Super Rugby Pacific has certainly stepped up a notch in 2025 with plenty of boilovers in Round 2. No doubt Round 3 will continue the trend.
Friday night promises to bring the action with it all kicking off in Albany before the Waratahs host the Drua in Sydney. But it's Saturday afternoon's clash between the Chiefs and the Brumbies that headlines the weekend.
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Friday, February 28
Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders
North Harbour Stadium, Albany 5:05pm (AEDT)
Moana: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Danny Toala, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine; Ardie Savea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Miracle Faillagi, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafile'o, Millennium Sanerivi, James Lay. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Tevita Ofa
Highlanders: Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Taniela Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava; Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Sefo Kautai, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Josh Bartlett. Replacements: Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Saula Ma'u, Will Stodart, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Jake Te Hiwi
Officials: Ben O'Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw; TMO: Marcus Playle
Prediction: After last week's heroics against the Blues it's going to be hard to go past the Highlanders getting the job done yet again this week, but expect it to be a real arm wrestle. While they were blown away in the second half last week, Moana have shown real grit in 2025, and with a few changes to the bench expect a full 80-minute battle. Highlanders by 10.
Top Fantasy pick: Finn Hurley was huge last week and at only $4mil is a bit of a steal.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana $3, +7.5 $1.90; Highlanders $1.36, -7.5 $1.85
NSW Waratahs vs. Fijian Drua
Allianz Stadium, Sydney 7:35pm (AEDT)
Waratahs: Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Henry O'Donnell, Lalakai Foketi, Max Jorgensen, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon; Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Taniela Tupou, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell. Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly.
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Ponipate Loganimasi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Vuate Karawalevu, Inia Tabuavou, Caleb Muntz, Simione Kuruvoli; Meli Derenlagi, Motikiai Murray, Joseva Tamani, Leone Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini
Officials: Paul Williams; Assistant Referee: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter; TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: After a week off the Waratahs return to the pitch but without their "Ferrari" Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. It's a hammer blow and will have huge ramifications for the match-up. The Drua will be raring to go after their tight loss to the Hurricanes and with 10 changes to the starting 15, both sides will be looking fresh. After displaying some fight they'd been lacking last year in their win over the Highlanders, the Tahs should get the job done here, but it'll be tough. Waratahs by 5.
Top Fantasy pick: In the absence of Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway is the player to get into your squad.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs $1.25, -10.5 $1.90; Drua $3.70, +10.5 $1.85
Saturday, March 1
Chiefs vs. Brumbies
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Manasa Mataele, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima; Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Sione Ahio, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Daniel Rona Gideon Wrampling.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Judah Saumaisue, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton
Officials: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: Easily the match of the round, this clash promises to be big with the Chiefs the competition standouts, while the Brumbies will be smarting from their first loss at home against the Western Force in 5060 days. No Noah Lolesio is once again a big miss for the Brumbies, so too Rob Valetini in the backrow, while the Chiefs have named on of their strongest sides. This will be a tough battle, but the Chiefs will come home with the W. Chiefs by 15
Top Fantasy pick: Goes without saying, if you've got the cash you have to pick Damian McKenzie.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.14, -13.5 $1.87; Brumbies $5.20, +13.5 $1.87
Hurricanes vs. Blues
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Hurricanes: Kade Banks, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter-Umaga Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai
Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i, Cameron Suafoa, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Joshua Fusitua, Angus Ta'avao, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.
Officials: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: Two games in and two losses, not many people would have predicted this, especially not the Hurricanes. Making just one injury-forced replacement Vern Cotter is keeping faith in his squad and will be expecting plenty more from his star backline. Leaving it late against the Drua, the Canes will know they need to shore up their defences if they're to get a win at home. This will be a tight one, but the Blues will finally get it right this week. Blues by 9
Top Fantasy pick: The leading point scorer for the Canes, Harry Goodfrey presents a nice points earner
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes $2.30, +3.5 $1.90; Blues $1.58, -3.5 $1.85
Western Force vs. Queensland Reds
HBF Park, Perth, 7:05pm (AEDT)
Force: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Reesjan Pasitoa, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Sam Carter, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
Reds: Heremaia Murray, Lachie Anderson, Josh Flook, Dre Pakeho, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Sef Fa'agase. Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Massimo de Luttis, Josh Canham, Liam Wright, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan.
Officials: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: George Myers, Jordan Kaminski; TMO: Graham Cooper
Prediction: Two matches and two wins, this Force team are proving themselves early this year and will give the Reds a run for their money. Both sides have had to deal with injury blows; the Force without Jeremy Williams (concussion), the Reds without Jock Campbell and Hunter Paisami (suspension) but with the return of Liam Wright from injury, former Crusader Heremaia Murray in fullback and young gun Dre Pakeho in centre the Reds look the better outfit - if they can get their discipline sorted! Reds by 9.
Top Fantasy pick: At just $4.5mil Carlo Tizzano is a steal and will be huge against the Reds.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Force $3.30, +9.5 $1.85; Reds $1.30, -9.5 $1.90
Injury Ward
Brumbies
Tom Hooper (concussion), Noah Lolesio (concussion / round 4), Rob Valetini (hamstring / TBC), Ben O'Donnell (hamstring/ TBC), Tevita Alatini (ACL / TBC), Harry Vella (ACL / TBC), Tuaina Taii Tualima (illness, TBC)
Blues
Kurt Eklund (groin), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), Laghlan McWhannell (cheek); PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Stephen Perofeta (calf), Ben Ake (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Adrian Choat (knee).
Chiefs
Rameka Poihipi (knee, Season), Luke Jacobson (nose, short-term), Kaleb Trask (Hamstring, 4-6 weeks), Etene Nanai-Seturo, (Hamstring, long-term) Liam Coombes-Fabling (knee, 4-6 weeks), Fiti Sa (shoulder, Long-term) Wallace Sititi (knee, Long-term), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (shoulder, Short-term)
Crusaders
George Bell (toe/foot / TBC), Kershawl Sykes-Martin (knee / 5-6 weeks), Finlay Brewis (shoulder / season), Dallas McLeod (hip / round one), Codie Taylor (hamstring / 2-3 weeks), Fletcher Anderson (heel / 2-3 weeks), Rivez Reihana (ankle / 2-3 weeks), Seb Calder (AC joint / 3-5 weeks), Quentin Strange (Pec/hamstring / 4-6 weeks), Dom Gardiner (hamstring / 4-6 weeks), Jamie Hannah (shoulder / 4-6 weeks), Aki Tuivailala (finger / 4-6 weeks), Johnny McNicholll (hamstring / 4-6 weeks), Braydon Ennor (wrist / TBC), Noah Hotham (ankle/ TBC)
Fijian Drua
Frank Lomani (ankle, short term), Etonia Waqa (Knee, short term), Selestino Ravutaumada (Shoulder, short term), Epeli Momo (Knee, long term), Vilive Miramira (ankle, short term)
Highlanders
Oliver Haig (foot / 7 weeks ), Jonah Lowe (ACL / 4 weeks ), Jona Nareki (ankle / 2 weeks), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (neck / 7 weeks), Josh Whaanga (back / 1 week)
Hurricanes
Zach Gallagher (Achilles / TBC), Daniel Sinkinson (hamstring / round 8), Ruben Love (ankle / round 7), Lucas Cashmore (knee / round 7), Brett Cameron (knee / season), Asafo Aumua (foot / TBC), Tyrel Lomax (ankle / round 5), Callum Harkin (head / round 4), Devan Flanders (ankle / round 14), Tjay Clarke (Shoulder/ round 9), Riley Higgins (Hand / round 7), Billy Proctor (Achilles / TBC)
Moana Pasifika
Alamanda Motuga (shoulder), Fine Inisi (quad), Julian Savea (knee), Lalomilo Lalomilo (concussion), Lotu Inisi (hamstring), Neria Fomai (knee /out for season), Ofa Tauatevalu (lower leg), Semisi Paea (ankle), Sione Havili Talitui (ankle).
NSW Waratahs
Fergus Lee-Warner (foot), Lucas Ripley (shoulder), Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii (toe, TBC), Joey Walton (groin, TBC)
Western Force
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee), Bayley Kuenzle (knee), Harry Hoopert (knee), Kane Koteka (ribs), Divad Palu (shoulder), Matt Proctor (shoulder), Henry Robertson (ribs), Papillon Sevele (knee), Tiaan Tauakipulu (ribs), Sio Tomkinson (head injury protocols), Jeremy Williams (head injury protocols)
Queensland Reds
Jock Campbell, Matt Gibbon, Mason Gordon, Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
Suspensions
Highlanders: Daniel Lienert-Brown (two games)
Reds: Hunter Paisami (three games)
All odds correct at time of publication.