The penultimate round of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season is set to deliver a fascinating mix of crunch matches with playoff implications and intriguing local derbies. The Chiefs host the Hurricanes in a top-four blockbuster in Hamilton, while the Brumbies look to keep the pressure on in the race for second against the Rebels in Canberra. Moana Pasifika and the Waratahs square off in Auckland in a battle of two struggling sides ravaged by injuries. The Crusaders face a must-win game at home against the table-topping Blues to keep their slim finals hopes alive. The Reds and Force meet in a high-stakes Australian derby in Brisbane, and the Highlanders can secure a playoff spot if they take care of the Fijian Drua in Dunedin. With so much on the line and some mouthwatering match-ups across the board, rugby fans are in for a treat in round 14.

Chiefs vs. Hurricanes

This clash between the second-placed Hurricanes and fourth-placed Chiefs at FMG Stadium in Hamilton could have major implications for home advantage in the playoffs. The Chiefs have named an unchanged side from the one that edged the Rebels last week, retaining a star-studded backline featuring All Blacks Damian McKenzie, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown and Shaun Stevenson. Up front, they boast a powerful tight five led by skipper Luke Jacobson and experienced hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho.

The Hurricanes welcome back several key players, with All Blacks Jordie Barrett and TJ Perenara and a dynamic back three of Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo and Ruben Love. Their forward pack looks formidable on paper, with Devan Flanders, Justin Sangster and Peter Lakai forming a mobile loose trio. However, they will be testing their depth without injured prop Tyrel Lomax and flankers Brad Shields and Du’Plessis Kirifi.

The Chiefs have been tough to beat at home, but the Hurricanes have an excellent recent record in Hamilton, covering the line in their last four visits. The Chiefs haven’t lost at home by more than 12 points in the last 12 months, while the Hurricanes have yet to lose any game by more than 12 points over the same period. Eleven of the previous 12 meetings between these two in Hamilton have been settled by 1-12 points. A tight contest looms, with the Chiefs slight favourites given their home advantage and the Hurricanes’ injury disruptions.

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Sione Ahio, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Raymond Tuputupu, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love

RESERVES: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, TK Howden, Richard Judd, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga, Mike Winter

ACT Brumbies vs. Melbourne Rebels

The Brumbies can keep the pressure on the Hurricanes for a top-two finish and a potential home semi-final with a win over the Rebels in Canberra. They’ve made three changes to the side that scraped past the Crusaders last week, with hooker Billy Pollard returning from injury, winger Corey Toole promoted to the starting XV and Tom Hooper replacing Cadeyrn Neville at lock. The Brumbies will look to unleash their explosive outside backs, with fullback Tom Wright and centres Len Ikitau and Tamati Tua forming a lethal combination.

The Rebels welcome back Wallabies stars Andrew Kellaway and Taniela Tupou for the daunting trip to GIO Stadium. Kellaway slots in at fullback in a backline reshuffled due to the absence of injured flyhalf Carter Gordon. Jake Strachan replaces Gordon in the No. 10 jersey, with test winger Filipo Daugunu reuniting with Glen Vaihu in the centres. Tupou is named on the bench in a boost to the Rebels’ firepower up front.

The Brumbies have won eight in a row at home and six straight against the Rebels, putting them in the box seat. However, their last four wins have all been by narrow margins of 7-8 points, suggesting the Rebels could push them close. The visitors have lost four in a row but showed promising signs in tight losses to the Reds and Chiefs. The Brumbies should have too much quality at home, but the Rebels will be targeting an ambush to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Sosefo Kautai, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford

REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Rob Leota (c), Brad Wilkin, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Jake Strachan, Glen Vaihu, Nick Jooste, Filipo Daugunu, Darby Lancaster, Andrew Kellaway

RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Taniela Tupou, Luke Callan, Maciu Nabolakasi, Tuaina Taii Tualima, James Tuttle, Mason Gordon

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Kaminski

Moana Pasifika vs. NSW Waratahs

Both Moana Pasifika and the Waratahs are playing for pride at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium, with their finals chances all but extinguished. Moana Pasifika have named an unchanged side from the one that pushed the Hurricanes last week, with playmaker Christian Lealiifano and former All Black Julian Savea providing experience and X-factor off the bench. They will sense an opportunity for a rare win against the injury-ravaged Waratahs.

The Waratahs’ horror run with injuries has forced them to call up club players Harry Lloyd and Mike Scott into the matchday squad. Lloyd starts at loosehead prop while Scott is on the bench as front-row cover. Tane Edmed replaces Will Harrison at flyhalf in a reshuffled backline that sees Izaia Perese return to the wing and Vuate Karawalevu named on the bench. Captain Jake Gordon and standout back-rower Charlie Gamble will need to lead from the front.

Moana Pasifika have shown glimpses of their potential this season, pushing the Chiefs and Hurricanes close, and will fancy their chances against a Waratahs side in disarray. The Waratahs have lost Darren Coleman as head coach for next season and are in danger of collecting the wooden spoon. However, they still have talented individuals like Mark Nawaqanitawase and Lalakai Foketi who can spark their attack. If the Waratahs can somehow patch together a cohesive performance, they could send Coleman out on a high note.

PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Aisea Halo, William Havili, Neria Fomai, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Fine Inisi, Danny Toala

RESERVES: Tomasi Maka, Tevita Langi, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Alamanda Motuga, Siaosi Nginingini, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Taefu

WARATAHS (1-15): Harry Lloyd, Jay Fonokalafi, Brad Amituanai, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase

RESERVES: Ben Sugars, Lewis Ponini, Michael Scott, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Vuate Karawalevu

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, George Myers

Crusaders vs. Blues

The desperate Crusaders host the table-topping Blues at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch, needing a win to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. They welcome back All Black loose forward Ethan Blackadder in a major boost to their forward pack. Blackadder joins fellow All Blacks Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, and Cullen Grace in a strong tight five. David Havili returns to second five-eighth, while Leicester Fainga’anuku shifts to the right wing.

The Blues have been strengthened by the return of All Blacks Rieko Ioane, Stephen Perofeta, and Patrick Tuipulotu. Ioane slots back in at outside centre, forming a strong midfield combination with Corey Evans. Perofeta is named at fullback in his first appearance since round six, while skipper Tuipulotu bolsters the second row. The Blues also welcome back Kurt Eklund at hooker and Hoskins Sotutu at No. 8 in a formidable pack.

The Crusaders have a daunting home record and will be desperate to keep their season alive in front of their faithful fans. However, the Blues beat them convincingly 26-6 earlier in the season and have the firepower to complete a rare double. The Blues are on a nine-game winning streak and will be determined to lock up top spot and secure home advantage throughout the finals. If the Crusaders can rediscover their clinical best, they could push the Blues close, but the Aucklanders look to have too much class across the park.

CRUSADERS (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor (c), Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Fergus Burke, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl

RESERVES: George Bell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Taha Kemara, Dallas McLeod

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam, Corey Evans, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta

RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu’a, PJ Sheck, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Nock, Cole Forber, Caleb Tangitau

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon

Queensland Reds vs. Western Force

The Reds and Force face off at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane in a crucial clash for both teams’ finals aspirations. The Reds currently sit fifth but could miss out on a top-four spot if they slip up, while the Force are just outside the playoff spots in ninth and need a win to stay in the hunt. The Reds have made eight changes to the side that lost to the Drua in Fiji, including the return of Wallaby prop Taniela Tupou and a new-look front row of Harry Hoopert, Tom Horton, and Santiago Medrano. Bryn Hall replaces Issak Fines-Leleiwasa at halfback, while Josh Flook returns at outside centre for his 50th Super Rugby match.

The Force have turned their season around with back-to-back wins over the Waratahs and Drua and debut Junior Wallabies star Ronan Leahy on the wing. Leahy joins a dangerous back three alongside veterans Toni Pulu and Kurtley Beale, while former All Black Richard Kahui partners Kyle Godwin in the midfield. Argentinian international Santiago Medrano packs down at tighthead prop, with Feleti Kaitu’u and club legend Heath Tessmann rounding out the front row.

The Force stunned the Reds 40-31 in Perth earlier this season and will need another upset to keep their playoff hopes alive. They have won three of their last four matches in Brisbane and will back their powerful scrum and breakdown work to unsettle the Reds. However, the home side will be desperate to build momentum heading into the finals and have the quality to prevail in a tight encounter. The breakdown battle between Reds captain Liam Wright and Force openside Carlo Tizzano could be decisive.

REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (co-c), Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggor, Connor Vest, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Taj Annan

FORCE (1-15): Harry Hoopert, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Williams (c), Izack Rodda, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Ronan Leahy, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman, Kurtley Beale

RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Sam Spink, Chase Tiatia

Referee: Damon Murphy

Assistant Referees: Jorday Way, Jeremy Markey

Highlanders vs. Fijian Drua

The Highlanders can cement a finals berth and leapfrog the Rebels into sixth spot with a win over the Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. They have lost midfield livewire Tanielu Tele’a to a knee injury, with Sam Gilbert shifting to inside centre and Ngantungane Punivai coming onto the bench. Flyhalf Cameron Millar also misses out with a shoulder injury, handing the No. 10 jersey to Liam Edwards. The Highlanders are boosted by the return of All Black wing Jona Nareki from a hamstring injury and co-captain Billy Harmon from a finger complaint.

The Drua have named an unchanged side from the one that stunned the Reds 28-19 in Fiji last week, with returning playmaker Caleb Muntz on the bench. They will look to the power of their tight five, led by impressive hooker Tevita Ikanivere and giant lock Isoa Nasilasila, to lay the platform for their exciting backs. Fullback Ilaisa Droasese and wingers Vinaya Habosi and Selestino Ravutaumada form a potent back three.

The Drua have been a different beast at home, registering upset wins over the Chiefs, Reds, and Waratahs, but have struggled mightily on the road. They have lost all seven away games this season, conceding an average of 40 points per match. The Highlanders will back their forward pack, marshalled by All Blacks Ethan de Groot and Billy Harmon, to dominate the set piece and breakdowns. If they can nullify the Drua’s attacking threats and control possession, they should come away with a comfortable win and a ticket to the playoffs.

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Ajay Falegaga, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Jake Te Hiwi, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

RESERVES: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop

DRUA (1-15): Jone Koroiduadua, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Epeli Momo, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Taniela Rakuro

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw