this weekend though, with the Force’s depth strengthened by the returns of the four rested Wallabies (Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Ben Donaldson and Hamish Stewart) and a fifth, Dylan Pietsch, who missed the trip across the ditch with a minor knee injury.
Cron also welcomes back bruising back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny, who suffered a concussion against the Waratahs a week earlier. Vaiolini Ekuasi will also come off the bench after missing the past fortnight after welcoming a new child into the world.
The Force have also made a couple of tweaks to their pack, with Ryan Coxon and Nic Dolly promoted to the starting side where they will join Tom Robertson in the front-row. Marley Pearce drops back to the bench and provides cover alongside Tom Horton and Atu Moli.
Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain once again form the second-row, while White and Donaldson form an experienced halves pairing.
Stewart’s return sees Reesjan Pasitoa return to the bench.
Pietsch forms a strong back three alongside Harry Potter and the in-form Mac Grealy.
Props Livai Natave and Meli Tuni have been given starts for the Drua, while coach Glen Jackson has named Caleb Muntz to spearhead the Drua attack from No.10. The Drua are 18 games without a win on the road.
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Reed Prinsep, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa
DRUA (1-15): Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Meli Tuni, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Meli Derenalagi, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Vuate Karawalevu
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
The Roarhttps://https://ift.tt/hB7NpUi Rugby teams, round 6: Suaalii still sidelined, key Reds rested, Valetini cleared for lift off in Aussie derby
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