After a dramatic build-up, Super Rugby Pacific got off to an entertaining start last week.
The Fijian Drua might not have got a first-up win, but they were still a huge hit in Sydney as they fell to the Waratahs 40-10.
There were wins for the Crusaders, Chiefs and Reds on Saturday, before a Sunday afternoon thriller was taken out by the Brumbies thanks to a late Lachie Lonergan try.
This week's action is highlighted by two of the biggest provincial rivalries in the southern hemisphere as the Highlanders and Crusaders meet in Dunedin to open Round 2, before the Waratahs host the Reds in Sydney straight afterwards.
Stay across all the line-ups, team news and odds as they come to hand below.
Highlanders vs. Crusaders | Waratahs vs. Reds | Brumbies vs. Fijian Drua | Blues vs. Hurricanes | Rebels vs. Force | Chiefs vs. Moana Pasifika
Friday, February 25
Highlanders vs. Crusaders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5.05pm [AEDT]
Highlanders: Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (c); Gareth Evans, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jermaine Ainsley, Liam Coltman, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Hohneck, Bryn Evans, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Folau Fakatava, Marty Banks, Hugh Renton
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Fergus Burke, Mitchell Drummond; Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Pablo Matera, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Oli Jager, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody. Replacements: Shilo Klein, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Bryn Hall, Simon Hickey, George Bridge.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders $4, +10.5 $1.90; Crusaders $1.22, -10.5 $1.90 [Odds correct as of 9am 23/2]
Verdict: While coach Scott Robertson wasn't thrilled with his side's discipline, it was otherwise a happy start to the season for the Crusaders as they built a healthy lead against the Hurricanes and were never in trouble thereafter. The Highlanders, meanwhile, were particularly rusty against the Chiefs, never settling into the contest, and suffered a first-up defeat in Queenstown. This looks a tall order for Tony Brown's side, too, as they won't have the usual boisterous home support at Forsyth Barr with New Zealand still under COVID restrictions. Look for Pumas recruit Pablo Matera to up his workload after a solid first hit-out in the red and black, his battle with Shannon Frizell certainly one to watch. And it could prove another fruitful evening for Leicester Fainga'anuku, who bagged a hat trick against the Canes last week. Crusaders by 10.
Waratahs vs. Reds, Leichhardt Oval, Sydney, 7.45pm [AEDT]
Waratahs: Alex Newsome, Dylan Pietsch, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, James Turner, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon; Will Harris, Charles Gamble, Jeremy Williams, Geoffrey Cridge, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, David Porecki, Angus Bell. Replacements: Tom Horton, Te Tera Faulkner, Ruan Smith, Max Douglas, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Jamie Roberts.
Reds: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Josh Flook, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, Feao Fotuaika. Replacements: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Spencer Jeans, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy
Odds [tab.com.au] Waratahs $2.60, +5.5 $1.90; Reds $1.46, -5.5 $1.90 [Odds correct as of 9am 23/2]
Verdict: It may be a touch early to be pumping up a "top-of-the-table" clash, but that's exactly what we have here as the Waratahs and Reds both got off to winning, if contrasting, starts last week. The Waratahs raced out of the blocks to build a healthy lead on the Drua, eventually cruising to a 40-10 win but only after they were forced to make 41 more tackles than their opponents. After such a tough year defensively in 2021, conceding just the one try under such a heavy workload will have been of great comfort to Darren Coleman and his coaching team. The Reds, meanwhile, worked their way past a dogged Rebels outfit, with Harry Wilson, Jock Campbell and Josh Flook providing the key moments in the 18-point win. This week, the Tahs will be without the aggressive Lachie Swinton, with Jeremy Williams named in the only change to the NSW side, while the Reds have lost co-captain Liam Wright but fortunately they have outstanding cover in Fraser McReight. With the big downpour showing no signs of slowing in Sydney, this one will likely be fought out up front with set-piece efficiency to be pivotal. That extra experience up front might just be enough to get Queensland home. Reds by 2.
Saturday, February 26
Brumbies v Fijian Drua, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 2.35pm [AEDT]
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper. Replacements: Billy Pollard, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Ed Kennedy, Jahrome Brown, Nic White, Chris Feauai-Sautia.
Drua: Baden Kerr, Onisi Ratave, Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli; Nemani Nagusa, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Ratu Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Sualo, Te Ahiwara Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, Joseva Tamani, Peni Matawalu, Napolioni Bolaca.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Brumbies $1.01, -28.5 $1,90; Drua $17, +28.5 $1.90 [odds correct as of 9am 23/2]
Verdict: The Brumbies were anything but their usual polished selves, yet they were still able to come away with a last-ditch victory over the Force in Canberra last week. Trouble at the lineout and other turnovers proved their Achilles heel as they were forced into a huge defensive shift by the Force, who will have left Canberra kicking themselves for not finishing the job. The Drua, meanwhile, got an early indication of just how tough the step up to Super Rugby is -- losing by 30 to last year's cellar-dwellers hardly the start the expansion franchise was after. But Mick Byrne's team will be better for the run, and they are now aware that teams will likely look to rob them off tempo with time-wasting tactics. Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has looked to shore up his lineout by handing Lachie Longeran a start at hooker while Nick Frost replaces Cadeyrn Neville at lock; there is also a start for Ryan Lonergan at scrum-half. After a patchy first-up showing, the Brumbies will really want to lay down a marker here and with greater attention to detail they should do it, despite the Drua also raising their game from their competition bow. Brumbies by 24.
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Blues vs. Hurricanes, Wakatipu Rugby Club, Queenstown, 5.05pm [AEDT]
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Tom Robinson, Josh Goodhue, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Kurt Eklund, Alex Hodgman. Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofefta, Taniela Tele'a
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Wes Goosen, Bailyn Sullivan, Julian Savea, Salesi Rayasi, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jamie Booth, Ardie Savea (captain), Blake Gibson, Reed Prinsep, Justin Sangster, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Ben May, Devan Flanders, Brayden Iose, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Ruben Love, Peter Umaga-Jensen.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Blues $1.30, -8.5 $1.90; Hurricanes $3.30, +8.5 $1.90 [odds correct as of 9am 23/2]
Verdict: The most eagerly awaited debut of the season is finally here, with NRL convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck named at No. 12 for the Blues this weekend. After an extended preseason, that was lengthened by a week due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Moana Pasifika, the former Roosters and Warriors star at last has the chance to strut his stuff in the 15-man game. But there is no Beauden Barrett for Leon MacDonald's side, the star playmaker still suffering lingering concussion symptoms following a head knock against Ireland last year. There could well be elements of rust in the Blues, but there is no hiding from the strike power they have at their disposal when you also factor in the likes of Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane. The Hurricanes will have the benefit of last week's hit-out against the Crusaders, a match they finished strongly in despite ultimately losing. With skipper Dalton Papali'i and fellow All Blacks back-rower Akira Ioane also out for the Blues, this is a game the Hurricanes will fancy their chances in. If Jordie Barrett and skipper Ardie Savea lead the way as they did against the Crusaders, then the Canes will be right in this one. But it might just prove a touch beyond them, particularly given the Blues' key attacking weapons. Blues by 5.
Rebels vs. Force, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 7.45pm [AEDT]
Rebels: Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Stacey Ili, Raymond Nu'u, Glen Vaihu, Matt To'omua, Joe Powell; Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin, Sam Wallis, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip, Cabous Eboff, Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr. Replacements: James Hanson, Matt Gibbon, Sef Fa'agase, Thomas Nowlan, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Carter Gordon, Young Tonumaipea.
Force: Jake Strachan, Toni Pulu, Kyle Godwin, Richard Kahui, Manasa Mataele, Reesjan Pasitoa, Ian Prior; Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Izack Rodda, Fergus Lee-Warner, Santiago Medrano, Feleti Kaitu'u, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Andrew Ready, Harrison Llyod, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Ollie Callan, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Jake McIntyre, Byron Ralston.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Rebels $1.90, +0.5 $1.85; Force $1.90 -0.5, $1.95 [odds correct as of 9am 23/2]
Verdict: As the odds suggest, this is the toughest game to call in Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific. Missing several key Wallabies, the Rebels were far from disgraced in Brisbane despite never really looking like winning, while the Force did everything but finish the job against the Brumbies after a hugely committed effort in Canberra. While they scored two tries against the Brumbies, their share of possession and territory demanded greater results; again, attacking inside the opposition 20 looks to be the Force's issue. After a tough outing, fly-half Carter Gordon has been dropped to the bench for the Rebels with Matt To'omua's experience favoured in the playmaking position, and it's the same story in the Force's midfield though Richard Kahui's start comes through injury to Bayley Kuenzle. These two teams have a habit of playing out tight, defensive contests, and this one looks no different. Goal-kicking will be pivotal. Force by three.
Sunday, February 27
Chiefs vs. Moana Pasifika, Wakatipu Rugby Club, Queenstown, 1.35pm [AEDT]
MATCH POSTPONED