Super Rugby Pacific heads into Round 5 with several teams making significant changes as they enter the ‘Kids Round’ of fixtures. The fifth round begins with Friday night matches in Dunedin and Canberra, followed by a Saturday triple-header featuring the unbeaten Waratahs traveling to Brisbane to face the Reds in a blockbuster Australian derby.

Key points:

• Hurricanes welcome back All Blacks Tyrel Lomax and Asafo Aumua from injury
• Blues in desperate position at 1-3, making multiple changes
• Unbeaten Waratahs face Reds with Teddy Wilson starting at halfback
• Force lose five Wallabies for tough Crusaders road trip
• Highlanders welcome back Jona Nareki on the wing

Highlanders v Hurricanes

Friday 14 March, 7:05pm NZDT at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

HIGHLANDERS (2-1)
The Highlanders receive a boost with the return of electric winger Jona Nareki from an ankle injury that he picked up during the pre-season clash against the Crusaders. Jack Taylor gets his first start at hooker, with Soane Vikena demoted to the bench after an ill-disciplined display against Moana Pasifika. Ethan de Groot moves back into the starting lineup following the team’s bye week, joining Saula Ma’u and Taylor in the front row. TK Howden starts at blindside flanker which sees Sean Withy shift to openside with Nikora Broughton again at No 8. Ajay Faleafaga is poised for his first appearance of the year from the bench as Cameron Millar recovers from the nasty concussion he suffered during their round-three win.

HURRICANES (1-3)
The Hurricanes, sitting near the bottom of the table with a 1-3 record, receive a timely boost with All Blacks front-rowers Tyrel Lomax and Asafo Aumua set for their first minutes of the Super Rugby Pacific season from the bench. Former Crusaders lock Zach Gallagher will make his Hurricanes debut in the second row, joining Caleb Delany in one of four changes to the starting side. Xavier Numia (loosehead prop), Du’Plessis Kirifi (openside flanker) and Cam Roigard (halfback) all return to the starting XV, with Peter Lakai shifting to No 8. The changes come as coach Clark Laidlaw seeks to bounce back from their shock 40-31 loss to Moana Pasifika last weekend, their third defeat in four matches this season.

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Jake Te Hiwi

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Riley Hohepa, Fatafehi Fineanganofo

Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Glenn Newman

ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua

Friday 14 March, 7:35pm AEDT at GIO Stadium, Canberra

BRUMBIES (3-1)
The Brumbies have been boosted by the return of Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio for their clash with the Fijian Drua. Lolesio has been sidelined with concussion since Round 1 in Suva, with the Brumbies taking a cautious approach to his return. “Declan (Meredith) has had an excellent start to the season, but this is Noah’s chance to come and lead around the team from fly half,” coach Stephen Larkham said. Hooker Billy Pollard and scrum half Ryan Lonergan swap places with Lachlan Lonergan and Harrison Goddard in the only changes to the starting side. Flanker Luke Reimer is in line for his 50th appearance for the club, named on the bench as the Brumbies look to build on their impressive victory over the Blues last weekend.

FIJIAN DRUA (1-3)
The Fijian Drua make the trip to Canberra buoyed by their historic 28-24 victory over the Chiefs in Lautoka – their first ever win against the Waikato side. They welcome back crack centre Iosefo Masi and middle rower Vilive Miramira from injury as they search for their first-ever win in the Australian capital. Head Coach Glen Jackson has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench to counter the powerful Brumbies forward pack. Meli Derenalagi, who was impressive last week, moves to blindside flanker with young Motikiai Murray at openside. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre shifts to inside centre to accommodate Masi’s return at outside centre, while Ponipate Loganimasi, last week’s Player of the Match, retains his place on the left wing alongside Selestino Ravutaumada on the right.

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Livai Natave, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu

Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan
TMO: James Leckie

Crusaders v Western Force

Saturday 15 March, 4:35pm NZDT at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

CRUSADERS (2-2)
The Crusaders have welcomed All Black midfielder Braydon Ennor back after missing the start of the season with a hand injury. Coach Rob Penney has made a bunch of changes to his side off the back of last Sunday’s drubbing of the Reds. He’s replaced wing Chay Fihaki with Macca Springer, while openside flanker Tom Christie returns to the side after playing for the development team to start the year. Christie has replaced Ethan Blackadder, who moves to the bench, while the versatile Corey Kellow will start at No 6 for the injured Cullen Grace (hamstring). Tighthead prop Seb Calder, who hurt his shoulder against the Blues during their pre-season match in Kirwee, is fit and set to return off the bench as the Crusaders look to build momentum after their crushing victory over the Reds.

WESTERN FORCE (1-3)
The Western Force face an enormous challenge in Christchurch with five Wallabies ruled out for their clash with the Crusaders. While Dylan Pietsch (knee) and Nick Champion de Crespigny (HIA protocol) were expected absentees, coach Simon Cron has also opted to leave Test quartet Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Hamish Stewart and Carlo Tizzano in Perth. “This is an exciting opportunity for a number of our key players to step forward,” Cron said. “If we’re serious about being successful this season, it’s important we use the depth of our squad.” The Force will field nine internationals despite the absences, with Kane Koteka returning to the back row. Prop Tom Robertson brings up his 100th Super cap while Issak Fines-Leleiwasa reaches his 50th Force cap. Shute Shield star Coby Miln is in line for a potential Super Rugby Pacific debut from the bench.

CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua

FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Reed Prinsep, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman, Reesjan Pasitoa, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Josh Thompson, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu

Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, George Myers
TMO: Brett Cronan

Chiefs v Blues

Saturday 15 March, 7:05pm NZDT at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

CHIEFS (3-1)
The Chiefs welcome back key All Blacks with playmaker Damian McKenzie returning from a knee injury at first five-eighth and skipper Luke Jacobson recovered from a facial injury. Coach Clayton McMillan’s side remain top of the table despite their historic 28-24 loss to the Fijian Drua in Lautoka in round four. McMillan has also introduced Brodie McAlister, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker and Jahrome Brown to their starting pack, leaving Samipeni Finau on the bench. McKenzie’s comeback means No 10 Josh Jacomb is demoted to the bench and reunites the menacing attacking trio of McKenzie, Emoni Narawa and Shaun Stevenson from the start, as well as halfback Xavier Roe. The Chiefs will be looking to deliver a second win over the Blues this season, having beaten them 25-14 in the opening round.

BLUES (1-3)
Defending champions the Blues sit second-last on the ladder with a 1-3 record, prompting coach Vern Cotter to make a dramatic eight personnel changes to his starting XV for their rematch against the table-topping Chiefs. The Blues have led at halftime in all four matches this season but converted only one into a victory, going scoreless in the second half against both the Chiefs in the season-opener and the Brumbies last week. Adding to their woes, they’ve lost two more players to injury with Beauden Barrett (hand fracture) and Ricky Riccitelli (chest) joining nine other unavailable squad members. The most notable inclusion is youngster Xavi Taele, who makes his debut at inside centre, while Stephen Perofeta returns via the bench. Veterans Kurt Eklund and Jordan Lay make their first appearances of the season in a completely reshuffled front row.

CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona

BLUES (1-15): Jordan Lay, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Cam Christie, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Glenn Newman

Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

Saturday 15 March, 7:35pm AEDT at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

QUEENSLAND REDS (2-2)
The Queensland Reds welcome back key players for their crucial derby with the Waratahs, including Wallabies centre Hunter Paisami who returns from a two-week suspension. Test flyhalf Tom Lynagh has also been recalled to the starting side for what promises to be an intriguing match-up with former Red Lawson Creighton. However, it’s not all positive news for the Reds with co-captain Liam Wright sidelined with another shoulder niggle sustained during last week’s loss in Christchurch. Rookie tighthead Massimo de Lutiis has been rested with Test duo Zane Nonggorr and Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen tasked with countering the Waratahs’ star-studded front row of Angus Bell, Dave Porecki and Taniela Tupou. Coach Les Kiss responded to Dan McKellar’s “best team in the comp” comments with a cheeky dig: “He’s a Queenslander and we’re just thankful he’s helping to promote the game up here for our crowd.”

NSW WARATAHS (4-0)
The unbeaten NSW Waratahs have been forced into changes with captain Jake Gordon sidelined for up to a month with a knee injury. Scrum-half Teddy Wilson, son of Reds legend and former Wallabies captain David Wilson, gets his first start in the No.9 jersey for the top-of-the-table clash. “He’s a competitor, he fights, and he embodies everything we want in a player,” said Waratahs coach Dan McKellar. Hugh Sinclair becomes the Waratahs’ 178th captain, while Leafi Talataina and Triston Reilly come into the starting side. McKellar has named a 6-2 bench that includes English Sevens star Jamie Adamson in preparation for what’s expected to be a physical encounter at Suncorp Stadium. The Waratahs are looking to maintain their perfect start to the season in what promises to be the match of the round.

REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed

Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly