Super Rugby: Team News for Round 12 - Joseph Sua'ali'i returns to Waratahs

In a tight chasing pack, the Chiefs are level on points yet have played an extra match to their Wellington counter-parts, handing the Hurricanes a slight advantage for the time being. The Blues and Crusaders round off an all Kiwi top four, before the Brumbies and Reds add some Australian influence upon the fifth and sixth remaining play-off places.

As we steadily approach the end of the regular season, it is all to play for across another stacked weekend of Super Rugby. Here's how the teams line-up for Round 12.

The Hurricanes host the Crusaders in Wellington on Friday night in Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific, with both sides building momentum as the competition enters its closing stages. Clark Laidlaw’s side return home following their Super Round victory over the Brumbies, making four changes and a positional switch to their starting XV, while also marking a milestone for first five-eighth Ruben Love, who makes his 50th Hurricanes appearance.

There is an entirely new front row for the hosts, with Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi all coming into the starting side. Caleb Delany and Warner Dearns continue their partnership in the second row. In the back row, Brayden Iose shifts to blindside flanker, Peter Lakai starts at number eight, and co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi retains his place at openside following his centurion milestone last week.

The Hurricanes’ backline remains unchanged, with Cam Roigard and Love continuing in the halves. Jordie Barrett co-captains from midfield alongside Billy Proctor, while Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby start on the wings with Callum Harkin at full-back.

The Crusaders, meanwhile, arrive with minimal disruption to their side, making just two changes to the starting pack ahead of a significant milestone for captain David Havili, who will make his 150th appearance for the club. George Bower comes into the starting front row at loosehead prop, while Ethan Blackadder returns from injury to start at blindside flanker. Leicester Fainga’anuku retains his place in the back row after impressing last week.

The Crusaders’ backline remains unchanged, with Havili leading from centre alongside Braydon Ennor. Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara continue their half-back partnership, while Johnny McNicholl starts at full-back. Head coach Rob Penney has opted for a 6–2 split on the bench, with Dom Gardiner among those providing forward cover. With both teams pushing for strong finishes to the regular season, Friday night’s New Zealand derby shapes as a key clash in Wellington.

Hurricanes (1–15):
1 Xavier Numia, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 4 Caleb Delany, 5 Warner Dearns, 6 Brayden Iose, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8 Peter Lakai, 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jordie Barrett (cc), 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Callum Harkin

Replacements:
16 Raymond Tuputupu, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Devan Flanders, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Jone Rova

Crusaders (1–15):
1 George Bower, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Tahlor Cahill, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 7 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Taha Kemara, 11 Macca Springer, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Dallas McLeod, 15 Johnny McNicholl

Replacements:
16 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 17 George Bell, 18 Seb Calder 19 Dom Gardiner, 20 Jamie Hannah, 21 Kyle Preston named), 22 Johnny Lee, 23 Rivez Reihana

The NSW Waratahs host the Western Force at Allianz Stadium on Friday night in Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific, with a high-profile midfield clash headlining the encounter. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns to the Waratahs starting XV after an eight-week absence due to a hamstring injury, set to face former State of Origin teammate Zac Lomax in a much-anticipated showdown.

Head coach Dan McKellar has made three additional changes to the starting side, with Tom Lambert and Ethan Dobbins coming into the front row, while Angus Blyth is named in the second row alongside captain Matt Philip. In the back row, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu remain unchanged, with Samu continuing his ever-present role at number eight.

There is also a major milestone at scrum-half, with Jake Gordon set to become the most capped NSW Waratahs scrum-half, surpassing Chris Whitaker. He is partnered by Lawson Creighton, who shifts to fly-half. Suaalii links up with Joey Walton in midfield, while Sid Harvey, Andrew Kellaway and Max Jorgensen form a dangerous back three.

The Western Force arrive in Sydney with a largely unchanged matchday 23, retaining the same squad that defeated the Crusaders in Round 10. The only change to the starting line-up sees Hamish Stewart come into the midfield for his 50th appearance for the club, partnering George Bridge in the centres. The Force pack remains unchanged, with Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Misinale Epenisa forming the front row, while captain Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain continue in the second row.

Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano and Vaiolini Ekuasi make up the back row, with Henry Robertson and Ben Donaldson combining once again in the halves. Out wide, Dylan Pietsch and Zac Lomax start on the wings, with Mac Grealy at full-back.

NSW Waratahs (1–15):
1 Tom Lambert, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 3 Siosifa Amone, 4 Matt Philip (c), 5 Angus Blyth, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Charlie Gamble, 8 Pete Samu, 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Lawson Creighton, 11 Sid Harvey, 12 Joey Walton, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 15 Max Jorgensen

Replacements:
16 Folau Faingaa, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Apolosi Ranawai, 19 Miles Amatosero, 20 Jamie Adamson, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Triston Reilly

Western Force (1–15):
1 Tom Robertson, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Misinale Epenisa, 4 Jeremy Williams (c), 5 Darcy Swain, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9 Henry Robertson, 10 Ben Donaldson, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 12 Hamish Stewart, 13 George Bridge, 14 Zac Lomax, 15 Mac Grealy

Replacements:
16 Nic Dolly, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Will Harris, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Kurtley Beale

The Fijian Drua return to Ba for Saturday’s Round 12 clash against the Highlanders, with a major milestone and a tactical reshuffle headlining their team selection. Elia Canakaivata is set to become just the fourth player to reach 50 caps for the Drua, starting at number eight as the side’s leading try-scorer continues to play a central role in their forward pack.

Head coach Glen Jackson has made a notable positional switch in the backline, with co-captain Frank Lomani moving to the right wing, while Issak Fines-Leleiwasa returns to start at scrum-half alongside Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. There are further boosts with the return of Isikeli Rabitu at full-back and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre in the midfield, where he partners Virimi Vakatawa. Joji Nasova comes back onto the left wing to complete the back three.

Up front, Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge form the front row, with Isoa Nasilasila and co-captain Temo Mayanavanua continuing their partnership in the second row. Joseva Tamani and Kitione Salawa join Canakaivata in the back row, with the hosts naming a 5–3 split on the bench.

The Highlanders arrive in Fiji looking to build on their recent win over Moana Pasifika, making key reinforcements to their starting line-up. Folau Fakatava returns at scrum-half, providing a significant boost to their attacking structure, while Jonah Nareki is back on the left wing after injury.

Co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai will play on familiar soil in Fiji, bringing his physical presence to the midfield alongside Tanielu Tele’a. The forward pack remains largely settled, with Ethan de Groot and Angus Ta’avao anchoring the front row, while Oliver Haig and Mitch Dunshea continue in the engine room. Veveni Lasaqa and Nikora Broughton feature in the back row.

Fijian Drua (1–15):
1 Haereiti Hetet, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 3 Mesake Doge, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Temo Mayanavanua (cc), 6 Joseva Tamani, 7 Kitione Salawa, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11 Joji Nasova, 12 Virimi Vakatawa, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14 Frank Lomani (cc), 15 Isikeli Rabitu

Replacements:
16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Isoa Tuwai, 21 Philip Baselala, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Maika Tuitubou

Highlanders (1–15):
1 Ethan de Groot (cc), 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 8 Nikora Broughton, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jonah Nareki, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 14 Jonah Lowe, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements:
16 Soane Vikena, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Sean Withy, 20 Lucas Casey, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Taine Robinson, 23 Xavier Tito-Harris

Moana Pasifika host the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night, with both sides making key changes as they look to build momentum in Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific. The hosts hand an exciting opportunity to Israel Leota, who earns his first home start after a standout cameo in Super Round, where his athleticism caught widespread attention.

Head coach Tana Umaga has also reshuffled his backline, with Glen Vaihu moving to full-back following an impressive performance last week, while William Havili shifts to fly-half to lead the attack alongside scrum-half Jonathan Taumateine. Tuna Tuitama retains his place on the left wing after earning Player of the Match honours in Round 11, with Solomon Alaimalo and Tevita Latu continuing in midfield.

Up front, Miracle Faiilagi captains the side from the back row, alongside Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, while Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi and Atu Moli form the front row.

The Blues, meanwhile, welcome back All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke from injury, with the powerful finisher named on the left wing. Head coach Vern Cotter has made several changes to his side, including Kurt Eklund starting at hooker, while Ben Ake and Marcel Renata continue as props.

In the back row, Anton Segner shifts to openside flanker, with Torian Barnes coming into the starting XV at blindside. Captain Patrick Tuipulotu leads the side from the second row alongside Sam Darry. Sam Nock and Stephen Perofeta combine in the halves, with Pita Ahki and Xavi Taele forming a new-look midfield pairing. The Blues bench features significant experience, including Finlay Christie and Beauden Barrett, while Flyn Yates and Terrell Peita are in line to make their debuts.

Moana Pasifika (1–15):
1 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 3 Atu Moli, 4 Allan Craig, 5 Jimmy Tupou, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7 Semisi Paea, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 10 William Havili, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 12 Tevita Latu, 13 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Israel Leota, 15 Glen Vaihu

Replacements:
16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Chris Apoua, 19 Veikoso Poloniati, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Tyler Pulini

Blues (1–15):
1 Ben Ake, 2 Kurt Eklund, 3 Marcel Renata, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5 Sam Darry, 6 Torian Barnes, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Sam Nock, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 Xavi Taele, 14 Kade Banks, 15 Zarn Sullivan

Replacements:
16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Flyn Yates, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Terrell Peita, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 AJ Lam

The Queensland Reds host the ACT Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night in Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific, with the Rod Macqueen Cup on the line in another heavyweight Australian derby. The Reds have named an unchanged starting XV following last week’s Super Round thriller against the Blues, while Wallabies hooker Josh Nasser is set to reach a major milestone from the bench in his 50th appearance for the club.

Head coach Les Kiss has again backed consistency, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips starting at flyhalf alongside Kalani Thomas at scrum-half. The backline remains unchanged, with Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook in midfield, Tim Ryan and Filipo Daugunu on the wings, and Jock Campbell at fullback.

Up front, Matt Faessler packs down at hooker between Aidan Ross and Zane Nonggorr, with Seru Uru and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto continuing their second-row partnership. The back row sees Joe Brial at blindside flanker, Fraser McReight captaining the side from openside, and Harry Wilson at number eight.

The Brumbies arrive in Brisbane looking to respond after a tight defeat in their previous meeting with the Reds, with head coach Stephen Larkham making a number of forward adjustments while keeping stability in the backline.

James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan and Rhys Van Nek form the front row, with Nick Frost and Lachlan Shaw continuing in the second row. The back row features Rob Valetini at blindside flanker, Rory Scott at openside, and Toby Macpherson at number eight.

In the halves, Ryan Lonergan captains the side at scrum-half alongside Declan Meredith at flyhalf. The midfield pairing of David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard remains unchanged, while Corey Toole and Andy Muirhead start on the wings with Tom Wright at fullback. Both sides are well stocked with impact on the bench, with the Reds naming Josh Nasser among their finishers, while the Brumbies include experienced reinforcements such as Cadeyrn Neville and Tane Edmed.

REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Toby Macpherson, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Ollie Sapsford