Super Rugby Team News: Round 3 - Chiefs host Crusaders for Grand Final Rematch

The defending champions Crusaders are still searching for their first win over the season, in what has been quite the slow start from the Christchurch side. The Reds, Fijian Drua and Western Force are all sitting on zero points from the first fortnight of action, yet Queensland have a game in hand following a bye week last time out.

The Western Force have made two changes to their starting XV for Friday’s Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific clash against Moana Pasifika at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe, with winger Darby Lancaster set to make his club debut.

Lancaster, a one-cap Wallaby who joined from the Waratahs in the off-season, returns from a thigh injury to start on the right wing. Hooker Nic Dolly also makes his long-awaited comeback from a knee injury, marking his first competitive appearance since May last year. There is further significance for the visitors as loosehead prop Tom Robertson earns his 50th Force cap. Argentina scrum-half Agustin Moyano is poised for his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

The Force otherwise retain continuity from last week’s defeat to the Blues, with Jeremy Williams captaining the side and Carlo Tizzano and Vaiolini Ekuasi completing the back row. Ben Donaldson, the competition’s current leading points scorer, continues at fly-half alongside Nathan Hastie.

Moana Pasifika, meanwhile, have recalled the bulk of the side that claimed a historic win over the Fijian Drua. Glen Vaihu earns his first start at full-back in the only change to the run-on XV, replacing the injured William Havili. Semisi Paea returns in the back row, while experienced prop Abraham Pole is set for his 50th Super Rugby appearance from the bench. Tevita Latu and Tupou Afungia are in line for their competition debuts among the replacements as Moana prepare for their first home game of the season in South Auckland.

Western Force (1–15):
1 Tom Robertson, 2 Nic Dolly, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4 Franco Molina, 5 Darcy Swain, 6 Jeremy Williams (c), 7 Carlo Tizzano, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9 Nathan Hastie, 10 Ben Donaldson (vc), 11 Bayley Kuenzle, 12 Hamish Stewart, 13 George Bridge, 14 Darby Lancaster, 15 Mac Grealy

Replacements:
16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Agustin Moyano, 22 Max Burey, 23 Kurtley Beale

Moana Pasifika (1–15):
1 Tito Tuipulotu, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 3 Chris Apoua, 4 Tom Savage, 5 Allan Craig, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7 Semisi Paea, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Ngani Laumape, 13 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14 Tevita Ofa, 15 Glen Vaihu

Replacements:
16. Samiuela Moli 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Lolani Faleiva 19. Ola Tauelangi 20. Tupou Afungia, 21. Melani Matavao 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop 23. Tevita Latu,

The Queensland Reds have welcomed back a host of Wallabies for Friday night’s Round 3 clash against the Highlanders at Suncorp Stadium, with Harry Wilson and Carter Gordon headlining the inclusions for the first major home fixture of 2026.

No.8 Wilson returns in his seventh Super Rugby season, bringing leadership and pedigree after being named in World Rugby’s 2025 Dream Team of the Year. Fly-half Gordon will make his long-awaited Reds Super Rugby debut, partnering Sunshine Coast product Louis Werchon in the halves. Hooker Josh Nasser, outside back Filipo Daugunu and halfback Kalani Thomas add further Test experience from the bench.

The Reds have named an all-Wallabies front row of Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr, while captain Fraser McReight leads a dynamic loose trio alongside Joe Brial and Wilson. With 10 wins from 14 at Suncorp across the past two seasons, Les Kiss’ side will look to maintain their strong home record.

The Highlanders have largely kept faith with the side that ran the Chiefs close last weekend. There is one rotation in the pack, with Oliver Haig shifting to the bench, while veteran prop Daniel Lienert-Brown is in line for his first appearance of 2026. Co-captain Sean Withy again leads the forward effort, with the dangerous outside trio of Jona Nareki, Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens providing strike power.

With Brisbane heat expected to play a factor, both sides will need accuracy and composure in what shapes as a high-tempo encounter.

Queensland Reds (1–15):
1 Aidan Ross, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 4 Josh Canham, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6 Joe Brial, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 8 Harry Wilson, 9 Louis Werchon, 10 Carter Gordon, 11 Tim Ryan, 12 Hunter Paisami, 13 Josh Flook, 14 Lachie Anderson, 15 Jock Campbell

Replacements:
16 Josh Nasser, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Filipo Daugunu

Highlanders (1–15):
1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Jack Taylor, 3 Rohan Wingham, 4 Will Stodart, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 7 Sean Withy (CC), 8 Lucas Casey, 9 Adam Lennnox, 10 Cameron Millar, 11 Jona Nareki, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC), 13 Jonah Lowe, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements:
16 Soane Vikena, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Oliver Haig, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a

The Fijian Drua will host the Hurricanes at Churchill Park in Lautoka for their Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific clash. Head Coach Glen Jackson has made a number of changes due to injuries, including the inclusion of Olympic silver medallist Joji Nasova, who will make his Super Rugby debut on the right wing. Returning forwards Etonia Waqa, Emosi Tuqiri, and Vilive Miramira strengthen the matchday squad, while co-captain Frank Lomani leads the team from scrum-half, partnering fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

In the forwards, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, and Zuriel Togiatama hold down the front row. Mesake Vocevoce starts at lock alongside Isoa Nasilasila, while Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, and Elia Canakaivata form a powerful back row. Jackson has named a 6–2 split on the bench with Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, and Inia Tabuavou covering key positions.

The Hurricanes have named a side featuring four changes from their Round 2 win over Moana Pasifika, including a reshuffled front row of Pouri Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua (vice-captain), and Tevita Mafileo. Hugo Plummer and newly-capped Warner Dearns start in the second row, with Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, and Brayden Iose completing the loose forward trio.

A new halves partnership sees Cam Roigard at scrum-half and Callum Harkin at first-five, with Josh Moorby moving to fullback. The backline includes Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (captain), Billy Proctor, and Bailyn Sullivan. The bench features Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Siale Lauaki, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore (debut), and Ngane Punivai.

Fijian Drua (1–15):
1 Haereiti Hetet, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 3 Mesake Doge, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 6 Etonia Waqa, 7 Motikiai Murray, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 9 Frank Lomani (c), 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11 Epeli Momo, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14 Joji Nasova, 15 Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements:
16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Inia Tabuavou

Hurricanes (1–15):
1 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2 Asafo Aumua (vc), 3 Tevita Mafileo, 4 Hugo Plummer, 5 Warner Dearns, 6 Devan Flanders, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Brayden Iose, 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Callum Harkin, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 13 Billy Proctor, 14 Bailyn Sullivan, 15 Josh Moorby

Replacements:
16 Jacob Devery, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Lucas Cashmore, 23 Ngane Punivai

Kick-off: 4:35pm NZT / 2:35pm FJT / 5:35am UK (Saturday 28 February)

The Gallagher Chiefs return home to Rugby Park (FMG Stadium Waikato) for their Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders. Head Coach Jono Gibbes has made minor changes to his starting XV, promoting All Blacks Simon Parker and Emoni Narawa from the bench to start at blindside flanker and wing respectively.

Former Wallaby centre Lalakai Foketi is named on the bench for a potential debut, returning to the city of his childhood. Xavier Roe will celebrate his 50th Super Rugby appearance for the Chiefs. Damian McKenzie rejoins the squad after paternity leave, while Cortez Ratima is unavailable.

In the forwards, Jared Proffit, Samisoni Taukei’aho, and George Dyer form the front row, with Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i (vc) in the second row. Parker, Kaylum Boshier, and Luke Jacobson (c) make up the loose forward trio. The halves combination sees Xavier Roe at scrum-half and Josh Jacomb at fly-half, with Leroy Carter and Quinn Tupaea (vc) controlling the midfield. The back three features Daniel Rona, Narawa, and Etene Nanai-Seturo.

The Crusaders will run a settled side with Tamaiti Williams, George Bell, and Fletcher Newell in the front row, backed by Antonio Shalfoon and Jamie Hannah in the second row. Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder, and Christian Lio‑Willie make up the loose forwards.

Noah Hotham and Taha Kemara control the halves, with David Havili (c) and Leicester Fainga’anuku at centre. Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki start on the wings with Will Jordan at fullback. The Chiefs’ bench includes Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Louie Chapman, James White, and Dallas McLeod.

Gallagher Chiefs (1–15):
1 Jared Proffit, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 George Dyer, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (vc), 6 Simon Parker, 7 Kaylum Boshier, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 9 Xavier Roe, 10 Josh Jacomb, 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13 Daniel Rona, 14 Emoni Narawa, 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo

Replacements:
16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Samipeni Finau, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Lalakai Foketi

Crusaders (1–15):
1 Tamaiti Williams, 2 George Bell, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 5 Jamie Hannah, 6 Dom Gardiner, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 8 Christian Lio‑Willie, 9 Noah Hotham, 10 Taha Kemara, 11 Sevu Reece, 12 David Havili (c), 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14 Chay Fihaki, 15 Will Jordan

Replacements:
16 Manumaua Letiu, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Louie Chapman, 22 James White, 23 Dallas McLeod

Kick-off: 7:05 PM NZT, Saturday 28 February, Rugby Park, Hamilton

The ACT Brumbies return home to GIO Stadium for their Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Blues on Saturday night, 28 February (7:35pm AEDT). Head Coach Stephen Larkham has opted for continuity, naming an unchanged matchday 23 for the third straight week. The Brumbies come off a statement win over the Crusaders in Christchurch, their first there in 26 years, and have scored 106 points across their opening two games of 2026. Saturday also marks a celebration of 30 years of Brumbies Super Rugby.

In the forwards, James Slipper, Billy Pollard, and Rhys van Nek pack down in the front row, with Lachie Shaw and Cadeyrn Neville in the second row. The loose forwards are Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, and Charlie Cale. The halves pairing sees Ryan Lonergan (c) at scrum-half and Declan Meredith at fly-half. David Feliuai and Kadin Pritchard control the midfield, while Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, and Andy Muirhead make up the back three.

The bench includes Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, and Hudson Creighton, ready to bring energy, physicality, and composure in the closing stages.

The Blues travel to Canberra for their second consecutive Australian road trip, with captain Dalton Papali’i set to make his 100th appearance for the club. Joshua Fusitu’a is ruled out with an elbow injury, with Ofa Tu’ungafasi moving to loosehead prop and Kurt Eklund starting at hooker. Sam Darry returns to the starting XV in the second row after missing last week’s match. The backline remains unchanged for the third straight game.

ACT Brumbies (1–15):
1 James Slipper, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Rhys van Nek, 4 Lachie Shaw, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Rory Scott, 8 Charlie Cale, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 10 Declan Meredith, 11 Ollie Sapsford, 12 David Feliuai, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 14 Corey Toole, 15 Andy Muirhead

Replacements:
16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Hudson Creighton

Blues (1–15):
1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi (155), 2 Kurt Eklund (74), 3 Marcel Renata (68), 4 Laghlan McWhannell (25), 5 Sam Darry (35), 6 Anton Segner (39), 7 Dalton Papali’i (c) (99), 8 Hoskins Sotutu (81), 9 Finlay Christie (71), 10 Stephen Perofeta (74), 11 Caleb Clarke (77), 12 Pita Ahki (15), 13 AJ Lam (60), 14 Cole Forbes (32), 15 Zarn Sullivan (44)

Replacements:
16 Bradley Slater (2), 17 Mason Tupaea (10), 18 Sam Matenga (-), 19 Josh Beehre (29), 20 Torian Barnes (2), 21 Taufa Funaki (33), 22 Xavi Taele (7), 23 Codemeru Vai (2)

Kick-off: 7:35pm AEDT Saturday 28 February, GIO Stadium, Canberra, live on Stan Sport.