Super Rugby: Team News for Round 15 - Will Jordan returns for Crusaders

The Wellington side rule the roost with a nice round 50 points, with a bonus point win separating them and the second-placed Chiefs. We enter the penultimate round of the regular season this weekend, in what marks the final home game for Moana Pasifika in Auckland ahead of their end of season collapse.

The top six sides are steadily taking shape with the Qualifying Play-Offs in sight, with a top-heavy New Zealand majority from the first to fourth ranked spots. The Hurricanes and Chiefs are joined by the Blues and Crusaders, before the Brumbies and Reds of Australia round off the rest of the top six. A win for seventh-placed Waratahs and the Highlanders in eighth, could be enough to sneak into the sixth, should either the Brumbies or Reds drop points in the closely contested chasing pack.

Once again, we've scoured the Super Rugby teams to bring you all the team news for the incoming round of action - with Quallifying Play-Off spots up for grabs in this must-win round for the Waratahs and for the men from Dunedin.

Round 15 of Super Rugby Pacific brings a full house under the roof in Christchurch as the Crusaders host the Chiefs in a late-season clash with major playoff implications and just two regular-season games remaining. The home side receive a timely boost with Will Jordan returning from a calf injury to start for the first time at the new stadium, while Chay Fihaki also comes back into the XV.

Coach Rob Penney has welcomed Jordan’s impact, highlighting the lift he brings at a crucial stage of the campaign. The Chiefs, meanwhile, arrive with continuity, despite the absence of Damian McKenzie through concussion, with Josh Jacomb again steering the backline.

Both sides expect a fast, open contest on a dry surface under the roof, with Jordan noting the atmosphere and noise as a key factor in Christchurch. There is added intrigue on the Crusaders bench with young lock Liam Jack in line for a potential debut following Tahlor Cahill’s injury, adding to a growing narrative around youth development. The Chiefs also retain stability in selection, with Jono Gibbes backing his squad for a physical challenge away from home in a traditional rivalry fixture.

Crusaders: (1-15) George Bower, Codie Taylor (VC), Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (C), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan.

Replacements: (16-23) Manumaua Letiu, Jack Sexton, Seb Calder. Liam Jack, Dom Gardiner, Kyle, Taha Kemara, Johnny McNicholl

Chiefs: (1-15) Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i (vc), Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea (vc), Kyle Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Isaac Hutchinson.

Replacements: (16-23) Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Daniel Rona.

Round 15 of Super Rugby Pacific brings one of the competition’s defining rivalries back into focus, with the NSW Waratahs hosting the ACT Brumbies at Allianz Stadium in a match that could reshape the top-six picture with just one round remaining after this weekend.

The Waratahs have opted for continuity, naming an unchanged starting XV for the crunch encounter, with only Joey Walton returning from injury to take his place on the bench after recovering from a neck issue. Head coach Dan McKellar has backed the group that delivered a breakthrough win in Fiji last week, stressing performance consistency at a critical stage of the season.

The Brumbies arrive with both form and milestones in mind, headlined by Allan Alaalatoa bringing up his 150th appearance in the famous gold jersey. Head coach Stephen Larkham has added physical reinforcements, with Billy Pollard, Cadeyrn Neville, Kadin Pritchard and Luke Reimer all returning to the matchday squad. With finals positioning on the line and a home final still within reach, the visitors will look to lean on their set-piece power and midfield punch in a fixture that rarely disappoints.

WARATAHS (1–15): Jack Barrett, Ioane Moananu, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen.

Replacements: (16-23) Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Michael McDonald, Jack Debreczeni, Joey Walton.

BRUMBIES (1–15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Toby Macpherson, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright.

Replacements: (16-23) Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Andy Muirhead.

Moana Pasifika close out their 2026 home campaign at North Harbour Stadium with Patrick Pellegrini returning to the starting XV to partner William Havili in a dynamic halves pairing aimed at unlocking the Queensland Reds’ defensive line. Havili continues a strong season marked by tactical kicking accuracy and consistent involvement in both attack and defence, while Pellegrini’s return from injury adds a direct running and distribution threat at first five-eighth.

The Reds arrive with significant momentum and a settled spine, headlined by the return of Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott after injury. His combination with Carter Gordon restores an experienced playmaking axis as the visitors look to cement their place in the finals mix. Further Wallaby quality returns across the pack, with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham reinstated in the second row and Fraser McReight back to captain the side from openside flanker. Harry Wilson anchors the back row, ensuring a powerful set-piece and breakdown platform.

Moana Pasifika will again look to the leadership of Miracle Faiilagi and the finishing ability of William Havili from fullback, while the Reds’ bench provides serious impact through Matt Faessler, Seru Uru and Ben Volavola, ensuring both sides have firepower late in the contest.

MOANA PASIFIKA (1–15): Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Allan Craig, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota, William Havili.

Replacements (16-23): Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama.

QUEENSLAND REDS (1–15): George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Treyvon Pritchard, Jock Campbell.

Replacements (16-23): Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Lachie Anderson.

The Hurricanes return to Wellington for their final home round-robin fixture of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, welcoming the Highlanders to Hnry Stadium in a clash that carries significant momentum for both sides heading into the closing stages of the campaign.

Following a strong 47–24 win over the Blues last week, head coach Clark Laidlaw has made six changes and one positional switch to his starting XV, with a blend of milestone selections, returning talent and strategic rotation shaping the lineup.

Pasilio Tosi and Josh Moorby both reach major personal landmarks as they bring up their 50th appearances for the Hurricanes, anchoring a matchday squad that retains its core spine while introducing fresh combinations across the park. Siale Lauaki earns a start at loosehead prop, while Isaia Walker-Leawere returns to the second row alongside Warner Dearns.

In the back row, Devan Flanders shifts to blindside flanker to accommodate Brayden Iose at No 8, with Peter Lakai continuing at openside. The backline remains largely settled, with Ruben Love and Ereatara Enari continuing their halves partnership after impressing in Auckland. Jordie Barrett and Bailyn Sullivan combine in midfield for the first time this season, while Ngane Punivai returns from injury to start on the wing. Young lock Tom Allen is in line for a debut from the bench.

The Highlanders arrive with a settled side led by co-captains Hugh Renton and Timoci Tavatavanawai, featuring a powerful forward pack and a backline built around Cameron Millar’s kicking game and direct midfield threat.

Hurricanes (1–15): Siale Lauaki, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (cc), Bailyn Sullivan, Ngane Punivai, Josh Moorby.

Replacements (16-23): Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Allen, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Jordi Viljoen, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova.

Highlanders (1–15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Tomás Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, Hugh Renton (cc), Nic Shearer, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), Jona Nareki, Xavier Tito-Harris, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Replacements (16-23): Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Stanley Solomon, Meihana Grindlay.

Western Force return to HBF Park for a crucial Kids Round clash against the Fijian Drua, with both sides still chasing momentum as the Super Rugby Pacific season heads into its final stretch. The Force know victory is essential to keep their finals hopes alive, while the Drua arrive in Perth with attacking confidence and a milestone moment of their own, as dynamic forward Kitione Salawa prepares to bring up his 50th Super Rugby appearance.

The home side have made just one change to their starting XV, with Bayley Kuenzle moving into the midfield for his ninth start of the campaign. The only other notable squad addition sees Academy product Boston Fakafanua named on the bench and in line for a potential debut.

The Force have otherwise kept faith with a settled forward pack and backline combination, with Mac Grealy continuing his strong season at fullback and Hamish Stewart anchoring the midfield alongside Kuenzle.

For the Drua, the return of Meli Tuni at loosehead prop adds power to the front row, while Simione Kuruvoli is included among the impact options. The Fijian side retain a strong attacking shape led by Kemu Valetini at fly-half and Virimi Vakatawa in midfield, with their trademark pace and physicality expected to test the Force across the park.

Western Force (1–15): Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny (vc), Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy.

Replacements (16-23): Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa’agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Boston Fakafanua, Kurtley Beale.

Fijian Drua XV (1–15): Meli Tuni, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Kemu Valetini, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu.

Replacements: (16-23) Sairusi Ravudi, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Iosefo Namoce.