The 2024 Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals are upon us, with four thrilling matches over the weekend. The action kicks off on Friday night as the Chiefs host the Queensland Reds in Hamilton. On Saturday, the table-topping Hurricanes face the Melbourne Rebels in Wellington, followed by the Blues taking on the Fijian Drua in Auckland. The final quarterfinal sees the ACT Brumbies battle the Highlanders in Canberra.
Chiefs vs. Queensland Reds
The Chiefs welcome back a quartet of All Blacks for this crucial clash, with Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Tupou Vaa’i all returning to the starting lineup. The home side will be eager to avenge their regular-season defeat to the Reds in Brisbane and have the advantage of playing at FMG Stadium Waikato, where they boast an impressive 8-2 record over the last 12 months. The Chiefs have been one of the most consistent teams in the competition this season, and they will be looking to their experienced forwards, such as captain Luke Jacobson and All Black blindside Samipeni Finau, to set the platform for their attacking backline.
The Reds, meanwhile, have made four changes to their starting side, with Tom Lynagh returning at flyhalf, John Bryant starting at No. 8, Ryan Smith in the second row, and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen in the front row. Coach Les Kiss believes the combination of Lynagh and Lawson Creighton, who will come off the bench, will be crucial in steering the Reds to victory. The Reds have been impressive this season, particularly in their victories over New Zealand sides, and they will be looking to their dynamic backrow trio of Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, and Bryant to disrupt the Chiefs’ attack and create opportunities for their backline.
This quarterfinal is a rematch of last year’s playoff, which the Chiefs won 29-20. However, the Reds have covered the line in their previous six games against the Chiefs and have gone 5-0 at the line as the underdog over the last 12 months, suggesting they could keep this game competitive. The battle between the two forward packs will be crucial, as will the kicking games of Lynagh and the Chiefs’ Damian McKenzie. If the Reds can maintain their discipline and take their opportunities, they have the potential to cause an upset.
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona
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 Nonggorr, Connor Vest, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Taj Annan
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Hurricanes vs. Melbourne Rebels
The Hurricanes finished the regular season on top of the ladder and will be looking to make the most of their home advantage against the eighth-placed Rebels. The Wellington-based side has been in scintillating form, winning seven of their last eight matches, and they have a dominant record against the Rebels, having won 11 consecutive games against the Melbourne outfit. The Hurricanes have made just two changes to their starting lineup from last week’s win over the Highlanders, with Peter Lakai replacing Du’Plessis Kirifi at openside flanker and Justin Sangster coming in for James Tucker at lock. Kirifi and All Black Brad Shields return via the bench, adding depth to a formidable forward pack.
The Rebels, however, will be motivated to leave a lasting legacy in what could be their final Super Rugby game due to the club’s impending closure. They welcome back captain Rob Leota, playmaker Carter Gordon, and Wallaby Andrew Kellaway for this crucial match. The Rebels have shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly in their victories over the Brumbies and Highlanders, but they have struggled for consistency. They will need their experienced players, such as Leota and Kellaway, to lead the way and inspire their younger teammates to rise to the occasion.
Despite the Rebels’ best efforts, the Hurricanes are heavy favourites to progress to the semifinals. The hosts have gone 7-0 at home this season, while the Rebels are on a six-game losing streak and have struggled away from home, with four of their five away defeats this season coming by 13+ margins. The Rebels will need to play the game of their lives to have any chance of causing an upset, but if they can match the Hurricanes’ physicality and intensity and take their opportunities when they arise, they have the potential to make it a contest.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
RESERVES: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo
REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feiluai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
Blues vs. Fijian Drua
The Blues will be looking to make the most of their home advantage at Eden Park when they take on the exciting Fijian Drua. The Auckland-based side welcomes back All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane, who will partner AJ Lam in the midfield. The Blues have been in excellent form at home, winning all eight of their matches at Eden Park over the last 12 months. They have a star-studded lineup, with Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, and Hoskins Sotutu capable of tearing any defence apart on their day.
The Fijian Drua, on the other hand, have struggled away from home, losing all eight of their away games this season. However, they will be buoyed by their thrilling 40-19 victory over the Rebels in the final round of the regular season and will look to bring their expansive, high-octane style of play to challenge the Blues’ defence. The Drua have some exciting young talents, such as halfback Frank Lomani and winger Vinaya Habosi, who will be eager to showcase their skills on the big stage.
While the Blues are heavy favourites to progress, the Drua have the potential to cause an upset if they can maintain their intensity and capitalize on any opportunities that come their way. The battle between Iosefo Masi and Rieko Ioane in the midfield will be one to watch, as both players have the ability to break the game open with their attacking prowess. The Drua will need to be at their best defensively to contain the Blues’ attacking threats, but if they can force some turnovers and counter-attack effectively, they have the potential to score some spectacular tries.
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
DRUA (1-15): Livai Natave, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Waqa Nalaga, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Reuben Keane
ACT Brumbies vs. Highlanders
The Brumbies will be looking to make the most of their home advantage when they host the Highlanders in Canberra, but they face some injury concerns in the front row. Prop Blake Schoupp, who was making his return from injury last week, lasted just two minutes before suffering another shoulder problem. With veteran James Slipper already sidelined with a calf strain, the Brumbies’ depth will be tested, and they will need Harry Vella and the rest of the front row to step up. The Brumbies have made two changes to their starting XV, with Charlie Cale returning from injury at No. 8 and Jahrome Brown coming into the side at openside flanker. Nick Frost and Luke Reimer have been named on the bench, providing valuable depth to the forward pack.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, have made wholesale changes to the side that lost to the Hurricanes in the final round of the regular season. Mitch Dunshea returns to the starting lineup, while Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens all return to the backline. The Highlanders have had a mixed season, but they have shown their ability to compete with the best teams on their day. They will be looking to their experienced forwards, such as co-captains Ethan de Groot and Billy Harmon, to lead the way and put pressure on the Brumbies’ pack. In the backline, the electric Fakatava will be key to sparking the Highlanders’ attack, while the powerful Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will pose a constant threat on the wing.
Despite their injury woes, the Brumbies will be confident of progressing to the semifinals, given their strong home record and the Highlanders’ poor away form this season. However, the visitors have the potential to cause an upset if they can exploit any weaknesses in the Brumbies’ scrum and take their opportunities when they arise. The battle at the breakdown between the Brumbies’ back row and the Highlanders’ trio of Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, and Billy Harmon will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. If the Highlanders can dominate the collisions and slow down the Brumbies’ ball, they have the attacking firepower to cause an upset.
BRUMBIES (1-15): Harry Vella, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
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, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Jake Te Hiwi, Finn Hurley
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
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