What a thrilling finish to another huge weekend of Super Rugby Pacific!
It went down to the wire in Canberra with the Brumbies coming out on top over the Blues, while the Western Force earned their first win of the season and the Reds were too good for the Highlanders, marking three Australian wins in Round 3.
But things are only heating up with two massive derby games on Saturday, while the Waratahs will look to move back to the top of the ladder.
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Friday, March 6
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Liam Coombes-Fabling, Emoni Narawa, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupeae, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Seuseau Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukeai’aho, Benet Kumeroa. Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Kyle Brown.
Moana: Glen Vaihu, Tevita Ofa, Tevita Latu, Ngani Laumape, Solomon Alaimalo, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Augustine Pulu, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faillagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Chris Apoua, Millenium Sanerivi, Abraham Pole. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malaki Hala-Ngatai, Lolani Falevia, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Taelangi, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Tyler Pulini.
Officials: Referee: Todd Petrie; Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr; Warwick Lahmert TMO: Richard kelly
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs: $1.01, -26.5 $1.85; Moana: $17, +26.5 $1.90
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Waratahs: Andrew Kellaway, Triston Reilly, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joey Walton, Max Jorgensen, Lawson Creighton, Jake Gordon, Pete Samu, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Miles Amatosero, Matt Philip, Daniel Botha, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Lambert. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Teddy Wilson, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey.
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova.
Officials: Referee: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon; Dan Moore TMO: Jmaes Leckie
Prediction: Currently enjoying an unbeaten run through the opening of the season, the Waratahs will be keen to keep the trend going, but will know they’ll have to take their game up a level if they’re to down their Kiwi rivals. Making four changes, including the return of Andrew Kellaway, the Tahs will be determined to unlock centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who’s yet to make a mark so far this season, while Max Jorgensen remains their most threatening weapon on the edge. For the Hurricanes, they’ll be looking to bounce back after they fell to the Drua. Making four changes of their own, they’ve bolstered their backrow with the return of captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, with Cam Roigard poised to unleash their impressive backline. If a revving Waratahs side turn up on Friday, this will be a cracker, but a slow start and turnovers like was seen in their opening two wins could see the Hurricanes walk over them. Tip: Waratahs by 7
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs: $2.10, +2.5 $1.85; Hurricanes: $1.68, -2.5 $1.90
Saturday, March 7
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Jacob Raumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasawa, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reeshan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a
Force: Mac Grealy, Darby Lancaster, Divad Palu, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Ben Donaldson, Nathan Hastie, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale.
Officials: Referee: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr; Warwick Lahmert TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders: $1.27, -9.5 $1.90; Force: $3.50, +9.5 $1.85
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Codemeru Vai, AJ Lam, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papal’i, Torain Barnes, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Che Clark, Anton Segner, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Xavi Taele.
Crusaders: Taha Kemara, Chay Fihaki, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackkadder, Dom Gradiner, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletvher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Louie Chapman, James White, Dallas McLeod
Officials: Referee: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle; Louis Trisley TMO: Aaron Paterson
Prediction: The first of huge derby matches for the weekend, the Blues return home to host long-time rivals the Crusaders. Falling at the final hurdle last week, the Blues will be smarting and have called upon big gun Beauden Barrett onto the bench in his first game of 2026 in one of several changes, as they look to make a statement. Meanwhile, the Crusaders have made several changes of their own with Taha Kemara shifting to fullback with the return of Rivez Reihana at 10, while Codie Taylor’s return is offset by the loss of George Bell. One of the biggest match-ups in the Super Rugby season, this game promises to be explosive, with the finishers bringing just enough for the Blues at home. Tip: Blues by 7
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues: $2.15, +2.5 $1.90; Crusaders: $1.65, -2.5 $1.85
GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, Kadin Pritchard, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Rory Scott,Tuaina Taii Tualima, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachie Shaw, Rhys van Nek, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton
Reds: Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, Carter Gordon, Louis Werchon, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Nasser, Aiden Ross. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jefferey Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillis, Treyvon Pritchard.
Officials: Referee: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Jordan Way; Jeremy Markey TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: The second of the weekend’s derby clashes, this match is set to be a belter with incumbent Wallabies coach Les Kiss no doubt determined to make a statement against Australia’s No. 1 Super side. With mixed results so far this season, the Reds will be keen to build on last week’s win over the Highlanders, with Filipo Daugunu’s return bolstering a backline that started to hum behind Carter Gordon. Meanwhile, the Brumbies have enjoyed an impressive start to the year, unbeaten so far and sitting at the top of the table following a drought breaking win over the Crusaders and victory over the Blues last week. They’ll need Charlie Cale and Tuaina Taii Tualima to step up in Rob Valetini’s absence though. With Wallabies across the park, this will be a cracker. Tip: Brumbies by 12.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies: $1.42, -6.5 $1.87; Reds: $2.75, +6.5 $1.87
