Super Rugby Team News - Round 16: Wallace Sititi captains Chiefs for first time

The strong New Zealand contingency remains at the top of the tree, with the top four clubs coming from the land of the All Blacks. The Hurricanes continue to rule the roost at the summit, and will retain their top spot with an impressive nine-point gap between them and the second-placed Chiefs. The Blues and Crusaders then populate the third and fourth ranks, with Scott Penny eyeing up a strong finish to the season ahead of his confirmed exit from Christchurch at the end of the season.

The Brumbies and Reds remain in the fifth and sixth spots, with both sides in must-win territory if they want to secure a home quarter-final ahead of the final round. So, ahead of the closing weekend of the regular Super Rugby Pacific season for 2026, we have compiled all the team news to get you up to speed ahead of every kick off.

The Crusaders will head into the final round of the regular season with a home qualifying final still within reach as they prepare to host the top-seeded Hurricanes in front of another sold-out crowd under the roof in Christchurch. Friday night will also mark a major milestone for Sevu Reece, with the winger set to make his 100th appearance for the club in a match carrying significance both on and off the field.

The Crusaders’ Men’s Mental Health Match will shine a spotlight on the importance of conversations around wellbeing, while Rob Penney’s side also welcomes the potential debut of midfielder Cooper Roberts from the bench. The hosts will be without Will Jordan after the All Blacks fullback suffered a calf injury against the Chiefs, meaning Johnny McNicholl starts at fullback alongside Reece and Chay Fihaki in the back three.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes arrive having already secured top spot on the ladder, prompting Clark Laidlaw to rotate heavily. Tyrel Lomax and Cam Roigard both return from injury, while Cooper Flanders, Josh Timu and Taniela Filimone are all set for Hurricanes debuts in Christchurch.

CRUSADERS XV (1–15): 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor (vc), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Dom Gardiner, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Dallas McLeod, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl.

Replacements: 16. Manumaua Letiu, 17. Finlay Brewis, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Liam Jack, 20. Johnny Lee, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Taha Kemara, 23. Cooper Roberts.

HURRICANES XV (1–15): 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Raymond Tuputupu, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Hugo Plummer, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields (c), 7. Cooper Flanders, 8. Arese Poliko, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Callum Harkin, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jone Rova, 13. Josh Timu, 14. Taniela Filimone, 15. Josh Moorby.

Replacements: 16. Jacob Devery, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Tom Allen, 20. Matolu Petaia, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Lucas Cashmore, 23. Bailyn Sullivan.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Aidan Ross return to a remodelled Queensland Reds pack for Friday night’s final-round clash against the Fijian Drua at Suncorp Stadium, with both sides still in the hunt for key finals positioning heading into the end of the regular season. The sixth-placed Reds can still finish as high as fourth depending on results elsewhere, making this Indigenous Round fixture, played in a special Reds jersey, critical to their qualifying final pathway.

Salakaia-Loto returns at lock after becoming a father for the third time this week, partnering Josh Canham, while Ross is back at loosehead prop alongside Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr in a refreshed front row. Reds captain Fraser McReight leads a back row featuring Harry Wilson and Seru Uru, while the Drua counter with a powerful loose trio of Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata, built around their trademark physicality and breakdown pressure.

In the halves, Tate McDermott and Carter Gordon again steer the Reds, with the Drua pairing Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Kemu Valetini continuing a combination that fuels their wide-ranging attacking style. The Reds midfield sees Hunter Paisami return to partner Josh Flook, while the Drua match that with Isikeli Rabitu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, combining direct carrying with offloading threat.

Out wide, Lachie Anderson and Tim Ryan start on the wings for Queensland with Treyvon Pritchard at fullback, while the Drua maintain their dangerous back three of Taniela Rakuro, Manasa Mataele and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who offers a strong counter-attacking and kicking presence from fullback. Both benches are stacked with impact options, including Filipo Daugunu for the Reds and Virimi Vakatawa for the Drua.

REDS XV (1–15): 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Josh Canham, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Seru Uru, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Carter Gordon, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Lachie Anderson, 15. Treyvon Pritchard.
Replacements: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. George Blake, 18. Massimo De Lutiis, 19. Vaiuta Latu, 20. Joe Brial, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Filipo Daugunu.

FIJIAN DRUA XV (1–15): 1. Meli Tuni, 2. Zuriel Togiatama (50th appearance), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (c), 6. Vilive Miramira, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Kemu Valetini, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Isikeli Rabitu, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Manasa Mataele, 15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Replacements: 16. Sairusi Ravudi, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Etonia Waqa, 21. Isoa Tuwai, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Virimi Vakatawa.

The ACT Brumbies welcome back Charlie Cale at number eight for their final regular season clash against Moana Pasifika at GIO Stadium in Canberra on Saturday, with both sides looking to finish the campaign strongly heading into the qualifying finals period. The Brumbies can still secure a top-three finish and a home qualifier depending on results, while Moana Pasifika arrive with a settled core featuring the returning playmaking duo of Patrick Pellegrini and William Havili steering their attack.

Cale returns after a standout early-season run before injury, joining Rob Valetini and Rory Scott in a powerful Brumbies loose forward trio, while captain Allan Alaalatoa anchors the front row alongside James Slipper and Billy Pollard. Moana Pasifika counter with Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi and Atu Moli up front, supported by Allan Craig and Veikoso Poloniati in the second row.

The Brumbies’ engine room of Lachlan Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville faces Poloniati’s physical presence, while the back row battle sees Cale, Valetini and Scott matched against Miracle Faiilagi, Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, a Moana trio built around mobility and breakdown pressure.

In the halves, Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith direct the Brumbies against Augustine Pulu and Pellegrini, while the midfield features David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard opposite Glen Vaihu and Faletoi Peni. Out wide, Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright face Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota and Havili in a dangerous back three contest.

BRUMBIES XV (1–15): 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Lachlan Shaw, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Charlie Cale, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 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. Rhys van Nek, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Hudson Creighton.

MOANA PASIFIKA XV (1–15): 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Veikoso Poloniati, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Faletoi Peni, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Israel Leota, 15. William Havili.
Replacements: 16. Mamoru Harada, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Paula Latu, 19. Alefosio Aho, 20. Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Tevita Latu, 23. Tuna Tuitama.

Wallace Sititi will captain the Gallagher Chiefs for the first time as they host the Blues in Hamilton on Saturday in the final round-robin clash of the Super Rugby Pacific season, with both sides heading into the fixture with finals implications and squad management in play ahead of the playoffs.

With Luke Jacobson unavailable and regular vice-captains Quinn Tupaea and Tupou Vaa’i rested, Sititi leads a reshaped Chiefs side that still carries plenty of firepower. The hosts have already secured second place and a home qualifying final, allowing Jono Gibbes to rotate key personnel while maintaining momentum. The Blues, sitting third on the ladder, arrive chasing confirmation of a home qualifying final of their own, with Vern Cotter’s side also making key changes to balance fitness and performance.

The Chiefs spine is built around Cortez Ratima and Josh Jacomb in the halves, with Daniel Rona and Reon Paul combining in midfield and a dynamic back three of Kyren Taumoefolau, Daniel Sinkinson and Liam Coombes-Fabling. Up front, the pack is anchored by Sititi, with Samipeni Finau and Jahrome Brown providing mobility and breakdown presence.

The Blues respond with a refreshed pack featuring Josh Beehre and Sam Darry in the second row and Anton Segner leading from openside flanker, while Stephen Perofeta directs the side at flyhalf outside Sam Nock. Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam and Zarn Sullivan headline a dangerous back three.

Both benches carry returning talent and impact options as the regular season closes and attention turns toward finals football.

CHIEFS XV (1–15): 1. Jared Proffit, 2. Tyrone Thompson, 3. George Dyer, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Josh Lord, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Wallace Sititi (c), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Reon Paul, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Daniel Sinkinson, 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling.
Replacements: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Benét Kumeroa, 18. Keran van Staden, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22. Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23. Lalakai Foketi.

BLUES XV (1–15): 1. Mason Tupaea, 2. James Mullan, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Josh Beehre, 5. Sam Darry, 6. Torian Barnes, 7. Anton Segner (c), 8. Malachi Wrampling, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan.
Replacements: 16. Eli Oudenryn, 17. Joshua Fusitu’a, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Hoskins Sotutu, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Corey Evans, 23. Codemeru Vai.

Western Force will welcome back Ben Donaldson and George Bridge for their season-ending Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific clash against the NSW Waratahs at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday, with both sides finishing their campaigns in the Round 16 Members Game.

The Force are unable to qualify for the finals but will look to close out a strong finish to the season, having won four of their past five matches, while the Waratahs also arrive with changes as they aim to end a difficult year on a positive note.

Donaldson returns at fly-half after missing two matches with a quad injury, while Bridge slots back into the starting midfield at outside-centre. The Force retain an unchanged forward pack led by Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain in the second row, with Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Misinale Epenisa in the front row and Nick Champion de Crespigny, Vaiolini Ekuasi and Carlo Tizzano in the back row.

The Waratahs counter with Jack Barrett, Ioane Moananu and Dan Botha in the front row, Matt Philip and Miles Amatosero in the second row, and a loose forward trio of Angus Scott-Young, Pete Samu and Jamie Adamson. In the halves, Nathan Hastie links with Donaldson for the Force against Jake Gordon and Jack Bowen for the Waratahs.

The midfield battle features Hamish Stewart and Bridge for the Force against Walton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, while the back three sees Dylan Pietsch, Zac Lomax and Mac Grealy line up against Kellaway, Potter and Jorgensen in a dangerous finishers’ duel. Both benches carry impact options, with Kurtley Beale among the Force reserves and Jack Debreczeni covering the Waratahs’ backs.

WESTERN FORCE XV (1–15): 1. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Misinale Epenisa, 4. Jeremy Williams (c), 5. Darcy Swain, 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 8. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9. Nathan Hastie, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. George Bridge, 14. Zac Lomax, 15. Mac Grealy.
Replacements: 16. Nic Dolly, 17. Marley Pearce, 18. Sef Fa’agase, 19. Franco Molina, 20. Will Harris, 21. Agustin Moyano, 22. Boston Fakafanua, 23. Kurtley Beale.

NSW WARATAHS XV (1–15): 1. Jack Barrett, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Dan Botha, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Jamie Adamson, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Jack Bowen, 11. Andrew Kellaway, 12. Joey Walton, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. Max Jorgensen.
Replacements: 16. Oniti Finau, 17. Isaac Kailea, 18. Apolosi Ranawai, 19. Ben Grant, 20. Clem Halaholo, 21. Teddy Wilson, 22. Jack Debreczeni, 23. Triston Reilly.