Super Rugby: Team News for Round 13 - George Bower makes 100th Crusaders cap

The action begins with an intense New Zealand derby, as the Crusaders host their fierce rivals the Blues for a blockbuster clash in Christchurch. The Chiefs are also in action under the Friday night lights, as the Hamilton side makes their way across the Tasman to take on the Queensland Reds in Suncorp Stadium.

Saturday's action begins with a battle down in Dunedin, as the Highlanders play hosts to the Waratahs, before Moana Pasifika take on the league-leading Hurricanes up north in Auckland. An Australian derby between the Brumbies and Western Force closes out the round, with Fijian Drua sat out with the bye. Here's all the team news ahead of another stacked weekend of Super Rugby Pacific.

A heavyweight New Zealand derby headlines Round 13 as the Crusaders host the Blues in Christchurch on Friday night, with momentum, rivalry and milestones all colliding. The Crusaders welcome back Sevu Reece on the wing, while Rivez Reihana steps in at fly-half with Taha Kemara sidelined. Dallas McLeod also comes into the midfield following Braydon Ennor’s injury, as Rob Penney’s side make subtle but important tweaks to their backline.

Up front, there is just one change with Jamie Hannah promoted to the second row, but the major talking point is George Bower, who brings up his 100th appearance in red and black. The experienced loosehead anchors a settled pack and will look to mark the occasion in a fixture that carries plenty of emotional and competitive weight.

The Blues arrive in Christchurch in strong form, riding a three-game winning streak, but have been forced into changes through injury. The return of key forwards Dalton Papali’i, Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Bradley Slater provides a timely boost, while Malachi Wrampling earns a start in the back row.

Stephen Perofeta continues at fly-half with Beauden Barrett providing impact from the bench, and AJ Lam slots into the midfield. Anton Segner is also set to reach a milestone, in line for his 50th appearance off the bench. Having claimed a convincing win the last time these sides met, the Blues will be confident—but history suggests Christchurch presents a very different challenge.

1 George Bower, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 7 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Rivez Reihana, 11 Macca Springer, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Dallas McLeod, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Johnny McNicholl.

Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Jack Sexton, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Cooper Grant, 23 Kurtis Macdonald.

1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2 Bradley Slater, 3 Sam Matenga, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5 Sam Darry, 6 Malachi Wrampling, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 9 Sam Nock, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 11 Caleb Clarke, 12 Pita Ahki, 13 AJ Lam, 14 Kade Banks, 15 Zarn Sullivan.

Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Flyn Yates, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Xavi Taele.

A crucial top-four clash awaits in Brisbane as the Queensland Reds host the Chiefs, with both sides firmly in the finals race and separated by just a single spot on the ladder. The Reds are boosted by the return of Lachie Anderson, who comes straight back onto the wing after recovering from a dislocated wrist suffered earlier in the season. His inclusion sees in-form Tim Ryan rotated out, with Les Kiss managing the workload of one of his most-used players.

There is also a change in the front row, with George Blake stepping in at loosehead prop due to Aidan Ross’ toe injury, while Carter Gordon returns to the bench to add depth at fly-half. Otherwise, the Reds maintain continuity following their dramatic Super Round clash, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips again steering the side at No.10.

The Chiefs arrive with confidence and attacking intent, continuing to back a youthful and dynamic backline. Rising talents Kyren Taumoefolau, Kyle Brown and Isaac Hutchinson retain their places, combining with the more experienced Liam Coombes-Fabling in an outside back unit built on pace and counter-attacking threat.

Up front, Luke Jacobson returns to captain the side from the back row, while Damian McKenzie again directs play from fly-half. With All Blacks experience throughout the pack and impact to come from the bench, the Chiefs present one of the most balanced and dangerous sides in the competition.

1 George Blake, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 4 Seru Uru, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6 Joe Brial, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 8 Harry Wilson, 9 Kalani Thomas, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11 Lachie Anderson, 12 Hunter Paisami, 13 Josh Flook, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 15 Jock Campbell.

Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Nick Bloomfield, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Carter Gordon, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

1 Ollie Norris, 2 Tyrone Thompson, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 6 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson (c), 8 Wallace Sititi, 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Damian McKenzie, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Kyle Brown, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Isaac Hutchinson.

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Fiti Sa, 20 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Lalakai Foketi.

With the season entering its final stretch, the Highlanders and NSW Waratahs meet in Dunedin in a match that carries significant weight for both sides, with finals hopes hanging in the balance.

The Highlanders return home after a tough trip to Fiji, where territory and possession did not translate into points. Jamie Joseph’s side have responded by reshaping key areas of their backline, most notably shifting Jona Nareki from the wing into the centres in a move designed to unlock more creativity in midfield. Caleb Tangitau remains a focal point on the wing, providing pace and finishing power.

There is also a change in the forward pack, with Tomás Lavanini earning a start in the second row, while Lucas Casey is rewarded for strong bench form with a promotion into the starting loose forwards. The rest of the pack retains continuity as the Highlanders look to convert pressure into points in a must-win home fixture.

The Waratahs arrive in Dunedin under pressure after back-to-back defeats, but are boosted by a major milestone as Jack Debreczeni starts at fly-half for his 100th Super Rugby appearance. The experienced playmaker steps into the No.10 jersey in one of four changes to Dan McKellar’s starting XV.

Isaac Kailea and Dan Botha come into the front row, while Miles Amatosero is added to the second row. Jake Gordon continues to lead the side from scrum-half, with Lawson Creighton shifting into the midfield alongside Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii due to Joey Walton’s injury. Max Jorgensen continues at full-back, where he has a strong record against the Highlanders, while the rest of the back three remains unchanged.

1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 4 Tomás Lavanini, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Lucas Casey, 8 Nikora Broughton, 9 Adam Lennox, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13 Jona Nareki, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Oliver Haig, 20 Sean Withy, 21 Nic Shearer, 22 Taine Robinson, 23 Xavier Tito-Harris.

1 Isaac Kailea, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 3 Dan Botha, 4 Miles Amatosero, 5 Angus Blyth, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Charlie Gamble, 8 Pete Samu, 9 Jake Gordon (c), 10 Jack Debreczeni, 11 Sid Harvey, 12 Lawson Creighton, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 15 Max Jorgensen.

Replacements: 16 Folau Faingaa, 17 Jack Barrett, 18 Apolosi Ranawai, 19 Clem Halaholo, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 Harry Potter.

With finals positions tightening and every point increasingly critical, the Moana Pasifika host the Hurricanes at North Harbour Stadium in a clash that carries real weight for both sides’ season trajectories.

Moana Pasifika welcome back Faletoi Peni into the starting midfield after his eye-catching impact off the bench last week. The Samoa international, who has rebuilt his career through club rugby success and Test selection, is rewarded with his first home start and will partner Solomon Alaimalo in a centre pairing built on creativity and physicality.

There is also a major boost in the forwards with Veikoso Poloniati returning to the second row after playing a key role in last week’s attacking structure, while hooker Millennium Sanerivi continues his strong form after a standout two-try performance against the Blues. His consistency at set piece and in open play remains central to Moana’s forward momentum.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, arrive in Auckland with significant rotation following a bruising encounter with the Crusaders. Clark Laidlaw’s side make seven changes, including a reshaped front row featuring Vernon Bason earning his first Super Rugby Pacific start at hooker alongside returning loosehead Pouri Rakete-Stones.

There is also a new-look halves pairing, with Lucas Cashmore handed his maiden start at fly-half alongside Ereatara Enari, who faces his former club. Du’Plessis Kirifi continues to lead the side from openside flanker, while Brad Shields shifts to blindside and Brayden Iose moves to No.8.

In the backline, Jone Rova and Billy Proctor form a new midfield combination, while the outside backs remain unchanged. The bench is strengthened by the return of Kini Naholo, who makes a long-awaited comeback from injury, adding explosive finishing power late in the contest.

1 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 3 Atu Moli, 4 Allan Craig, 5 Veikoso Poloniati, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7 Semisi Paea, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9 Augustine Pulu, 10 William Havili, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 12 Faletoi Peni, 13 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Israel Leota, 15 Glen Vaihu.

Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Tevita Latu.

1 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2 Vernon Bason, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 4 Caleb Delany, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6 Brad Shields, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (c), 8 Brayden Iose, 9 Ereatara Enari, 10 Lucas Cashmore, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jone Rova, 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Callum Harkin.

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Hugo Plummer, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Jordi Viljoen, 22 Bailyn Sullivan, 23 Kini Naholo.

With finals places tightening and momentum becoming everything at this stage of the season, the ACT Brumbies return to Canberra to host the Western Force in a clash that carries major implications for both sides’ campaigns.

The Brumbies come into the contest with confidence and continuity, but also a significant boost with Allan Alaalatoa returning straight into the starting front row. His presence alongside James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan restores a hardened and experienced set-piece unit at a crucial point in the season.

Elsewhere in the pack, Stephen Larkham has opted for stability, retaining the established second-row combination of Nick Frost and Lachlan Shaw, while the back row trio of Rob Valetini, Rory Scott and Toby Macpherson continues unchanged. That cohesion has underpinned much of the Brumbies’ forward momentum this season and remains a key weapon heading into this encounter.

In the backs, captain Ryan Lonergan continues to guide the side from scrum-half alongside Declan Meredith, with Corey Toole’s pace again a major threat out wide. Hudson Creighton earns a first start of the season in the centres, linking with David Feliuai, while Ollie Sapsford and Tom Wright complete a backline built on strike power and counter-attacking threat.

The Western Force, meanwhile, arrive in Canberra with a mix of continuity and milestone moments of their own. Darcy Swain is named to start in the second row against his former club, bringing up his 100th Super Rugby appearance in a poignant return to the venue where much of his career was built.

Harry Johnson-Holmes also returns to the starting front row, while Vaiolini Ekuasi comes back into the back row after missing last week’s fixture. The Force forward pack is otherwise unchanged, anchored by Jeremy Williams in the second row and a back row featuring Nick Champion de Crespigny and Carlo Tizzano.

In the backs, Hamish Stewart and George Bridge continue their midfield partnership, while Dylan Pietsch and Zac Lomax provide finishing power on the wings. Ben Donaldson and Henry Robertson retain the halves combination, with Mac Grealy at full-back.

1 James Slipper, 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Lachlan Shaw, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Rory Scott, 8 Toby Macpherson, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 10 Declan Meredith, 11 Corey Toole, 12 David Feliuai, 13 Hudson Creighton, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 15 Tom Wright.

Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Rhys van Nek, 19 Cadeyrn Neville, 20 Chris Mickelson, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andy Muirhead.

1 Tom Robertson, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 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 Marley Pearce, 18 Sef Fa’agase, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Will Harris, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Kurtley Beale.