Round 11 of Super Rugby Pacific has significant finals implications as teams start to face must-win matches.
The Hurricanes open the round against the NSW Waratahs after dropping their first game of the year, followed by the Melbourne Rebels out to rebound against the Blues.
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Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders face off in the first Super Rugby game in Tonga for the expansion side whilst the Crusaders look to continue their mid-season revival against the Queensland Reds.
The Chiefs welcome the Western Force to Hamilton, with the ACT Brumbies and Fijian Drua finishing the round in Canberra.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from round 11, presented by Bet365
HURRICANES (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Brett Cameron, Bailyn Sullivan, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (c), Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
RESERVES: Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du'Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi
- Pouri Rakete-Stones, Devan Flanders and Peter Lakai come into the starting line-up
- Kianu Kereru-Symes makes his first start at hooker
- Richard Judd starts at scrum half, with TJ Perenara amongst several experienced stars on the bench
WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Fergus Lee-Warner, Lachlan Swinton, Hunter Ward, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harrison, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase
RESERVES: Jay Fonokalafi, Lewis Ponini, Brad Amituanai, Miles Amatosero, Charlie Gamble, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Vuate Karawalevu
- Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Fergus-Lee Warner and Hunter Ward start in the pack
- Will Harrison gets his first start at flyhalf since 2021
- Dylan Pietsch returns to the backline, with Mark Nawaqanitawase starting at fullback
- The Hurricanes have won their last six matches in Super Rugby competitions against the NSW Waratahs
- Five of the Waratahs’ seven games in that span have been decided by margins no greater than six points on the day
- The Hurricanes have won their last five Super Rugby Pacific matches at Sky Stadium by an average margin of 15.2 points per game
Brett Cameron v Will Harrison
Cameron has been a steady figure for the Hurricanes in 2024, flying under the radar amid all their success.
The one-time All Black knows a strong finish to the season will have him firmly in contention as he takes on a returning star in Will Harrison.
Harrison gets his chance to shine after his heroic performance against the Crusaders three weeks ago off the bench.
Hurricanes by 18
REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Matt Proctor, Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Jack Maunder, Jake Strachan, Lachie Anderson
- Both props have been swapped with Isaac Kailea and Taniela Tupou to start
- Rob Leota returns to the starting side and re-gains the captaincy at the back of the scrum.
- Matt Proctor stats at outside centre, pushing Filipo Daugunu to the wing
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, PJ Sheck, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele'a, Cole Forbes
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu'a, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cam Suafoa, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Bryce Heem
- Caleb Clarke has been elevated from the reserves after an incredible winning performance against the Reds
- PJ Sheck will make his starting debut in the second row
- Cameron Suafoa will return via the bench after his cancer scare
- The Blues have scored 50+ points on the day in each of their last four wins over the Rebels
- The Melbourne Rebels have won three of their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches at AAMI Park
- The Melbourne Rebels have conceded 8.1 penalties per game in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, the fewest of any team in the competition
Taniela Tupou v Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Often a strength, the Rebels’ scrum was a massive concern last week as they crumbled against the Crusaders.
Tupou holds the key to get the best out of it, stabilising the effort from the bench and will be out to do a similar job against Ofa Tu’ungafasi and the Blues.
Tu’ungafasi is as experienced as they come and lays the platform for the Auckland-based side to dominate games, setting up an intriguing battle
Blues by 8
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, William Havili
RESERVES: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Solomone Funaki, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai
- 12 players of Tongan heritage will feature in the match for Moana Pasifika as Super Rugby heads to the island for the first time in its history
- Jonathan Taumateine and Christian Lealiifano make up a new-look halves partnership
- Lotu Inisi moves into the starting lineup at number eight
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell, Saula Ma'u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogodo
- Cameron Miller starts at flyhalf after Rhys Patchell’s pec injury
- Daniel Lienert-Brown comes into the front-row, with Ethan de Groot rested.
- Sam Gilbert returns via the bench after missing last week due to injury
- The Highlanders have won all three of their Super Rugby Pacific matches against Moana Pasifika, scoring 39 points per game across those three meetings
- Moana Pasifika will be aiming for back-to-back wins as the home team in Super Rugby Pacific for the first time in the history of the competition
- The Highlanders have won only one of their last nine Super Rugby Pacific matches away from Forsyth Barr Stadium
Saula Ma’u v Abraham Pole
It will be an emotional contest for both Tongan props as they return home.
The clash marks Ma’u’s second time his parents will have watched him play in person whilst Pole has spoken about the nerves of playing in front of his friends and family.
Both will be eager to gain ascendancy at set-piece time, with both packs expected to dictate the contest
Moana by 4
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Johnny McNicholl, Leigh Halfpenny
RESERVES: George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki
- Leigh Halfpenny will play his first game for the Crusaders after his highly-publicised moved to New Zealand
- David Havili starts at flyhalf on the quest of former coach and All Blacks boss Scott Robertson
- Johnny McNicholl returns to the wing after scoring in the win over the Rebels
REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Liam Wright (c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Sef Fa'agase, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, John Bryant, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Philips, Suliasi Vunivalu
- Fraser McReight returns after a two-match suspension
- Lawson Creighton starts at flyhalf after an injury to Tom Lynagh
- Mac Grealy comes onto the wing as Tim Ryan retains his spot following his hat-trick
- The Crusaders have won their last 12 matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Queensland Reds by an average margin of 19.5 points per game
- The Reds have scored no more than seven points on the day in the first halves of each of their last four defeats
- The Queensland Reds have conceded 8.2 attacking 22m entries per game in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, the fewest of any team in the competition
David Havili v Lawson Creighton
Havili’s name in the ten jersey raised plenty of eyebrows as he starts their for the first time since 2020 and the second time in his career.
The fact this call came from the top means Havili is being looked at as a serious option in 2024, with the Reds a perfect test.
Meanwhile, Creighton steps up after Tom Lynagh pulled up sore, with a great performance against the Crusaders needed to ward off a hungry chasing pack of playmakers.
Reds by 5
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo
RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Kauvaka Kalvelata, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane
- Etene Nanai-Seturo starts at fullback with no Shaun Stevenson (hamstring)
- Luke Jacobson returns via the bench
- Naitoa Ah Kuoi comes back into the second row, with Jimmy Tupou set to spend time on the sidelines with a facial fracture
FORCE (1-15): Josh Bartlett, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Tom Franklin, Jeremy Williams (c), Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell
- Issak Fines-Leleiwasa starts with Nic White out for a knee injury
- Jeremy Williams starts and captains the side with no Sam Carter
- Henry Robertson will debut off the bench
- The Chiefs have won 14 of their last 15 Super Rugby Pacific matches at FMG Stadium Waikato
- The Western Force have won one of their last six Super Rugby Pacific matches against New Zealand opposition, with five of six games decided by margins of more than 22 points
- The Chiefs (13) and the Western Force (14.2) have conceded the fewest turnovers per game of any teams in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season
Damian McKenzie v Ben Donaldson
Ben Donaldson will get the chance to test himself against the form ten of the competition when he faces Damian McKenzie and the Chiefs.
Donaldson will be disappointed with the lack of opportunities against the Highlanders, eager to make a statement.
As for McKenzie, he holds the key towards the Chiefs’ attack and will be out to deliver a similar performance to what he delivered against the Waratahs last weekend.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa (C), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Liam Bowron, Harry Vella, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
- Nick Frost and Jahrome Brown come into the starting pack
- Allan Alaalatoa regains the captaincy with Harrison Goddard starting at scrum half
- Liam Bowron comes onto the bench for his debut after a late injury to Billy Pollard
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Michael Naitokani, Iosefo Masi, Junior Ratvua, Selestino Ravutaumada
RESERVES: Mesu Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Ilaisa Droasese
- Tevita Ikanivere and Mesake Vocevoce returning to the starting side in the tight five
- Michael Naitokani starts at inside centre, pairing with Iosefi Masi
- Selestino Ravutaumada shifts to fullback, with Junior Ratuva starting on the wing
- The ACT Brumbies have won all three of their Super Rugby Pacific matches against the Fijian Drua by an average of 25 points
- The Fijian Drua have won three of their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches against Australian opposition
- The Fijian Drua have lost their last 12 Super Rugby Pacific matches outside Fiji by an average margin of 21 points per game
Tom Wright v Selestino Ravutaumada
Both fullbacks are electric with ball in hand, with this contest set to be decided by which one can control the game better.
Wright is playing himself into Wallabies contention, ridding the errors that saw him fall out of favour.
As for Ravutaumada, he is the Drua’s chief destroyer and will prove unstoppable if he finds early success.
Brumbies by 8
