Could there have been a better opening weekend than what we witnessed last weekend?! Two last-gasp victories, the Brumbies’ stunning win in Suva, and a huge Grand Final rematch.
The excitement continues in week two with the Queensland Reds taking to the pitch for their first match of the year, while the Chiefs and Crusaders face off to open the weekend. An Australian derby between the Brumbies and Western Force round outs the action.
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Friday, February 21
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Bradley Slarer, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Brodie McAllister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara; Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitchell Drummond, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
Officials: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Way; TMO: Brett Cronin
Prediction: The Chiefs were superb in running down the Blues in Auckland last week, with Damian McKenzie in the thick of the action. Their pack looks even stronger this week, too. The Crusaders will be happy to have last week’s win behind them after a disastrous 2024, though they were too easily opened up on defence early on. They have also lost a couple more to injury. Chiefs by 7.
Top Fantasy pick: You can’t go past Damian McKenzie after last week’s effort.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.38, -7.5 $1.90; Crusaders $2.90, +7.5 $1.85
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 7:35pm (AEDT)
Reds: Jock Campbell, Tim Ryan, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Josh Canham, Massimo de Lutiis, Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase. Replacements: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lachie Anderson.
Moana: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine; Ardie Savea, Sione Havili Talitui, Miracle Failagi, Allan Craig, Samuel Slade, Feteleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, James Lay. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Melani Matavao, Danny Toala, Losi Filipo
Officials: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: This is our first chance to see the Reds this season, Queensland bolstered by the arrival of several key Rebels. Filipo Daugunu and Josh Canham are among them this week. The only question is how they all front up after their recent UK tour. Moana Pasifika proved a much improved side last week, but they will be kicking themselves for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Can they back that performance up? Reds by 15.
​Top Fantasy pick: Kyren Taumoefolau is a star in the making. He is a devastating finisher and will make the Reds pay if he has the chance.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds $1.16, -12.5 $1.85; Moana $4.80, +12.5 $1.90
Saturday, February 22
McLean Park, Napier, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cameron Roigard; Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Hugo Plummer, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Junior Ratuva, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Inia Tabuavou, Tanilea Rakuro, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenalagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Leona Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi.
Officials: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Maggie Cogger-Orr; TMO: Marcus Playle
Prediction: The Drua are yet to defeat New Zealand opposition in New Zealand as yet, and the assignment doesn’t get any easier here. The Hurricanes will be disappointed about letting one slip on the road against the Crusaders last week. Look for a big showing from their atheltic back-row. Hurricanes by 22.
​Top Fantasy pick: Kini Naholo should relish the chance to play against fellow Fijians. If he gets in the clear, he will take some stopping.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes $1.10, -17.5 $1.87; Drua $6.20, +17.5 $1.87
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Lui Naeata.
Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Cameron Suafoa, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Joshua Fusitua, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Tafua Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.
Officials: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Highlanders were unlucky to lose to the Waratahs at the death, but they were exposed at set-piece time, which is a key strength of the Blues. The defending champions were meanwhile rusty first up; but under the roof in Dunedin their backs will have the conditions to shine, particularly if their pack dominates as expected. Blues by 14.
​Top Fantasy pick: With another game under his belt, Beauden Barrett could run up a big number this week.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders $4.20, +10.5 $1.87; Blues $1.22, -10.5 $1.90
GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:05pm (AEDT)
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.
Force: Mac Grealy, Dylan Pietsch, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Harry Potter, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman.
Officials: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Anthony Petrie, Stu Curran; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: The Brumbies are returning from a tough hit-out in Fiji, but are boosted by the inclusions of Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Charlie Cale, Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper. They are however with Noah Lolesio. The Force found a way to win after the siren, but shipping 45 points to Moana shows their defence still needs some tuning. The Brumbies were also comfortable victors in a trial between the two teams. Brumbies by 13.
​Top Fantasy pick: Charlie Cale was a revelation for the Brumbies last year, often roaming in the wider channels. He could be a smart back-row pick this week.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies $1.12, -14.5 $1.87; Force $5.70, +14.5 $1.87
All odds correct at time of publication.
