The countdown is finally over, the new-look, 11-team Super Rugby Pacific season is finally upon us.
To kick it all off it's the Crusaders hosting the Hurricanes in Christchurch, where there's certainly no love lost between the two on Valentine's Day, while the Brumbies open their season with a tough task against the Drua in Fiji.
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Friday, February 14
Crusaders vs. Hurricanes
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham; 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, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cam Roirgard; Brayden Iose, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputou, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai.
Officials: Nic Berry, AR1 Reuben Keane, AR2 Jackson Henshaw, TMO Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Crusaders can't be as bad as they were last year, right? They still have issues at No. 10, but with Will Jordan, Scott Barrett and Tamaiti Williams all fit again, they are far stronger lineup than the one that finished 2024. The Hurricanes no longer have Jordie Barrett and fly-half Brett Cameron is gone for the season; but Asafo Aumua remains a powerhouse. Crusaders by 3.
Top Fantasy pick: You simply can't go past Will Jordan first up. He scores tries for fun.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders $1.75, -1.5 $1.90; Hurricanes $2.05, +1.5 $1.90
NSW Waratahs vs. Highlanders
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Max Jorgensen, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon; Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Miles Amatasero, Hugh Sinclair, Taniela Tupou, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell. Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Anderson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster.
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Michael Manson, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie; Hugh Renton, Sean Withy, Lui Naeata, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma'u, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Finn Hurley.
Officials: Angus Gardner, AR1 Graham Cooper, AR2 Matt Kellahan, TMO Ollie Kellet
Prediction: Given the Waratahs' vast spread of new recruits, there is likely to be some rustiness in their game under new coach Dan McKellar. The Highlanders meanwhile did a job on NSW in Sydney last year and they will have nothing to lose in a game few expect them to win. However, the Waratahs superior backline firepower should see them home. Waratahs by 5.
Top Fantasy pick: There is no better try sneak in Super Rugby than Jake Gordon. The Waratahs skipper is also good value $5 million.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs $1.38, -7.5 $1.85; Highlanders $3, +7.5 $1.95
Saturday, February 15
Fijian Drua vs. ACT Brumbies
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Drua: Kitione Salawa, Ponipate Loganimasi, Iosefo Masi, Kemu Valetini, Vuate Karawalevu, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli; Elia Canakaivata, Isikeli Rabitu, Joseva Tamani, Leone Rotuisolia, Mesake Vocevoce, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Meli Tuni, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Frank Lomani, Peni Matawalu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, Hudson Creighton, Austin Anderson, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Rory Scott, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Shaw, Feao Fotuaika, Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Judah Saumaisue, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Kadin Pritchard
Officials: Angus Mabey, AR1 Michael Winter, AR2 Stu Curran, TMO Marcus Playle
Prediction: This is a mighty challenge for the Brumbies first up, given they will be playing in stifling conditions in Suva. If they let the Drua get an early jump on them, then it could be a long afternoon in the heat. The Brumbies are also without Wallabies stars Rob Valetini, Tom Wright and Len Ikitau. Drua by 10.
Top Fantasy pick: Tevita Ikanivere is a proven try-scorer at hooker and a player who will register big minutes.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua $2.15, +2.5 $1.90; Brumbies $1.68, -2.5 $1.90
Blues vs. Chiefs
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki; Cameron Suafoa, Dalton Papali'i, Anton Segner, Patrick Tuipulotu, Laghlan McWhannell, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Josh Fusitua, Angus Ta'avao, Che Clark, Adrian Choat, Fin Christie, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson, Kaylum Boshier, Simon Parker, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAllister, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert Brown, Emoni Narawa
Officials: Damon Murphy, AR1 Reuben Keane, AR2 Ben O'Keeffe, TMO Brett Cronan
Prediction: Beauden Barrett's return adds even greater firepower to the Blues' backline while Damian McKenzie's move to fullback is a surprise given his play at No. 10 last season. There is no Hoskins Sotutu to start the season for the hosts, but there is still a load of quality up front. Blues by 9.
Top Fantasy pick: Mark Tele'a's unrivalled tackle-break and line-break ability make him a prime Fantasy option. If he scores a couple of tries the return will be huge.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues $1.48, -5.5 $1.90; Chiefs $2.60, +5.5 $1.90
Western Force vs. Moana Pasifika
HBF Park, Perth, 7:05pm (AEDT)
Force: Mac Grealy, Divad Palu, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Harry Potter, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch
Moana: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Ardie Savea, Sione Havili Talitui, Miracle Faillagi, Allan Craig, Samuel Slade, Feteleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Millennium Sanerivi, James Lay. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Tupou Tailoa, Melani Matavo, Danny Toala
Officials: Joran Way, AR1 George Myers, AR2 Joran Kaminski, TMO James Leckie
Prediction: Just how much impact can Ardie Savea have on Moana? That is the question on everyone's lips at the start of the season. Again, the Force have a heap of new recruits and cohesion could be a problem early doors, though at least the halves combination of Nic White and Ben Donaldson remains. This could be the game that supplies the R1 upset. Moana by 3.
Top Fantasy pick: If you can afford Savea around your other week 1 selections, then he is a no-brainer in what could be tight, stop-start affair.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Force $1.36, -7.5 $1.85; Moana $3.10, +7.5 $1.95
All odds correct at time of publication.