Super Rugby: Round 2 Team News - Wallabies prop James Slipper to make 200th league cap

The current league standings sees the Brumbies at the top of the table, as the Canberra side made short work of their trip to Perth this past weekend. The Brumbies handed Western Force a 56-24 defeat, to take the bragging rights back home from the Australian derby. The defending champions Crusaders will want to bounce back, following their first round defeat to New Zealand in a hard-fought South Island derby.

The Hurricanes begin their own Super Rugby season, after taking the bye from the opening weekend. The Wellington side have named Jordie Barrett as co-captain for the season, in a first for the All Blacks centre, who takes up the armband alongside long-term skipper Du'Plessi Kirifi - albeit the back row will miss out on the first fortnight of action with a calf injury.

The Hurricanes have named three debutants for Friday night’s season-opening clash against Moana Pasifika in Wellington, with Japan captain Warner Dearns handed a starting berth at lock. Dearns partners Hugo Plummer in the second row, while loose forward Arese Poliko and wider training group forward Matolu Petaia are poised to make their Hurricanes bows from the bench.

All Blacks loose forward Peter Lakai returns at openside flanker in a back row featuring Devan Flanders and Brayden Iose. Jordie Barrett captains Clark Laidlaw's side from second five in his first Hurricanes appearance since 2024, with Josh Moorby also returning on the right wing. Ereatara Enari and Brett Cameron combine in the halves.

Moana Pasifika make sweeping changes following their opening-round win in Fiji, with seven new faces named in Tama Umaga's side. Samuela Moli captains the side from hooker, while NRL recruit Israel Leota and former Toshiba Brave Lupus back Mamoru Harada are among those set to feature. The Hurricanes have won four of the last five meetings between the sides, including last season’s emphatic home victory.

Hurricanes (1–15):
1 Xavier Numia, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Siale Lauaki, 4 Hugo Plummer, 5 Warner Dearns, 6 Devan Flanders, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Brayden Iose, 9 Ereatara Enari, 10 Brett Cameron, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jordie Barrett (C), 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Callum Harkin

Replacements (16–23):
16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Matolu Petaia, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Arese Poliko, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Billy Proctor

Moana Pasifika (1–15):
1 Abraham Pole, 2 Samiuela Moli (C), 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 5 Alefosio Aho, 6 Semisi Paea, 7 Konrad Toleafoa, 8 Dominic Ropeti, 9 Siaosi Nginingini, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 12 Faletoi Peni, 13 Glen Vaihu, 14 Israel Leota, 15 Simon Peter Toleafoa

Replacements (16–23):
16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Tito Tuipulotu, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Allan Craig, 20 Miracle Faiilagi, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 William Havili, 23 Tevita Ofa

The NSW Waratahs have named an unchanged starting XV for Friday night’s Round 2 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium, with just one alteration to the matchday 23. Hooker Ioane Moananu comes onto the bench and is in line for his Waratahs debut after arriving in the off-season. The 25-year-old, a Super Rugby Pacific winner with the Crusaders last year, replaces Folau Faingaa following his concussion against the Reds.

Up front, Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins and Daniel Botha are retained in the front row, while captain Matt Philip again partners Miles Amatosero in the second row. Clem Halaholo keeps his place at blindside after an eye-catching debut display, joining Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu in the back row.

Jake Gordon and Lawson Creighton continue in the halves, with Creighton contributing 11 points from the tee last week. Joey Walton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii combine in midfield once more, while Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter and James Hendren form the back three. The Drua make several tweaks, with co-captain Frank Lomani starting at scrum-half alongside Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Joseva Tamani and Motikiai Murray come into the back row, while Kavaia Tagivetaua is poised for his debut off the bench

NSW Waratahs (1–15):
1 Tom Lambert, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 3 Daniel Botha, 4 Matt Philip (C), 5 Miles Amatosero, 6 Clem Halaholo, 7 Charlie Gamble, 8 Pete Samu, 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Lawson Creighton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 12 Joey Walton, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14 Harry Potter, 15 James Hendren

Replacements (16–23):
16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Triston Reilly

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua (1–15):
1 Haereiti Hetet, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 3 Mesake Doge, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Temo Mayanavanua (cc), 6 Joseva Tamani, 7 Motikiai Murray, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 9 Frank Lomani (cc), 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11 Taniela Rakuro, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14 Ponipate Loganimasi, 15 Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements (16–23):
16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Inia Tabuavou, 23 Manasa Mataele

The Highlanders will aim to build on their opening round triumph over the Crusaders when they host the Gallagher Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday. Head Coach Jamie Joseph has named a near-identical starting XV, giving the side an opportunity to consolidate combinations that impressed in Round 1. The tight five, led by Oliver Haig and Mitch Dunshea, will again lay the platform, while the loose forward trio of Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy and Lucas Casey is expected to provide relentless energy and link play across the park.

Captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returns to lead the side, with winger Jona Nareki celebrating his 50th Super Rugby appearance. The Highlanders backs, including Cameron Millar at first five-eighth and the prolific combination of Jonah Lowe and Caleb Tangitau in the midfield and wing positions, remain unchanged, promising continuity in attack.

The Chiefs, meanwhile, have made just one change to their starting XV from last week’s win over the Blues, with Leroy Carter starting on the left wing and Emoni Narawa set to celebrate his 50th Chiefs cap from the bench. Co-captains Luke Jacobson and Tupou Vaa’i will marshal the forwards, with dynamic halfback Xavier Roe and fly-half Josh Jacomb directing play.

Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes warned of the physical intensity expected, highlighting the Highlanders’ strong opening performance and the derby atmosphere. Both sides will be keen to assert early dominance in this Round 2 clash, with playoff momentum on the line.

Highlanders (1–15):
1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Oliver Haig, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (VC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Folau Fakatava, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki (50th Highlanders Game), 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (C), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements (16–23):
16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

Gallagher Chiefs (1–15):
1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6 Kaylum Boshier, 7 Jahrome Brown, 8 Luke Jacobson (C), 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Replacements (16–23):
16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa (50th Chiefs Game)

The Western Force welcome the Blues to HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup on Saturday (4:35pm WST / 9:35pm NZT) for Round 2 of the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season. Wallabies lock Darcy Swain returns to the starting line-up for the first-ever Super Rugby match at the northern Perth venue, replacing injured Nick Champion de Crespigny.

Swain partners Franco Molina in the second row, while captain Jeremy Williams shifts to blindside flanker, maintaining continuity in the back row alongside Carlo Tizzano and Vaiolini Ekuasi. Scrum-half Nathan Hastie, a local junior from Wanneroo, starts in a full-circle moment alongside fly-half Ben Donaldson, while the Force’s experienced front row of Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and Harry Johnson-Holmes looks to lay a solid platform.

The backline remains potent with Hamish Stewart and George Bridge in the midfield, Bayley Kuenzle and Divad Palu on the wings, and Mac Grealy at fullback. Impact players on the bench include Lopeti Faifua, Kane Koteka, and utility backs Max Burey and Kurtley Beale.

The Blues come off a narrow Round 1 loss to the Chiefs and have named three changes in the forwards, including Marcel Renata starting at prop, and Anton Segner returning at blindside flanker. Co-captains Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu will marshal the pack, while Finlay Christie and Stephen Perofeta direct play from halfback and first-five.

The backline is unchanged, with Zarn Sullivan, Caleb Clarke, Pita Ahki, and AJ Lam forming a dangerous attacking unit. Head coach Vern Cotter highlighted the challenge of travelling to Perth and emphasized accuracy, discipline, and intensity for the full 80 minutes. This match marks an exciting early-season showdown as the Force look to defend home turf and the Blues aim to bounce back in their first away fixture of 2026.

Western Force (1–15):
1 Tom Robertson, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4 Franco Molina, 5 Darcy Swain, 6 Jeremy Williams (C), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9 Nathan Hastie, 10 Ben Donaldson (VC), 11 Bayley Kuenzle, 12 Hamish Stewart, 13 George Bridge, 14 Divad Palu, 15 Mac Grealy

Replacements (16–23):
16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Henry Robertson, 22 Max Burey, 23 Kurtley Beale

Blues (1–15):
1 Joshua Fusitu’a (38), 2 Bradley Slater (1), 3 Marcel Renata (67), 4 Laghlan McWhannell (24), 5 Josh Beehre (28), 6 Anton Segner (38), 7 Dalton Papali’i (C) (98), 8 Hoskins Sotutu (80), 9 Finlay Christie (70), 10 Stephen Perofeta (73), 11 Caleb Clarke (76), 12 Pita Ahki (14), 13 AJ Lam (59), 14 Cole Forbes (31), 15 Zarn Sullivan (43)

Replacements (16–23):
16 Kurt Eklund (73), 17 Mason Tupaea (9), 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi (154), 19 Che Clark (2), 20 Torian Barnes (1), 21 Sam Nock (83), 22 Xavi Taele (6), 23 Codemeru Vai (1)

The ACT Brumbies head to Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday (1:35pm AEDT / 3:35pm NZT) for Round 2 of the 2026 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season, aiming to build on a strong season-opening win. The Brumbies have named an unchanged matchday 23, with veteran prop James Slipper set to bring up a remarkable 200th Super Rugby appearance, just shy of the all-time games record.

Slipper leads a formidable front row alongside Billy Pollard and Rhys van Nek, while Lachie Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville continue their second-row partnership. The back row combines Charlie Cale, Rob Valetini, and Rory Scott, providing physicality, work rate, and impact around the park.

Scrum-half Ryan Lonergan captains the side, directing play with Declan Meredith at fly-half, following his two-try Round 1 performance. The backline remains potent with Corey Toole and Ollie Sapsford on the wings, David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard in midfield, and Andy Muirhead at fullback. The bench, including Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, and others, provides depth and impact for the final quarter.

The Crusaders, meanwhile, have also largely retained their Round 1 lineup, with captain David Havili leading the side in the midfield. Up front, Finlay Brewis, George Bell, and Fletcher Newell anchor the scrum, with Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah in the second row.

Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder, and Christian Lio‑Willie provide the back-row energy, while Noah Hotham and Rivez Reihana control the 9–10 axis. The back three of Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, and Will Jordan offers pace, counterattack threat, and experience. Louie Chapman returns to the matchday squad after a long injury layoff, adding inspiration on the bench. This fixture also coincides with the 15th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake, with the stadium and community set to honour the occasion.

ACT Brumbies (1–15):
1 James Slipper, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Rhys van Nek, 4 Lachie Shaw, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Rory Scott, 8 Charlie Cale, 9 Ryan Lonergan (C), 10 Declan Meredith, 11 Corey Toole, 12 David Feliuai, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 15 Andy Muirhead

Replacements (16–23):
16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Hudson Creighton

Crusaders (1–15):
1 Finlay Brewis, 2 George Bell, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Christian Lio‑Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Rivez Reihana, 11 Sevu Reece, 12 David Havili (C), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Chay Fihaki, 15 Will Jordan

Replacements (16–23):
16 Codie Taylor, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Louie Chapman, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Leicester Fainga’anuku