Super Rugby: Team News for Round 14 - Race to the Play-Offs heats up

Thursday, 14 May 2026 at 16:45

byTom Sansom

We continue to rocket towards the business end of the 2026 Super Rugby season, with just three rounds to go until the end of the regular campaign.

The pressure keeps mounting in the race to the play-off spots, with the Hurricanes leading the way out in poll position. The top four is dominated by the New Zealand sides, with the Chiefs, Blues and Crusaders taking the spots from second to fourth respectively. The Brumbies and Reds round off the top six, with just three fixtures to go until the Qualifying Play-Offs commence.

The teams have dropped from across the Southern Hemisphere sides, with plenty of noteworthy elements to divulge as we gear up for Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific. Here's a run down of the confirmed match day squads for the incoming weekend.

TEAM NEWS: 2026 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC - ROUND 14

Chiefs v Highlanders

The Chiefs have shuffled their backline for Friday night’s clash with the Highlanders, with Josh Jacomb handed the No.10 jersey and Damian McKenzie shifting to full-back in a dual playmaking setup. Jacomb will make his sixth start at first five-eighth alongside scrum-half Xavier Roe, while former Wallaby Lalakai Foketi comes into midfield as Quinn Tupaea is rested after a heavy workload throughout the campaign.

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said the combination of Jacomb and McKenzie gives his side added attacking flexibility. “Josh and Damian have developed an effective combination that allows us to challenge opposition defenses by utilising two play makers on the field at the same time,” Gibbes said.

“It will be important this week against a very combative Highlanders defense that we can shift the point of attack quickly and effectively. We had a tough battle against them in round two and are preparing for more of the same this week at home.”

With Josh Lord still in concussion protocols, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi starts alongside Tupou Vaa’i in the second row, while Samisoni Taukei’aho returns at hooker. The Chiefs head into the clash on a six-match winning streak and another victory would mark their 250th win in Super Rugby history.

The Highlanders arrive in Hamilton fresh from a morale-boosting 31-26 victory over the Waratahs and still clinging to hopes of a top-six finish. Jamie Joseph has largely retained the side that impressed last weekend, making just one change to the starting XV with Tanielu Tele’a replacing suspended midfielder Jona Nareki.

Caleb Tangitau remains a major threat on the wing after another standout display, while Tomas Lavanini and Mitch Dunshea continue their second-row partnership. Joseph has opted for a 6-2 bench split, with openside flanker Veveni Lasaqa returning to the matchday 23.

Chiefs

Damian McKenzie, 14. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 13. Kyle Brown, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 10. Josh Jacomb, 9. Xavier Roe; 8. Wallace Sititi, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 6. Simon Parker, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3. Sione Ahio, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1. Ollie Norris.

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Benét Kumeroa, George Dyer, Fiti Sa, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Isaac Hutchinson.

Highlanders

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

Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson.

Fijian Drua v NSW Waratahs

The Fijian Drua have named a strong side for their final home game of the season against the Waratahs in Suva. Head coach Glen Jackson has made only minor adjustments following the bye week, with veteran prop Peni Ravai replacing injured loosehead Haereiti Hetet.

The Drua have also welcomed back Etonia Waqa, Manasa Mataele, Samuela Tawake and Vilive Miramira for the Round 14 clash. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula continue their halves partnership, while co-captain Frank Lomani starts on the wing opposite returning finisher Mataele.

The Waratahs, meanwhile, have made eight changes following last week’s defeat to the Highlanders. Jack Bowen will make his first start of the season at fly-half alongside Teddy Wilson, while Wallaby winger Harry Potter and Triston Reilly return in the back three. Matt Philip captains the side from lock after returning to the starting XV, while hooker Oniti Finau is poised to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said his side understands the challenge awaiting them in Fiji. “We’re excited to go over to Fiji and to take on the Drua. They’re a dangerous team that play a unique brand of rugby,” McKellar said. “We need to start well. That is the learning from the Highlanders game. We feel we have a clear plan that allows us to do that.” The Waratahs are still searching for their first victory over the Drua on Fijian soil.

Fijian Drua

Isikeli Rabitu, 14. Frank Lomani (cc), 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12. Virimi Vakatawa, 11. Manasa Mataele, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9. Issak Fines‑Leleiwasa; 8. Elia Canakaivata, 7. Kitione Salawa, 6. Etonia Waqa, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (cc), 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 3. Mesake Doge, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 1. Peni Ravai.

Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini.

NSW Waratahs

Max Jorgensen, 14. Harry Potter, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12. Lawson Creighton, 11. Triston Reilly, 10. Jack Bowen, 9. Teddy Wilson; 8. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Charlie Gamble, 6. Clem Halaholo, 5. Miles Amatosero, 4. Matt Philip (c), 3. Dan Botha, 2. Ioane Moananu, 1. Jack Barrett.

Replacements: Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Michael McDonald, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey.

Blues v Hurricanes

The Blues have been forced into changes for Saturday’s clash with the Hurricanes after Dalton Papali’i suffered a jaw injury in last week’s loss to the Crusaders. Anton Segner comes into the starting side at openside flanker, while Malachi Wrampling retains his spot on the blindside.

Elsewhere, Beauden Barrett returns at first five-eighth, Marcel Renata starts at tighthead prop and Xavi Taele is recalled in midfield. Blues coach Vern Cotter expects a major response from his side at Eden Park.

“Last week hurt and the group knows we need to be better in the areas that matter,” Cotter said. “The Hurricanes are in top form, so we know the challenge in front of us and the focus is on delivering an accurate, physical performance.”

The Hurricanes have also reshuffled heavily following their 50-17 demolition of Moana Pasifika. Eight changes have been made to the starting lineup, highlighted by Caleb Delany’s 50th Hurricanes appearance. Asafo Aumua and Xavier Numia return to the front row, while Ruben Love partners Ereatara Enari in a new-look halves combination. Jordie Barrett resumes the captaincy at inside centre alongside Billy Proctor, while Kini Naholo earns a start after scoring twice on his return from injury last week.

Blues

Zarn Sullivan, 14. AJ Lam, 13. Xavi Taele, 12. Pita Ahki, 11. Caleb Clarke, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Sam Nock; 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 7. Anton Segner, 6. Malachi Wrampling, 5. Sam Darry, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3. Marcel Renata, 2. Bradley Slater, 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Laghlan McWhannell, Torian Barnes, Che Clark, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta.

Hurricanes

Callum Harkin, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 13. Billy Proctor, 12. Jordie Barrett (c), 11. Kini Naholo, 10. Ruben Love, 9. Ereatara Enari; 8. Devan Flanders, 7. Peter Lakai, 6. Brad Shields, 5. Warner Dearns, 4. Caleb Delany, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 2. Asafo Aumua, 1. Xavier Numia.

Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Siale Lauaki, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Jone Rova, Bailyn Sullivan.

Western Force v Queensland Reds

The Western Force will celebrate a host of milestones when they host the Reds in Perth on Saturday night. Veteran prop Sef Fa’agase is set to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance, Carlo Tizzano will play his 50th game for the Force and full-back Mac Grealy reaches 50 Super Rugby caps.

The Force have also welcomed back Vaiolini Ekuasi after a two-game absence, while Max Burey starts at fly-half with Ben Donaldson sidelined by a quad injury. Misinale Epenisa returns from concussion protocols at tighthead prop and Nathan Hastie comes into the starting side at scrum-half.

However, the Force have lost Henry Robertson for the season after the scrum-half suffered an ACL injury against the Brumbies. Saturday’s clash also doubles as the club’s inaugural zero2hero Charity Game, with the Force wearing a special red strip in support of youth mental health awareness.

The Reds head west with several key Wallabies rested, including Fraser McReight, Filipo Daugunu and Josh Flook. Tate McDermott is set to return from a long-term hamstring injury through club rugby with University of Queensland rather than making the trip to Perth.

Les Kiss has handed a Super Rugby debut to prop Massimo De Lutiis, while Carter Gordon starts at fly-half and Harry Wilson captains the side. L\ock Charlie Brosnan could also debut from the bench.

“We had some impressive parts to our game against the Chiefs last round and we've kept pushing for improvements this week,” Kiss said. “We are looking forward to taking on the Force this Saturday night.”

Western Force

Mac Grealy, 14. Zac Lomax, 13. George Bridge, 12. Hamish Stewart, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 10. Max Burey, 9. Nathan Hastie; 8. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5. Darcy Swain, 4. Jeremy Williams (c), 3. Misinale Epenisa, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1. Harry Johnson-Holmes.

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa’agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale.

Queensland Reds

Jock Campbell, 14. Tim Ryan, 13. Isaac Henry, 12. Hunter Paisami, 11. Lachie Anderson, 10. Carter Gordon, 9. Louis Werchon; 8. Harry Wilson (c), 7. Joe Bryant, 6. Joe Brial, 5. Seru Uru, 4. Hamish Muller, 3. Massimo De Lutiis, 2. Josh Nasser, 1. George Blake.

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Charlie Brosnan, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard.