Super Rugby Pacific, Round 14 - Teams and Predictions
PREVIEW: With just three rounds of Super Rugby Pacific left to play before the Finals Series, the finish line is almost in sight.
It begins in Wellington with the Hurricanes hosting the Highlanders before the Waratahs face a must-win game against the Crusaders in Sydney.
The Fijian Drua welcome the Western Force to Lautoka, while Moana Pasifika takes on the Blues in a big rivalry game with implications for the finals.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies and Reds add to their rivalry with a blockbuster Australian derby.
The Chiefs have a bye this weekend, holding onto the top spot.
*Believing their season’s not done yet, hooker David Porecki insists he won’t be ladder watching as he fights to keep the Waratahs’ Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes flickering.
A third straight defeat last Friday night looked to have extinguished the Waratahs’ chances of sneaking into the playoffs.
But a precious bonus point in the despairing 21-28 derby loss to the Reds improved the Waratahs’ position to eighth on the table by the end of the weekend’s round.
Dan McKellar’s side enters their last home game of the season against the Crusaders on Friday night with renewed hope but knowing it will surely be lights out for 2025 with another slip-up.
Not that Porecki is getting distracted by the mathematical scenarios.
“Maybe there are a few of us that think a bit differently about it, but I don’t necessarily look at it at all,” he said on Tuesday.
“I’m going out there to win, and you want to win well. So you want to win with a bonus point, and the table will take care of itself.”
Having only returned last week from a nagging calf injury after a month out – he was also sidelined last year with an Achilles issue that led to him contemplating retirement – Porecki’s bigger focus is merely staying on the park and trying to contribute to the Tahs’ last push for a finals berth.
Lots of movement on the standings after Round 13 action 📊#SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/Gau83NL7Bk
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 11, 2025
*Wallaby Hunter Paisami is back for the Reds this week, named to start at inside centre against the Brumbies in Canberra.
Paisami has recovered from a corked hip and will join in-form Filipo Daugunu in the midfield this weekend, while Dre Pakeho drops to the bench after a series of impressive performances in Queensland’s run-on side.
But it’s not all good news for the Reds, who will be without Wallabies duo Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Tom Lynagh. Salakaia-Loto has been ruled out after sustaining a shoulder knock, while Lynagh continues to progress through HIA protocols.
Former Australia Under-20 flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will replace Lynagh in the No. 10 jumper, while Ryan Smith comes into the second row instead of Salakaia-Loto. Coach Les Kiss has named a talented side for a massive Australian derby in the capital.
“The Brumbies are no doubt a team in form coming off their win over the Western Force (33-14),” coach Kiss said in a statement.
“They have an imperious record at home in Canberra, as we know.
“We certainly showed our qualities of grit and belief with how strongly we finished the game against the Waratahs in our last game. It was very pleasing coming off the short turnaround from our previous match in Fiji.
“Harry had a very strong second half when he came in for Tom against the Waratahs and has stepped up for us with his opportunities this season.
What a weekend for Lachie Anderson 🌟💍#SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/WxWLnJDT4R
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 13, 2025
*Wallabies Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, and Nic White will miss the Western Force’s upcoming clash with the Fijian Drua in Lautoka, with coach Simon Cron deciding to rest these matchday regulars amid a hectic travel schedule.
The Force have been boosted by the return of Wallaby Brandon Paenga-Amosa, who returns to the bench after missing the last four matches with an ankle injury. Sam Carter, Titi Nofoagatotoa, George Poolman, and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa are also back in the 23.
With the Force sitting in ninth place, they have only two more matches to save their season, starting with this trip to Fiji before returning home to face the NSW Waratahs. But as coach Cron explained, it was still important to manage players during this period.
“We always knew there were some real challenges in the draw this season,” coach Cron explained.
“Out of the last five games, four of them have four-hour time zone shifts, and each one of those involves anywhere between 11-17 hours travel door to door, so we must maximise our chances of success.
“To do that, we have tried to rotate some squad members who we feel are most at risk due to high minutes or lots of travel. This also gives other players in our squad a chance to step up, which is critical for the long-term success of the club.”
This is a milestone match for captain Jeremy Williams, who has been named to bring up his 50th Super Rugby appearance, joining Darcy Swain in the second row once again. Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, and Tom Robertson round out the tight five as the three front-rowers.
Will Harris joins Kane Koteka and Reed Prinsep in the loose forwards. In the backs, Henry Robertson will link up with Alex Harford in a new-look halves pairing, while Reesjan Pasitoa and Sio Tomkinson have been named in the midfield.
Former Red Mac Grealy has retained his place on the left wing, while Bayley Kuenzle starts on the right, with 95-Test Wallabies veteran Kurtley Beale named at fullback.
*Jona Nareki, Sosefo Kautai, and Tanielu Tele’a are back for the Highlanders’ derby with the Hurricanes.
Kautai will come off the bench and look to make an impact in a struggling Highlanders scrum, while Nareki and Tele’a come straight into the starting unit on the left wing and outside centre.
Injury troubles at No. 8 see Sean Withy return to the back of the pack, and impressive Highlanders rookie Veveni Lasaqa return to the No. 7 jersey. TK Howdon will look to continue his strong season on the blindside flank.
The loose trio combine with the familiar second-row pairing of Mitch Dunshea and Fabian Holland, while the front row consists of co-captain Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, and Saula Ma’u.
Nareki links up with Jonah Lowe and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens in the back three.
*All Black Caleb Clarke will be back in action for the Blues against Moana Pasifika this weekend, having recovered from a thigh complaint that kept him sidelined for the last four games.
The defending champs currently own the fifth seed on the competition table, three crucial points ahead of their round 14 opponents.
The local derby offers the Blues a chance at securing desperately needed points before a bye week in round 15 and a regular-season finale against the Waratahs at Eden Park.
See below for Round 14’s teams and predictions!
Friday, May 16
Hurricanes v Highlanders
(Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington – Kick-off: 19.05; 07.05 GMT)
Prediction:
@rugby365: Hurricanes by nine points
Teams
Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Bailyn Sullivan, 13 Billy Proctor (co-captain), 12 Riley Higgins, 11 Ngatungane Punival, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Brad Shields (co-captain), 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Zach Gallgher, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua (co-captain), 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Raymond Tuputupu, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Will Tucker, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Brett Cameron, 23 Fatafehi Fineanganofo
Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Jonah Lowe, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Taine Robinson, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Sean Withy, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Mitch Dunshea, 3 Saula Ma’u, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot (co-captain)
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Oliver Haig, 20 Michael Loft, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Cameron Millar, 23 Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Stu Curran
TMO: Glenn Newman
Waratahs v Crusaders
(Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney – Kick-off: 19.35; 09.35 GMT)
Prediction:
@rugby365: Crusaders by 10 points
Teams
Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Triston Reilly, 13 Henry O’Donnell, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Jake Gordon (captain), 8 Langi Gleeson, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Rob Leota, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Angus Bell,
Replacements: 16 Mahe Vailanu, 17 Tom Lambert, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Ben Grant, 20 Hugh Sinclair, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 Lalakai Foketi
Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (captain), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Kershawl Skyes-Martin, 2 Ioane Moananu, 1 Tamaiti Williams
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Dallas McLeod
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Stu Curran
TMO: Glenn Newman
Saturday, May 17
Fijian Drua v Western Force
(Churchill Park, Lautoka – Kick-off: 15.35; 03.35 GMT)
Prediction:
@rugby365: Fijian Drua by three points
Teams
Drua: 15 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 14 Ponipate Loganimasi, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 11 Taniela Rakuro, 10 Kemu Valetini, 9 Philip Baselala, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Isoa Tuwai, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 1 Haereiti Hetet
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Leone Rotuisolia, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Leone Nawai, 22 Inia Tabuavou, 23 Selestino Ravutaumada
Force: 15 Kurtley Beale, 14 Bayley Kuenzle, 13 Sio Tomkinson, 12 Reesjan Pasitoa, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 Alex Harford, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Reed Prinsep, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Will Harris, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Jeremy Williams (captain), 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Nic Dolly, 1 Ryan Coxon,
Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 19 Sam Carter, 20 Titi Nofoagatotoa, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 George Poolman
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
Moana Pasifika v Blues
(North Harbour Stadium, Auckland – Kick-off: 19.05; 07.05 GMT)
Prediction:
@rugby365: Blues by five points
Teams
Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Lalomilo Lalamilo, 12 Danny Toala, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Samuel Slade, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 2 Millennium Sanerivi,1 Tito Tuipulotu
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Chris Apoua, 19 Allan Craig, 20 Sione Havili Talitui, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Julian Savea
Blues: 15 Corey Evans, 14 AJ Lam, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Taufa Funaki, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Adrian Choat, 5 Josh Beehre, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Joshua Fusitu’a
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund,17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Cam Christie, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Cole Forbes
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Ben O’Keeffe
TMO: Glenn Newman
Brumbies v Reds
(Canberra Stadium, Canberra – Kick-off: 19.35; 09.35 GMT)
Prediction
@rugby365: Brumbies by nine points
Teams
Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Tom Hooper, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lachlan Shaw, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Lington Ieli, 18 Rhys van Nek, 19 Cadeyrn Neville, 20 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Hudson Creighton, 23 Ollie Sapsford
Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Filipo Daugunu, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Tate McDermott (captain), 8 John Bryant, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Joe Brial, 5 Ryan Smith, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Richie Asiata, 1 Sef Fa’agase,
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen,18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Connor Vest, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Dre Pakeho, 23 Heremaia Murray
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: James Leckie
Additional sources: AAP & Super Rugby
