Super Rugby: Round 11 Team News - Super Round heads to Christchurch

The Hurricanes take on the Brumbies for a clash between the capital city clubs, whilst the Chiefs take on an in-form Fijian Drua side to close out Sunday's action. The teams have been confirmed for the Super Round, which will be hosted at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, to coincide with ANZAC Day. We have all the news for you now, to prepare you for yet another exhilarating weekend.

The Crusaders will mark a historic occasion on Friday night as they host the Waratahs in the opening game of Super Round, with Rob Penney’s side running out at One New Zealand Stadium for the first time.

It is a significant moment for the franchise and the city, and the Crusaders have been boosted by the return of key leaders for the occasion. David Havili comes back into the starting XV to captain the side from midfield, while Codie Taylor also returns from injury and assumes co-captaincy duties in the front row.

There is an eye-catching positional shift in the loose forwards, with Leicester Fainga’anuku named at openside flanker, adding physicality and dynamism to the back row alongside Christian Lio-Willie and Dom Gardiner. In the backs, Johnny McNicholl continues at full-back as Will Jordan builds his return from injury, while Taha Kemara starts at fly-half with Noah Hotham at scrum-half. After a difficult stretch on the road, the Crusaders will be targeting a statement performance in front of a sold-out home crowd as they look to reassert themselves in the playoff race.

The Waratahs, meanwhile, arrive in Christchurch with several notable changes, particularly in the front row where Isaac Kailea, Folau Faingaa and Siosifa Amone form a new starting combination. The trio have had limited starts together this season but impressed off the bench in last week’s win over Moana Pasifika.

There is also a positional reshuffle in the back three, with Max Jorgensen switching to full-back and Sid Harvey moving to the wing, while the remainder of the backline remains settled. Lawson Creighton reaches a milestone 50th Super Rugby appearance at inside centre, partnering Joey Walton in midfield.

Captain Matt Philip continues in the second row alongside Miles Amatosero, while the back row features a blend of experience and familiarity, with Charlie Gamble returning to face his former side and Pete Samu lining up against the Crusaders outfit he previously represented.

In the halves, Jake Gordon is set to equal the Waratahs’ all-time appearance record for a scrum-half, while Jack Debreczeni edges closer to a century of Super Rugby caps. With both sides separated by just two points on the table and finals contention tightening, the clash carries added significance alongside the spectacle of Super Round’s opening fixture.

Crusaders (1–15):
1 Finlay Brewis, 2 Codie Taylor (vc), 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Tahlor Cahill, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Taha Kemara, 11 Macca Springer, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Braydon Ennor, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Johnny McNicholl

Replacements:
16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Johnny Lee, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Dallas McLeod

Waratahs (1–15):
1 Isaac Kailea, 2 Folau Faingaa, 3 Siosifa Amone, 4 Matt Philip (c), 5 Miles Amatosero, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 7 Charlie Gamble, 8 Pete Samu, 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 11 Sid Harvey, 12 Lawson Creighton, 13 Joey Walton, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 15 Max Jorgensen

Replacements:
16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Tom Lambert, 18 Dan Botha, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Clem Halaholo, 21 Jamie Adamson, 22 Teddy Wilson, 23 Triston Reilly

The Hurricanes have named a reshuffled side for their Round 11 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Brumbies in Christchurch, with a milestone moment for co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi headlining the selection.

Kirifi is set to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance, becoming the Hurricanes’ 19th centurion as he starts at openside flanker in the ANZAC Day fixture, which also doubles as the Captain Shout Cup contest. The influential back-rower anchors a pack that shows five changes from last week’s defeat to the Chiefs.

A completely new front row has been selected, with Siale Lauaki, Raymond Tuputupu and Tevita Mafileo all promoted to start, while Caleb Delany returns to partner Warner Dearns in the second row. Brayden Iose is recalled at number eight for the first time since Round 6, joining Kirifi and Devan Flanders in the loose trio.

The Hurricanes have opted for continuity in the backline, retaining the half-back pairing of Cam Roigard and Ruben Love, while co-captain Jordie Barrett continues his midfield partnership with Billy Proctor. Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby start on the wings, with Callum Harkin again named at full-back.

There is also potential for a debut off the bench, with Josh Gray included among the replacements, alongside the likes of Asafo Aumua and Brad Shields, as the Hurricanes look to defend the Captain Shout Cup they claimed in Canberra last year.

The Brumbies, meanwhile, have made targeted changes for what is a significant ANZAC Day fixture, with head coach Stephen Larkham recalling Andy Muirhead and Rory Scott to the starting XV. Muirhead returns to the wing, bringing strong form and work rate, while Scott slots in at openside flanker, adding defensive steel to a back row that also features Rob Valetini and Tuaina Taii Tualima. Captain Ryan Lonergan continues at scrum-half, partnering Declan Meredith in the halves.

The backline otherwise remains settled, with Tom Wright at full-back and a midfield combination of David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard, while Corey Toole provides pace on the opposite wing. Up front, an experienced front row of James Slipper, Billy Pollard and Allan Alaalatoa is retained, with Nick Frost and Lachlan Shaw continuing their second-row partnership.

Hurricanes (1–15):
1 Siale Lauaki, 2 Raymond Tuputupu, 3 Tevita Mafileo, 4 Caleb Delany, 5 Warner Dearns, 6 Devan Flanders, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8 Brayden Iose, 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jordie Barrett (cc), 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Josh Moorby, 15 Callum Harkin

Replacements:
16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Brad Shields, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Jone Rova, 23 Josh Gray

Brumbies (1–15):
1 James Slipper, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Lachlan Shaw, 5 Nick Frost, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Rory Scott, 8 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 10 Declan Meredith, 11 Corey Toole, 12 David Feliuai, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 14 Andy Muirhead, 15 Tom Wright

Replacements:
16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Darcy Breen, 19 Toby MacPherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Ollie Sapsford

The ANZAC Day tradition continues in Christchurch as the Blues face the Queensland Reds under the roof at One New Zealand Stadium, with both sides bringing momentum and milestone moments into a marquee Super Round clash.

Head coach Vern Cotter has made a handful of notable changes to his Blues side, headlined by a first Super Rugby start for loosehead prop Ben Ake. On the wing, Kade Banks earns his first start of the season, while Pita Ahki returns to the midfield to add experience and physicality.

There’s also a timely boost on the bench with the return of Stephen Perofeta from injury, as the Blues look to build consistency heading into the business end of the season. Captain Patrick Tuipulotu leads a strong pack that includes Dalton Papali'i and Hoskins Sotutu, while Beauden Barrett directs play from fly-half.

For the Reds, the spotlight falls on veteran prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, who is set to reach the milestone of 150 Super Rugby appearances after being named among the replacements. The experienced front-rower has been a key figure off the bench this season and brings leadership to a developing squad.

Head coach Les Kiss has made two changes to the starting XV, with Zane Nonggorr coming into the front row and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips taking over at fly-half. Captain Fraser McReight leads a dynamic forward pack that includes Harry Wilson and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

In the backs, the Reds will look to the attacking threat of Filipo Daugunu and the composure of fullback Jock Campbell as they aim to build on their recent win over the Crusaders. With the Sellars Dixon Medal once again up for grabs, this fixture carries added significance beyond competition points, honouring the ANZAC spirit while continuing a growing rivalry between the two sides.

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Kade Banks, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Cole Forbes, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Ben Ake

Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Stephen Perofeta, 23 Xavi Taele

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (captain), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Aidan Ross

Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Nick Bloomfield, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Treyvon Pritchard

The Highlanders have made injury-enforced changes ahead of their Sunday afternoon clash with Moana Pasifika. Xavier Tito-Harris earns his first start on the wing, while Jonah Lowe shifts across to the right. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens returns at fullback following injury. Adam Lennox retains the scrum-half role after a standout performance last round, with Cameron Millar continuing at fly-half.

Up front, Soane Vikena and Saula Ma’u come into the front row, while Tomás Lavanini returns from injury to partner Mitch Dunshea in the second row. Oliver Haig starts at blindside flanker. Moana Pasifika also welcome back several key players, including winger Israel Leota and midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo.

Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa retains the number eight jersey after a dominant performance last week, while Abraham Pole continues to lead the front-row effort.

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), 11 Xavier Tito-Harris, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Adam Lennox, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Oliver Haig, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Mitch Dunshea, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Soane Vikena, 1 Ethan de Groot (co-captain)

Replacements: 16 Jack Taylor, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Te Kamaka Howden, 20 Hugh Renton, 21 Lucas Casey, 22 Folau Fakatava, 23 Taine Robinson

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tuna Tuitama, 13 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Tevita Latu, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Jonathan Tamateine, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (captain), 5 Jimmy Tupou, 4 Allan Craig, 3 Chris Apoua, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Abraham Pole

Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18 Paula Latu, 19 Tom Savage, 20 Ola Tauelangi, 21 Augustine Palu, 22 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 23 Israel Leota

The Gallagher Chiefs head into Super Round in Christchurch with a reshuffled loose forward unit and two players set to make their club debuts against the Fijian Drua at One NZ Stadium. Wallace Sititi continues his return from injury by earning a start at No.8 after producing a match-winning try off the bench against the Hurricanes last week. He will pack down alongside Jahrome Brown and Simon Parker in a back row altered by injuries to Luke Jacobson, Kaylum Boshier and Samipeni Finau.

The changes also open the door for Michael Loft, formerly of the Highlanders, who is set to make his Chiefs debut from the bench. At the back, Isaac Hutchinson will also make his first appearance for the club at fullback after a long injury layoff, marking a notable comeback in front of a Christchurch crowd where he has strong personal connections through his schooling and early rugby career.

Head coach Jono Gibbes said Hutchinson’s return reflects persistence through a lengthy rehabilitation process, while also highlighting the squad depth being tested in the loose forwards. Tupou Vaa’i returns from concussion to captain the side in the second row alongside Josh Lord, with Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie continuing their half-back partnership. Quinn Tupaea is back at second five-eighth, partnering Kyle Brown in midfield.

The Fijian Drua, meanwhile, welcome a significant boost with co-captain Frank Lomani returning at scrum-half, while Maika Tuitubou will make his debut at outside centre.

Tuitubou, a product of Fiji’s U20 and development pathways, lines up in a backline that includes Virimi Vakatawa in midfield and Manasa Mataele on the wing after his two-try display last week. Haereiti Hetet brings experience in the front row with his 47th Drua appearance, while Etonia Waqa and Kitione Salawa start in the back row. Isoa Tuwai retains the number eight jersey. The Drua bench includes returning prop Peni Ravai and halfback Simione Kuruvoli among their key impact options.

Chiefs: 15 Isaac Hutchison, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Kyle Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Daniel Sinkinson, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (captain), 4 Josh Lord, 3 George Dyer, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Jared Proffit

Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Benét Kumeroa, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Michael Loft, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Lalakai Foketi

Fijian Drua: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Taniela Rakuro, 13 Maika Tuitubou, 12 Virimi Vakatawa, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (co-captain), 8 Isoa Tuwai, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Temo Mayanavanua (co-captain), 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet

Replacements: 16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Isoa Nasilasila, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Inia Tabuavou