Corey Toole’s sensational 100-metre intercept try in the final minute capped a stunning Brumbies comeback as they rallied from 17 points down to defeat the Chiefs 33–24 and celebrate James Slipper’s record-breaking night in style at GIO Stadium.

Key moments

6′ – TRY BRUMBIES: A fantastic start with a brilliant scrum saw the Brumbies strike early. Hudson Creighton finished in the corner after the Chiefs ran out of numbers on the wing following a sharp move off the set piece. Ryan Lonergan converts. (Brumbies 7–0 Chiefs)

18′ – TRY CHIEFS: A wonderful passing move off the scrum saw Etene Nanai-Seturo find Liam Coombes-Fabling, who charged through the gap and powered over the line. Damian McKenzie converts. (Brumbies 7–7 Chiefs)

22′ – TRY CHIEFS: End-to-end rugby resulted in a double for the Chiefs fullback. Josh Lord made a brilliant break down the right before Cortez Ratima found Coombes-Fabling on the short ball, and he crossed for his second. McKenzie converts. (Brumbies 7–14 Chiefs)

40+1′ – PENALTY CHIEFS: McKenzie slots from 15m out after the Brumbies were penalised for not rolling away at the ruck. (Brumbies 7–17 Chiefs)

Half-time: Brumbies 7–17 Chiefs. The Chiefs weathered an early Brumbies storm and took control through clinical finishing. Liam Coombes-Fabling crossed twice as the visitors punished errors, while Damian McKenzie’s composure helped them build momentum. The Brumbies had territory and chances but were held up over the line on multiple occasions, costly misses that left them trailing by ten at the break.

56′ – TRY CHIEFS: Excellent from the Chiefs as Quinn Tupaea burst into the 22 before finding Josh Jacomb, who drew his man and sent McKenzie through on a lovely support line. McKenzie converts his own try. (Brumbies 7–24 Chiefs)

60′ – TRY BRUMBIES: The Brumbies hit straight back! Lonergan went down the short side and found Declan Meredith, who managed to fire a ball back infield to Lonergan despite nearly being taken into touch. After a TMO check confirmed Meredith stayed in the field of play, the try stands. Lonergan misses the conversion. (Brumbies 12–24 Chiefs)

64′ – TRY BRUMBIES: Of course it’s Cale! Rob Valetini had a dart from the base and was stopped 5m short before Charlie Cale picked from the back of the ruck and barged over for his eighth try of the season. Lonergan converts. (Brumbies 19–24 Chiefs)

71′ – TRY BRUMBIES: Meredith in the corner! Luke Reimer carried hard near the 22 as the Brumbies went through the middle. Kye Oates broke into the 22 before Reimer got a lovely offload away to Meredith, who strolled over in the corner. Lonergan nails the sideline conversion to give the Brumbies the lead! (Brumbies 26–24 Chiefs)

77′ – PENALTY MISSED CHIEFS: McKenzie pushes a critical penalty attempt to the right from 37m out. The Brumbies survive.

79′ – TRY BRUMBIES: Toole delivers at the death! The Chiefs attacked hard inside the Brumbies’ 5m line in the final minute, but Simon Parker’s pass was read perfectly by Corey Toole, who intercepted and streaked 100m to score under the posts. Lonergan converts. (Brumbies 33–24 Chiefs)

Full-time: Brumbies 33–24 Chiefs

Match report

It was James Slipper’s night in Canberra, and his Brumbies teammates obliged with a dramatic comeback victory for the ages to get their Super Rugby Pacific campaign well and truly back on track.

On the evening that the veteran prop broke the record for the most appearances in Super Rugby history, surpassing Crusaders legend Wyatt Crockett — present at the game — by winning his 203rd cap, the men from the Australian Capital Territory dug deep to nail the result the occasion deserved.

In a moment that will live long in Super Rugby history, Slipper became the competition’s most-capped player, running out for his 203rd game. Both teams formed a guard of honour before Slipper walked through holding his two young daughters. An emotional scene that brought the stadium to its feet and, for many, tears to their eyes. With fans embracing the “Slippers for Slipper” campaign, the stands were filled with supporters proudly wearing slippers in tribute.

The emotion quickly gave way to intensity. The Brumbies struck early with Hudson Creighton flying over in the opening six minutes after a sharp set-piece move, setting the tone for a side clearly determined to rise to the occasion. The crowd was loud, relentless, and firmly behind their team.

But it was the typically inspirational Damian McKenzie who threatened to overshadow the 36-year-old’s night as he led his team to a 17-point advantage with 24 minutes remaining. The Chiefs absorbed that early blow and rattled off 17 straight points to take a 17–7 lead into the sheds at the break.

Something had to give, and it eventually did when fullback Liam Coombes-Fabling struck with a brilliant try double either side of the first-quarter mark. The first was a slick move off scrum as Coombes-Fabling did well to finish in the tackle, and the second finished a surging move sparked by Etene Nanai-Seturo’s break and a nice piece of speed and skill by Josh Lord out wide.

When the second half opened, the Chiefs looked ready to put it beyond doubt. McKenzie finished off a lovely support-line try, Quinn Tupaea was immense in the midfield battle, and the visitors kept forcing the Brumbies into mistakes. For long periods, it felt like the Chiefs had the game exactly where they wanted it.

But just when it seemed like the game was slipping away, the Brumbies found another gear. Ryan Lonergan sparked the fightback with a crucial try in the 60th minute, diving over after Declan Meredith managed to fire a ball back infield despite nearly being taken into touch. Charlie Cale crashed over not long after for his eighth try of the season, and suddenly the crowd at GIO Stadium came alive again.

In the 52nd minute, Slipper left the field to a standing ovation, the crowd rising in appreciation of a remarkable career and a historic milestone. Wearing a new jersey with a golden No.1 on his back, Slipper registered five tackles and 12 metres in his 52 minutes on the park. His side responded in fitting fashion, lifting the intensity and turning pressure into belief.

Meredith gave the Brumbies the lead with a sharp finish in the corner after Luke Reimer’s lovely offload, before the Chiefs came again and looked certain to snatch it late as they charged deep into attacking territory. McKenzie had a 77th-minute penalty from 37 metres out that would have put the visitors back in front with less than five minutes remaining. But he pushed it wide.

The visitors had one more shot as McKenzie, Simon Parker and Luke Jacobson took them surging onto attack in search of the winning score. That looked an inevitability until Parker bobbled ball at a ruck on the line, popped it up just a beat too late, and Toole jumped on it to dash clear and kick the celebrations into gear.

The finish was pure chaos, and pure drama. Reading the pass perfectly, Toole shot out of the line, intercepted, and tore away the length of the field to send the stadium into disbelief. It was a stunning way to complete the comeback, and on Slipper’s record-breaking night, it gave the Brumbies a result packed with heart, resilience and a little bit of magic.

Victory is a modicum of revenge after the Brumbies were dumped out of last year’s semi-finals by the Chiefs 37–17. It will also be a welcome relief for coach Stephen Larkham, having lost their past two clashes and sacrificed top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

The Chiefs did a lot well. Tupaea was outstanding once again, making some big plays over the ball at the breakdown, carrying hard with 65 metres and seven defenders beaten, reinforcing his status as one of the premier midfielders in the New Zealand game. Coombes-Fabling was quality at fullback with his try double, McKenzie was destructive on the run throughout, and Nanai-Seturo had his share of bright moments on the wing. Lock Lord was fabulous in a busy pack, striding out to showcase his athleticism and running ability.

There was a lot to like about the Brumbies’ effort as they snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 4–2 and 19 competition points. The Chiefs drop to 3–2 and remain on 13 points. Wings Toole and Kye Oates ran for a combined 181 metres, Andy Muirhead was tireless at the back, and halves Lonergan and Meredith were instrumental in the victory.

Slipper was officially commemorated post-match with a special on-field ceremony, capping off a truly memorable night. A tribute video featuring messages from some of his closest teammates and friends played to the crowd before Slipper himself took to the stage. In a speech marked by humility and poise, he thanked those who had supported him throughout his journey. Fittingly, fans remained in the stands to witness the occasion, bringing a perfect close to an unforgettable night.

The Brumbies stay at home to face the Waratahs next Friday night, while the Chiefs head to Perth to take on the Force as they look to bounce back.

Teams

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Kye Oates, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 Hudson Creighton, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Darcy Breen, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Austin Anderson.

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisomi Taukei’aho, 1 Jared Proffit.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Lalakai Foketi.

Match details

Brumbies 33 (Tries: Creighton, Lonergan, Cale, Meredith, Toole; Conversions: Lonergan 4/5)
Chiefs 24 (Tries: Coombes-Fabling 2, McKenzie; Conversions: McKenzie 3/3; Penalties: McKenzie 1/1)
Half-time: 7–17

Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley
TMO: Brett Cronan

The Hurricanes produced a devastating second-half masterclass to demolish the Highlanders 50–7 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, with Fehi Fineanganofo’s hat-trick and Cam Roigard’s brace extending their winning streak over the Dunedin side to ten matches.

Key moments

6′ – TRY HIGHLANDERS: Slick hands down the left saw Caleb Tangitau slice through a gap before floating a pass wide for Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens to step off his right foot and stride over next to the posts. Reesjan Pasitoa converts. (Highlanders 7–0 Hurricanes)

14′ – TRY HURRICANES: Cam Roigard sold a rude dummy that fooled multiple defenders, slicing through beside the ruck to score right next to the sticks. Ruben Love converts. (Highlanders 7–7 Hurricanes)

21′ – TRY HURRICANES: The Highlanders front row pushed early at the scrum and conceded a free kick. Roigard made an eyes-up play to tap quickly, catching everyone off guard as he dived over to score under the posts. Love converts. (Highlanders 7–14 Hurricanes)

34′ – TRY HURRICANES: Callum Harkin was tipped up in a big tackle, with advantage being played. Ruben Love cashed in with a pinpoint cross-kick to the left wing that landed in the lap of Fehi Fineanganofo 10m out, and he muscled through the Caleb Tangitau tackle to crash over in the corner. Love misses the conversion. (Highlanders 7–19 Hurricanes)

Half-time: Highlanders 7–19 Hurricanes. The Hurricanes took a 12-point lead into the break after a lively opening half. The Highlanders struck first with the crowd roaring early, but costly errors and lapses in concentration hurt them as the visitors dictated terms by the closing stages. Timoci Tavatavanawai was a constant threat with ball in hand, while Jordie Barrett brought physicality in midfield and Warner Dearns was a menace at lineout time.

50′ – TRY HURRICANES: From a steady scrum outside their 22, Ruben Love sliced through in centre field and sent Billy Proctor beyond halfway with a slick offload. Proctor linked with Fineanganofo on the left wing, who popped it back inside for Du’Plessis Kirifi to clean up, and his offload sent Devan Flanders powering over down the left flank. Love converts. (Highlanders 7–26 Hurricanes)

54′ – YELLOW CARD HURRICANES: Xavier Numia shown yellow for repeated scrum penalties after being penalised for pushing on an angle. The referee deemed it to be the third time the Hurricanes had gone early at scrum time.

60′ – YELLOW CARD HIGHLANDERS: Veveni Lasaqa sent to the bin for a dangerous cleanout, connecting with his shoulder to the head of Warner Dearns. The card remained yellow after the off-field review found there wasn’t a high degree of danger.

62′ – TRY HURRICANES: Brad Shields burrowed low before the ball went left for Du’Plessis Kirifi and Asafo Aumua, pumping the legs to within 4m of the line. Billy Proctor spotted space out wide and Ruben Love’s sharp catch and pass sent an unmarked Fineanganofo strolling over in the corner for his second. Love misses the conversion. (Highlanders 7–31 Hurricanes)

66′ – TRY HURRICANES: Bailyn Sullivan threw a massive dummy that fooled everyone in defence, stepping sharply off his left foot to slice straight through and dive over down the flank. Love converts. (Highlanders 7–38 Hurricanes)

70′ – TRY HURRICANES: Vernon Bason found Brad Shields at the lineout before the forwards rumbled forward. Jordie Barrett then caught and passed brilliantly down the blindside, engaging two defenders to send Fineanganofo diving over for his hat-trick in the corner. Love misses the conversion. (Highlanders 7–43 Hurricanes)

80′ – TRY HURRICANES: Ereatara Enari slung the ball wide left off the scrum and Fineanganofo busted past one. Du’Plessis Kirifi fought his way forward before Peter Lakai picked and went at pace, powering between two defenders to reach out and plant it down on the line. Love converts. (Highlanders 7–50 Hurricanes)

Full-time: Highlanders 7–50 Hurricanes

Match report

The Highlanders threatened to spring an upset with a fast start that had the Forsyth Barr faithful dreaming of ending a drought that stretched back to August 2020. When Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens crossed inside six minutes, the home crowd roared and the momentum seemed to be with the hosts.

The talented fullback split defenders Billy Proctor and Devan Flanders during a burst for the line, finishing clinically under the sticks to continue his impressive season. Reesjan Pasitoa added the extras and Te Kamaka Howden set the tone with a strong hit-up from the restart, running at least 15 metres to get his side on the front foot.

But the early setback only served to focus the Hurricanes. Cam Roigard got the visitors on the board eight minutes later with a moment of individual brilliance. The All Blacks halfback spotted a gap beside the ruck, sold an audacious dummy that fooled multiple defenders, and dived over from close range. Love converted and the scores were level.

What followed demonstrated precisely why this Hurricanes side sits atop the Super Rugby Pacific standings. The Highlanders front row pushed early at a scrum and conceded a free kick. Roigard, eyes up and alert, tapped quickly and was never going to be denied, diving over under the posts as the home defence scrambled in vain. It was his sixth try in as many matches against the men in Dunedin.

The Highlanders had their chances. Fineanganofo was stopped a metre short of the try line early on, before Warner Dearns burrowed for the chalk only for hooker Jack Taylor to get low and hold the lock up over the line. Jonah Lowe had a try disallowed following a knock-on from Folau Fakatava — a big point-scoring swing that summed up the hosts’ mounting frustration.

Ruben Love stretched the advantage before the break with a moment of class. Playing his first start of the season at fly-half, Love launched a pinpoint cross-kick that landed perfectly in Fineanganofo’s arms on the left wing. The former All Blacks Sevens flyer attempted to beat Caleb Tangitau with a goose step before powering over in the corner. It was 19–7 at the interval, but Highlanders fans continued to dream of a drought-breaking result.

Then the second half happened, and boy was it brutal.

It took until the 50th minute for the Hurricanes to get sustained possession, but when they did, they produced the try of the night. From a scrum just outside their 22, Love sliced through in midfield and found Proctor beyond halfway. The ball moved through multiple pairs of hands along the left sideline — Proctor to Fineanganofo, inside to Du’Plessis Kirifi, whose offload sent Flanders powering over to cap a stunning 60-metre team try. Commentator Grant Nisbett called it “a try and a half” and few would argue.

Xavier Numia was shown yellow for repeated scrum penalties, but even with a man advantage the Highlanders could not capitalise. Their lineout, disrupted all evening by the impressive Dearns, continued to misfire despite good field position. Then Veveni Lasaqa joined Numia in the sin bin for a dangerous cleanout on Dearns, the card remaining yellow after the off-field review found insufficient danger.

With both teams down a man, the Hurricanes extended their lead through Fineanganofo’s second, the winger collecting in the corner after slick hands from Proctor and Love. The floodgates had well and truly opened.

Bailyn Sullivan made an instant impact off the bench, throwing a massive dummy that fooled the entire defensive line before stepping sharply to score. Fineanganofo completed his hat-trick four minutes later after Barrett’s superb catch-and-pass down the blindside engaged two defenders and sent the winger over untouched. It became a procession, with the visitors piling on points from all over the park.

Peter Lakai added the final try on the siren, powering between two defenders from close range to bring up the half-century and mercifully end the onslaught.

The statistics told the story of total dominance: 140 carries to 75, 11 linebreaks to four. Up front, Dearns caused havoc at lineout time and completely disrupted the Highlanders’ set piece. Barrett brought his trademark physicality in midfield, while Roigard controlled tempo beautifully from the base of the ruck.

For the home side, Tavatavanawai kept fighting and had his moments, but he had little support as the game unravelled around him. Hugh Renton worked hard on return from injury but the hosts were simply outclassed once the Hurricanes found their rhythm.

The result lifts the Hurricanes to four wins from five, firing them clear at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings. They head home to Wellington to face the Reds in Round 7, playing with plenty of confidence after delivering their most emphatic performance of the season. The Highlanders drop further behind the playoff pace and now face a must-win trip to Albany to take on Moana Pasifika next weekend, searching for answers after a night that got away from them in a hurry.

Teams

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Hugh Renton (co-c), 7 Lucas Casey, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Te Kamaka Howden, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Tai Cribb, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Andrew Knewstubb, 23 Tanielu Tele’a.

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Bason, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Hugo Plummer, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Bailyn Sullivan.

Match details

Highlanders 7 (Try: Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens; Conversion: Pasitoa 1/1)
Hurricanes 50 (Tries: Roigard 2, Fineanganofo 3, Flanders, Sullivan, Lakai; Conversions: Love 5/8)
Half-time: 7–19

Yellow cards: Xavier Numia (HUR) 54′ – repeated scrum penalties; Veveni Lasaqa (HIG) 60′ – dangerous cleanout

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

History beckons for James Slipper as he prepares to become Super Rugby’s most-capped player, while the Hurricanes face their first New Zealand derby of the season and the Crusaders turn to a debutant playmaker amid an injury crisis at fly-half.

Round 6 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 is headlined by Slipper’s record-breaking 203rd appearance when the Brumbies host the Chiefs on Friday night. The 36-year-old prop will surpass Wyatt Crockett’s mark of 202 games — a record that has stood since 2017 — with the former All Black flying to Canberra to witness the milestone.

Elsewhere, the table-topping Hurricanes head to Dunedin for what shapes as a crucial test of their title credentials, while the Fijian Drua look to extend their winning run at home when they welcome a depleted Reds side to Lautoka. The Crusaders blood a new fly-half in Cooper Grant as they face Moana Pasifika in Auckland, before the Blues travel to Sydney to take on a Waratahs outfit smarting from a controversial officiating decision.

The Western Force enjoy the bye after completing a challenging three-week tour of New Zealand.

Friday 20 March

Highlanders v Hurricanes

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin — 7.05pm NZDT / 5.05pm AEDT

The Hurricanes face their first domestic examination of the 2026 campaign, having navigated an opening month against Moana Pasifika, the Fijian Drua, Waratahs and Force without facing a New Zealand rival. They arrive at Forsyth Barr Stadium as competition leaders with three wins from four games, a stark contrast to the same stage last year when they languished near the bottom of the table.

Halfback Cam Roigard acknowledged the shift in difficulty his side will encounter in Dunedin. “It’s going to be a massive challenge this week,” he said. “They’re going to be battle-hardened and they’re going to be ready for this game. It was an unfortunate result for them losing to the Crusaders, but back at home, I know there’ll be plenty of passion and they’ll be wanting to get one back over a New Zealand team.”

Ruben Love will make his first start of the season at fly-half after returning from ankle injury via the bench last week. The positional reshuffle pushes Callum Harkin to fullback and Josh Moorby to the wing. Coach Clark Laidlaw has opted for a 6-2 bench split, loading up on forwards to match the expected physical challenge. “With the type of game we think it’s going to be, we’ve gone with a 6-2 split,” Laidlaw said. “We feel with a 6-2 split, we’ll have plenty of energy through the whole game.” New Zealand under-20s captain Vernon Bason is in line to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

For the Highlanders, co-captain Hugh Renton returns at No. 8 for his first appearance since undergoing pelvis and groin surgery last April. “As our co-captain and most experienced loose forward it’s great to have Hugh back playing Super Rugby,” coach Jamie Joseph said. “He has worked extremely hard to come back from injury setbacks in recent seasons and it demonstrates his character, professionalism, and real passion for the club.” Reesjan Pasitoa will make his first start at fly-half after Cam Millar was ruled out with concussion following a high tackle last weekend. Former All Blacks Sevens star Andrew Knewstubb could make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

The Hurricanes have won their last nine meetings with the Highlanders, with their most recent defeat coming in round 10 of Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2020. Centre Billy Proctor, who has scored five tries in three appearances this season, returns to the starting side and identified Highlanders midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai — nicknamed ‘Jim the Difference’ — as the key threat to contain. “It seems like a lot of teams have been struggling with Big Jim,” Proctor said. “I guess our ability to shut down the space and not give him too much time on the ball and eliminate his threat at the breakdown is going to be big this week.”

Teams:

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Hugh Renton (co-c), 7 Lucas Casey, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Te Kamaka Howden, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Tai Cribb, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Andrew Knewstubb, 23 Tanielu Tele’a.

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Bason, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Hugo Plummer, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Bailyn Sullivan.

Referee: Angus Gardner. Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan. TMO: Graham Cooper.

Unavailable — Highlanders: Cam Millar (concussion — TBC).

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Tyrel Lomax (ankle — up to three weeks).

ACT Brumbies v Chiefs

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 7.35pm AEDT

History will be made in the nation’s capital when James Slipper becomes Super Rugby’s most-capped player in his 203rd appearance. The 36-year-old prop drew level with Wyatt Crockett two weeks ago and now takes sole ownership of a record the former Crusaders and All Blacks loosehead has held since 2017. Crockett will be at GIO Stadium to witness the milestone.

Slipper made his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds in February 2010 — more than 5,800 days ago — and was part of their 2011 championship-winning side. He moved to Canberra in 2019 and Friday’s game marks his 99th Super Rugby appearance for the Brumbies. The durability required to play 203 games at loosehead prop defies belief, particularly given Slipper has also accumulated more than 150 Test caps for Australia.

“To break the all-time Super Rugby appearance record is a remarkable achievement and an undeniable testament to James Slipper’s durability, professionalism and commitment to our game,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said. “Slips has been a pillar of Australian Rugby for more than a decade and a half, and his contribution to our competition can not be understated.”

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham recalled that Slipper was earmarked for Wallabies honours almost immediately upon debuting. “He is a pretty special human and offers a lot to the Brumbies both on the field and off the field,” Larkham said. “One of the best leaders that you will find in the game and we’re lucky to have him.”

The Brumbies will be desperate to reward Slipper with a victory after back-to-back losses to the Chiefs and Fijian Drua. Their trip to Fiji last weekend ended in a rare defeat in wet and wild conditions, dropping them to third in the standings despite their strong start to the season.

The Chiefs arrive refreshed from a bye week with captain Luke Jacobson returning at No. 8 after missing the round-four win over Moana Pasifika with a hip injury. Wallace Sititi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is not expected back until round 10. “The Brumbies are a terrific side and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini tour for us,” coach Jono Gibbes said. “If we get things right, it will help set us for the rest of the season.”

The Chiefs’ forward pack features All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i and Simon Parker alongside Jacobson, while the halves combination of Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima should flourish if they secure parity up front. The Chiefs have won their last five games against the Brumbies.

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Kye Oates, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 Hudson Creighton, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Darcy Breen, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Toby Macpherson, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Austin Anderson.

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Jared Proffit.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Lalakai Foketi.

Referee: Nic Berry. Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley. TMO: Brett Cronan.

Unavailable — Chiefs: Wallace Sititi (hamstring — round 8–10 return expected).

Saturday 21 March

Fijian Drua v Queensland Reds

Churchill Park, Lautoka — 3.35pm FJT / 2.35pm AEDT

The Fijian Drua are riding high after back-to-back home victories over the Hurricanes and Brumbies, with their upset win over the latter last weekend adding another scalp to their growing collection. They return to Churchill Park in Lautoka — rather than their usual Suva base — in confident mood as they look to make it three home wins in succession.

Coach Glen Jackson has made just two changes to his starting side, retaining the core of the team that stunned the Brumbies in wet conditions. Captain Frank Lomani will orchestrate affairs from halfback behind a powerful pack featuring Elia Canakaivata at No. 8 and the dynamic Etonia Waqa at blindside flanker.

The Reds arrive in Fiji on a three-match winning streak but missing several key players. Coach Les Kiss has rested Wallabies trio Carter Gordon, Fraser McReight and Zane Nonggorr as part of their managed workload under World Rugby guidelines that prevent some players from featuring in six consecutive weeks. “It’s part of the process of having regeneration weeks for players,” Kiss said. Gordon has been in superb form with three tries in the last two weeks.

Kiss acknowledged the strength of the Drua at home. “The Drua have had back-to-back wins at home in good fashion,” he said. “They’ve certainly grown their game and we know they have dangerous players across the pitch. We expect a massive challenge.” Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will lead the side in McReight’s absence, while Hunter Paisami’s return to the centres provides experience in the midfield. Ben Volavola, the former North Harbour and Crusaders playmaker who represented Fiji internationally, is in line to make his Reds debut off the bench.

In the six meetings between these sides, the home team has won every time. All three encounters in Fiji have been played in Suva, making this Lautoka fixture a new challenge for both teams.

Teams:

Fijian Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (c), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Isoa Tuwai, 21 Motikiai Murray, 22 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Inia Tabuavoa.

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 John Bryant, 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

Referee: James Doleman. Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon. TMO: Glenn Newman.

Unavailable — Reds: Carter Gordon (managed rest), Fraser McReight (managed rest), Zane Nonggorr (managed rest).

Moana Pasifika v Crusaders

North Harbour Stadium, Auckland — 7.05pm NZDT / 5.05pm AEDT

Moana Pasifika welcome back two significant figures in Julian Savea and Niko Jones for their clash with the defending champions, but lose halfback Augustine Pulu to suspension. Pulu copped a three-week ban for his high tackle on Blues halfback Sam Nock last weekend, paving the way for Joel Lam to earn his first start in the No. 9 jersey.

Lam’s journey to a starting berth has been remarkable. A former Crusaders academy product who made his Super Rugby debut in 2023, he worked part-time as a teacher aide at a Christchurch school before crossing to Moana Pasifika. He was playing rugby league last season before returning to union. “He looks energised and he’s one of our fittest, if not the fittest, in our team,” coach Tana Umaga said. “Another player that’s just taken his opportunity, he’s had to work hard for it.”

Savea returns for his first match of 2026 after recovering from a groin injury and will start at second five-eighth, adding X-factor to a backline that has struggled for consistency. The former All Black’s presence should provide a significant boost as Moana Pasifika look to snap a four-match losing streak.

The Crusaders have dug deep into their wider training squad after an injury crisis at fly-half. Cooper Grant will make his Super Rugby debut at first five-eighth with Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana both unavailable due to concussion, while James White has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old Grant — son of Black Sox great Marty Grant — was once pursuing a baseball career and earned a cap for the now-defunct Auckland Tuatara at the age of 16.

“He’s got a very confident demeanour. He uses his voice really well and he’s got an outstanding skill set,” coach Rob Penney said of Grant. “He’s new to this level, but he’s surrounded by experience and we’re confident he’ll have the right answers when the blowtorch comes on.” All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams remains sidelined for a third straight week after an unspecified niggle prevented him from completing World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme following his earlier suspension.

Moana Pasifika memorably defeated the Crusaders 45–29 in their most recent meeting, though that remains their only victory in five encounters.

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Latu, 13 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 12 Julian Savea, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Joel Lam, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Niko Jones, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Chris Apoua, 19 Veikoso Poloniati, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Tevita Ofa.

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan (c), 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Cooper Grant, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Tahlor Cahill, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 George Bell, 1 Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Leitu, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Antonio Shalfoon, 20 Xavier Saifoloi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Kurtis Macdonald.

Referee: Angus Mabey. Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Unavailable — Moana Pasifika: Augustine Pulu (suspended — three weeks).

Unavailable — Crusaders: Taha Kemara (concussion — TBC), Rivez Reihana (concussion — TBC), James White (shoulder — season), Tamaiti Williams (suspended/niggle — TBC), David Havili (injury — TBC).

NSW Waratahs v Blues

Allianz Stadium, Sydney — 7.35pm AEDT

The Waratahs will be determined to bounce back from a frustrating defeat to the Reds, compounded by the admission from Super Rugby Pacific that Triston Reilly’s spectacular try should have been awarded. Coach Dan McKellar has pleaded with officials to take their time with crucial TMO decisions following the error.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Ben O’Keeffe,” McKellar said. “Had a good chat to him during the week. He’s been an outstanding referee for a long time and we’re all human beings. Unfortunately in the game that we play, rugby, it’s pretty complex. Mistakes happen every now and then. They’ve been good enough to admit they got it wrong. From our end just disappointing that when we’ve got the technology — and this isn’t on Ben or on any particular referee — if we’ve got the technology, I think we just need to take the time to make sure we get the decision right.”

Exciting youngster Sid Harvey will make his first Waratahs start at fullback after James Hendren was ruled out with a broken wrist. The former sevens star had started on the left wing against the Reds. The back three reshuffle sees Max Jorgensen — who has six tries this season, second only to Brumbies flanker Charlie Cale’s seven — revert to the left wing with Harry Potter promoted to the right. Andrew Kellaway was ruled out with a cork.

The Blues travel to Sydney with several changes following last week’s win over Moana Pasifika. Finlay Christie starts at halfback after Sam Nock was injured in the high tackle from Pulu, while Pita Ahki returns at second five-eighth and Zarn Sullivan slots back in at fullback. Bradley Slater returns from an abdominal strain at hooker, while Malachi Wrampling earns his first start for the club at No. 8 after an impressive debut off the bench.

The most intriguing selection is Payton Spencer on the bench. The son of All Blacks and Blues legend Carlos Spencer, he is in line to make his Super Rugby debut. A video posted to the Blues’ social media showed the youngster calling his father with the news, with Carlos responding: “Mean bro. That’s mean, that’s awesome.”

“The Waratahs are always a dangerous side particularly at home in Sydney, so we’ll need to be accurate and disciplined for 80 minutes,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said. “Our focus has been on continuing to adapt and improve our game. We’ve built a strong foundation this season so it’s about ensuring we keep growing.” The Blues have won their last 11 meetings with the Waratahs.

Teams:

Waratahs: 15 Sid Harvey, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Triston Reilly, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jamie Adamson, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert.
Replacements: 16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Lawson Creighton, 23 George Poolman.

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Malachi Wrampling, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Beehre, 3 Sam Matenga, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Marcel Renata, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Payton Spencer.

Referee: Jordan Way. Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey. TMO: James Leckie.

Unavailable — Waratahs: James Hendren (broken wrist — TBC), Andrew Kellaway (cork).

Unavailable — Blues: Sam Nock (concussion — TBC), Josh Fusitu’a (bicep surgery — later in season).

BYE: Western Force

Super Rugby Pacific debuts

• Cooper Grant (Crusaders — fly-half, starting debut)
• Kurtis Macdonald (Crusaders — utility back, bench debut)

Club debuts

• Ben Volavola (Reds — fly-half/fullback, ex-Crusaders/North Harbour, bench)

Potential debuts

• Vernon Bason (Hurricanes — hooker, bench)
• Andrew Knewstubb (Highlanders — utility back, bench)
• Payton Spencer (Blues — utility back, bench)

Milestones

• James Slipper (Brumbies) — 203rd Super Rugby cap (all-time record)

Standings heading into Round 6

Where to watch

Australia: Stan Sport (all matches, ad-free, live and on demand); Nine Network (Saturday 7.35pm AEDT match, live)
New Zealand: Sky Sport
Fiji: Sky Pacific (pay TV); Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (free-to-air)
United Kingdom & Ireland: Sky UK
United States & Canada: ESPN; FloSports (USA territories); TSN (Canada)
Pacific Islands: Digicel
Japan: Wowow
South Africa & Africa: SuperSport
France: Canal+
Rest of World: NZR+ (streaming)