Super Rugby Pacific

Crusaders crush Waratahs’ finals hopes with seven-try romp

Published

11 months ago

16th May 2025

Crusaders Johnny McNicholl scores a try during the Waratahs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia. Friday, 16 May 2025, (Photo by Steven Markham / action press)

The NSW Waratahs’ finals hopes have been extinguished in emphatic fashion as the clinical Crusaders romped to a 48-33 victory at Allianz Stadium on Friday night, cementing their position in the top two of the Super Rugby Pacific table.

Key moments:

3′ – Johnny McNicholl scores opening try after Reihana break (0-7)
9′ – Braydon Ennor intercepts Reilly pass for second try (0-12)
16′ – Ioane Moananu crashes over from rolling maul (0-19)
23′ – Langi Gleeson scores Waratahs’ first try (7-19)
28′ – Chay Fihaki extends lead after McNicholl break (7-26)
40+2′ – Cullen Grace scores just before half-time (7-31)
45′ – Langi Gleeson scores his second try (14-31)
53′ – Miles Amatosero narrows gap further (21-31)
59′ – Sevu Reece scores record-equalling try (21-38)
71′ – Darby Lancaster’s acrobatic finish (28-38)
75′ – James O’Connor penalty extends lead (28-41)
77′ – Tom Christie seals victory after Reece break (28-48)
79′ – Triston Reilly scores consolation try (33-48)

In a match the Waratahs desperately needed to win to keep their playoff aspirations alive, the visitors produced a devastating first-half display, running in five tries to all but settle the contest by the interval.

A solid display by the Crusaders to keep the momentum going 👊#SuperRugbyPacific | #WARvCRU pic.twitter.com/loe3NiXW4S

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 16, 2025

Despite their strong home record this season, the Waratahs had no answer to the Crusaders’ clinical efficiency in attack. A second-half revival from the home side briefly threatened to make a game of it, but the Crusaders’ class ultimately shone through as they recorded their fourth consecutive away victory to move level on points with the Chiefs in second place.

The Crusaders wasted no time asserting their dominance, crossing for their first try after just three minutes. Fly-half Rivez Reihana spotted a gap and carved through the Waratahs’ defensive line with alarming ease before drawing the last defender and sending Johnny McNicholl over in the corner for a try in his 50th Crusaders appearance. Reihana added the extras to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side when Braydon Ennor snatched an intercept from a wayward Triston Reilly pass in the ninth minute. The centre skilfully tipped the ball up, regathered it on the run, and raced away to score the visitors’ second try. While Reihana’s conversion attempt sailed wide, the Crusaders had established a commanding 12-0 lead.

The Waratahs’ defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed as the Crusaders added a third try through hooker Ioane Moananu in the 16th minute. From a lineout just inside the Waratahs’ 22, Cullen Grace secured the ball and established a powerful rolling maul. The Crusaders pack showed tremendous technique, initially making little progress before a strong second surge saw them marching inexorably toward the line. Moananu, controlling the ball at the back, peeled off at the perfect moment to crash over. Reihana continued his impressive kicking display, slotting a difficult conversion from the right touchline to extend the lead to 19-0.

Just as the match threatened to become a complete blowout, the Waratahs finally managed to string together some phases. After working their way deep into Crusaders territory through multiple penalties, Langi Gleeson appeared to have scored, driving low and hard from close range. However, referee Paul Williams ruled he couldn’t see a clear grounding and, despite Gleeson’s furious protests – lip readers would have caught some choice words from the frustrated number eight – the TMO couldn’t find sufficient evidence to overturn the on-field decision.

Undeterred, the Waratahs maintained pressure. Charlie Gamble was stopped just short before Gleeson, determined not to be denied again, picked up from the base of the ruck and powered over the line for the Waratahs’ opening score. Tane Edmed’s conversion reduced the deficit to 19-7, offering a glimmer of hope for the home supporters.

Any hope of a Waratahs comeback was quickly extinguished as the Crusaders struck again through winger Chay Fihaki. The visitors exploited the right edge once more where Johnny McNicholl, who was causing havoc all evening, found space after beating Darby Lancaster with a swerving run. Drawing the covering Andrew Kellaway perfectly, McNicholl timed his pass impeccably to send Fihaki over in the corner. Kellaway’s frustrated gestures told the story – there was little he could do against a clinical Crusaders attacking move. Reihana’s impressive kicking continued as he slotted the difficult conversion to extend the lead to 26-7.

The Crusaders delivered a crushing psychological blow on the stroke of half-time when flanker Cullen Grace found space close to the ruck to score their fifth try. After patiently building pressure with multiple phases, the visitors were just metres short when Christie was brought down. From the resulting ruck, Grace received a simple pop pass and had just enough momentum to fall over the line despite taking out referee Williams in the process. Though Reihana missed the conversion, the Crusaders went into the break with a commanding 31-7 lead, leaving the Waratahs with a mountain to climb.

Whatever Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said at half-time appeared to have an immediate impact, as his side emerged with renewed vigour. The introduction of Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou provided immediate impetus to their set-piece, and the home side quickly set up camp in Crusaders territory.

After a well-controlled lineout just five metres out, Jake Gordon spread the ball infield before several forward drives tested the Crusaders’ goal-line defence. It was the ever-present Gleeson who again provided the finishing touch, picking up from the base of a ruck and bursting over for his second try of the match and seventh of the season. Edmed’s conversion brought the score to 31-14, offering the first signs of a potential comeback.

The home side’s resurgence continued when lock Miles Amatosero burrowed over from close range in the 53rd minute. Building on successive penalties that gave them territorial advantage, the Waratahs set up a maul close to the Crusaders’ line. When Williams called for them to use it, the ball was shifted infield where Walton and Gleeson both made strong carries. With the Crusaders’ defence scrambling, Amatosero spotted his opportunity, dummying to the right before stepping back inside and diving over from short range. Edmed’s conversion narrowed the deficit to just 10 points at 31-21, and suddenly the match was alive again.

But just as momentum appeared to be shifting, the Crusaders demonstrated their championship quality with a counterattack that will feature in season highlights. A scrum on halfway saw Edmed attempt to spread the ball wide, but his pass lacked precision. Reihana, alert to the opportunity, intercepted and burst through the defensive line, showing impressive pace as he raced into open field. With the covering defence closing in, he perfectly timed his pass to Sevu Reece, who sprinted the final 50 metres untouched down the left touchline to score a try that saw the prolific winger equal TJ Perenara’s all-time Super Rugby try-scoring record of 65.
“He’s had a dry spell for a good four or five weeks,” Crusaders captain David Havili said of Reece post-match. “He’s a real energiser bunny for us out there and he was definitely due for another try tonight. He’s got the monkey off his back.”

Reihana added the conversion to extend the Crusaders’ lead to 38-21, deflating the building Waratahs momentum.
The Waratahs refused to capitulate, and produced the most spectacular moment of the match in the 71st minute. After securing a scrum penalty close to the Crusaders’ line, reserve halfback Teddy Wilson directed play to the left, where Joey Walton linked with Andrew Kellaway who found Darby Lancaster in space. With the touchline looming, the winger performed an acrobatic dive that defied physics, somehow maintaining his body in the air to avoid David Havili dragging him into touch while extending his arm to ground the ball in the corner.

Referee Williams awarded the try on-field, but TMO Richard Kelly was called in to review the grounding. There was suspicion the ball may have slipped from Lancaster’s fingers before making contact with the ground, but with no clear evidence to overturn the on-field decision, the spectacular score stood. Jack Bowen, now on for Edmed, nailed the difficult conversion to bring the Waratahs back within 10 points at 38-28, giving the home crowd renewed hope of a miraculous comeback.

However, the Waratahs’ momentum was immediately halted by yet another handling error from the restart. Miles Amatosero, who had been impressive throughout, dropped the ball, drawing visible frustration from McKellar in the coaches’ box. The Crusaders’ experience told in the closing stages as they capitalised on the mistake. James O’Connor, a second-half replacement, extended the lead with a precise penalty kick to make it 41-28 with just five minutes remaining.

Any lingering hopes of a Waratahs comeback were extinguished with a brilliantly executed Crusaders try in the 77th minute. O’Connor’s vision created space from a scrum move, finding Reece who accelerated down the left wing. With the covering defence closing in, the winger produced a perfectly weighted cross-field kick that bounced favorably for Christie, who gathered and scored under the posts. O’Connor’s simple conversion made it 48-28, putting the result beyond doubt.

Triston Reilly grabbed a late consolation for the Waratahs in the 79th minute. Joey Walton, who had been one of the brighter performers for the home side, produced a pinpoint cross-field kick that found Reilly perfectly positioned on the right wing. The winger took the ball cleanly and dove over in the corner, though Jack Bowen’s conversion attempt struck the upright, leaving the final score at 48-33.

For the Crusaders, this victory showcased their title credentials. Despite missing key All Blacks including Will Jordan, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, and Codie Taylor, they produced a clinical display of attacking rugby that few teams in the competition could match.

“This is a really pleasing win for the group,” said Crusaders head coach Rob Penney post-match. “The Tahs have been good here at home all year, so we are rapt with that performance.”

Penney also had high praise for O’Connor, who has been the subject of Wallabies selection speculation. “James has come across and adopted the standards and values we hold at the Crusaders and has just slotted straight in,” he noted, with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt reportedly in attendance.

The match was not without concerns for the Waratahs, with flanker Rob Leota suffering what appeared to be a fractured fibula in the first half, potentially ruling him out for an extended period.

While the scoreboard suggests a high-scoring affair, the stark reality for the Waratahs is that they were never truly in this contest. The Crusaders’ first-half blitz set the tone, and despite moments of promise in the second period, the visitors always had an answer when challenged.

The defeat marks the Waratahs’ fourth consecutive loss and leaves McKellar’s men contemplating what might have been in a season that promised much but ultimately fell short. For the Crusaders, their impressive revival after a slow start to the season continues as they eye a high playoff seed and potential home advantage in the knockout stages.

Super Rugby Pacific

Crusaders 69–26 Fijian Drua – Super Rugby Pacific Round 8

Published

15 hours ago

3rd April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Crusaders 69–26 Fijian Drua – Super Rugby Pacific Round 8

Crusaders Codie Taylor try during the Crusaders v Fijian Drua, Super Rugby Pacific match, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 3 April 2026, (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

Codie Taylor scored four tries on his 150th appearance as the Crusaders farewelled Apollo Projects Stadium with a dominant 69–26 victory over the Fijian Drua in Christchurch.

Key moments

3 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Chay Fihaki breaks the line from an inside ball and Will Jordan throws a looping pass for Sevu Reece to score in the corner. Taha Kemara misses the conversion. (Crusaders 5–0)

10 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Jamie Hannah releases Fletcher Newell into a huge hole with a slick backdoor offload and Leicester Fainga’anuku finishes in the corner. Kemara’s conversion drifts left. (Crusaders 10–0)

14 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Codie Taylor crashes over from a rolling maul for his first — his 50th try for the Crusaders. Kemara converts. (Crusaders 17–0)

18 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Taylor doubles his tally from another lineout drive. Kemara converts. (Crusaders 24–0)

22 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Leicester Fainga’anuku’s excellent cross-kick is grabbed by Sevu Reece, who scores inside the corner flag for his second. Kemara converts. (Crusaders 31–0)

30 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: Joseva Tamani powers over from close range to stem the bleeding. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula converts. (Crusaders 31–7)

32 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Will Jordan breaches the defence and Antonio Shalfoon sets up Chay Fihaki. Kemara converts. (Crusaders 38–7)

34 mins – YELLOW CARD CRUSADERS: Johnny Lee shown yellow for repeated team infringements.

37 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: The Drua capitalise on their numerical advantage as Elia Canakaivata finishes off a driving maul. Armstrong-Ravula misses the conversion. (Crusaders 38–12)

Half-time: Crusaders 38–12. The Crusaders ran riot in the opening quarter, racing to a 31–0 lead in just 23 minutes. Codie Taylor’s brace from the maul and Sevu Reece’s double set the tone, though Johnny Lee’s yellow card gave the visitors a lifeline heading into the break.

41 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Taylor completes his hat-trick with a pick-and-go from close range just 90 seconds into the second half. Kemara converts. (Crusaders 45–12)

44 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa makes the break and Zuriel Togiatama’s work allows Elia Canakaivata to score his second. Armstrong-Ravula converts. (Crusaders 45–19)

47 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Leicester Fainga’anuku produces a spellbinding run and offloads to Codie Taylor for his fourth — completing his haul just before the 50-minute mark. Kemara converts. (Crusaders 52–19)

53 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: Former Crusader Manasa Mataele produces a stunning individual effort to score against his old club. Armstrong-Ravula converts. (Crusaders 52–26)

58 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Corey Kellow crashes over after sustained pressure near the line. Kemara misses. (Crusaders 57–26)

60 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Chay Fihaki intercepts and races away to score his second. Kemara converts. (Crusaders 64–26)

75 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: A gap opens in the defence and Sevu Reece completes his hat-trick. Unconverted. (Crusaders 69–26)

80 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: Seb Calder picks from the base of the ruck and crashes over for the 11th try of the night. Kemara misses. (Crusaders 74–26)

Full-time: Crusaders 69–26

Match report

There was never any need for histrionics or tearful speeches inside the Crusaders camp. The 14-year partnership between the club and the modest arena in Addington — a venue that was supposed to be a temporary solution after Lancaster Park was damaged beyond repair in the 2011 earthquakes — deserved a proper send-off. The Crusaders delivered emphatically.

Codie Taylor, the popular hooker celebrating his 150th appearance, met his wife and three children on the grass before kick-off and was greeted by a haka from members of the Sydenham rugby club. What followed was a masterclass from the All Blacks veteran, who crossed four times in just 51 minutes to extend his career record to 53 tries — the most by any forward in Super Rugby history.

The onslaught began in the third minute when Chay Fihaki broke the line from an inside ball, with captain Will Jordan throwing a looping pass out for winger Sevu Reece to dot down in the corner. Leicester Fainga’anuku crossed shortly afterwards, benefiting from Jamie Hannah’s slick backdoor offload that released Fletcher Newell into a massive hole.

Taylor’s quick-fire double from the rolling maul — the first his 50th try for the club — had the Crusaders racing the clock. By the time Reece latched onto Fainga’anuku’s excellent cross-kick to score his second, the hosts led 31–0 after just 23 minutes.

The Drua didn’t roll over to allow their bellies to be tickled. Lock Joseva Tamani and No 8 Elia Canakaivata both crossed before the break, with the latter capitalising on Johnny Lee’s yellow card for repeated team infringements. Referee Paul Williams issued a warning to Jordan that he was tiring of the ill-discipline, though Fihaki’s try in between meant the Crusaders went into half-time 38–12 ahead.

Taylor made it three just 90 seconds into the second half, then completed his haul before the 50-minute mark with a fourth after Fainga’anuku’s spellbinding run and offload. Replaced to a rousing reception shortly afterwards, he smiled like a fellow who had just been given a sack of Bluff oysters and a truckload of crayfish for each five-pointer.

The Drua kept adding to the scoreboard, with Canakaivata’s second followed by former Crusader Manasa Mataele getting a fitting five-pointer on his return to Christchurch. But Corey Kellow and Fihaki wrapped up the bonus point with 20 minutes to go, and Reece completed his hat-trick late on before Seb Calder crashed over in the dying seconds for the 11th try of the night.

Taylor summed up the emotion of the evening in his post-match interview. He expressed gratitude for pulling on the jersey for the 150th time and going out in style at Apollo Projects Stadium, adding that he loves the team and the club. He thanked the supporters for being such a big part of the Crusaders’ success over the years, describing the venue as a place of bringing the community together — a place of hope and love.

The result lifts the Crusaders to fourth on the standings with a 4–3 record. They will embark on a two-week Australian trip to face the Queensland Reds and Western Force before opening their new home at One NZ Stadium, Te Kaha, as part of Super Round against the NSW Waratahs on April 24.

Teams

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan (c), 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Louie Chapman, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Corey Kellow, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Jack Sexton, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Mitch Drummond, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Braydon Ennor.

Fijian Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Iosefo Namoce, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila (c), 4 Joseva Tamani, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Isoa Tuwai, 21 Phillip Baselala, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Isikeli Rabitu.

Match details

Crusaders 69 (Tries: Taylor 4, Reece 2, Fihaki 2, Fainga’anuku, Calder, Kellow; Conversions: Kemara 7/11)
Fijian Drua 26 (Tries: Canakaivata 2, Tamani, Mataele; Conversions: Armstrong-Ravula 3/4)
Half-time: 38–12

Venue: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Paul Williams (NZ)

What’s next

The Crusaders travel to Australia for back-to-back matches against the Queensland Reds (Round 9) and Western Force (Round 10) before returning home to open One NZ Stadium, Te Kaha, as part of Super Round against the NSW Waratahs on April 24.

The Fijian Drua host the Highlanders in Suva in Round 9.

Super Rugby Pacific

Super Rugby Pacific 2026: Round 8 preview

Published

23 hours ago

3rd April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Super Rugby Pacific 2026: Round 8 preview

SUPER RUGBY FORCE LOMAX, Zac Lomax practises his kicking during a Western Force Super Rugby training session, at UWA Sports Park, Perth, Monday, March 23, 2026. (IMAGO / AAP)

A shortened Easter round sees the Crusaders bid farewell to Apollo Projects Stadium after 14 years, while former NRL star Zac Lomax prepares to make his rugby union debut off the bench for the Western Force in Brisbane.

Key storylines:

Crusaders play final match at Apollo Projects Stadium before moving to One New Zealand Stadium, Te Kaha
Codie Taylor earns 150th Crusaders cap in emotional farewell to temporary home
Zac Lomax named on Force bench for first rugby union appearance since primary school
Chiefs without Damian McKenzie (concussion) for Waratahs clash in Hamilton
Tupou Vaa’i returns from knee injury; Reuben O’Neill set for 50th cap
Blues, Brumbies, Highlanders, Hurricanes and Moana Pasifika all on bye

Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific is all about goodbyes and fresh starts. The Crusaders will play their final match at Apollo Projects Stadium before moving into their new home at One New Zealand Stadium, Te Kaha. The temporary venue that opened following the 2011 earthquakes was only ever meant to be a stopgap, but has instead witnessed eight Super Rugby titles and countless memorable moments over 14 years. Codie Taylor, who will earn his 150th Crusaders cap, has played every one of those games calling this ground home.

Elsewhere, the Chiefs return to Hamilton for their first home fixture in a month, hosting a Waratahs outfit coming off their best performance of the season. And the headline act of the round sees Zac Lomax named on the Force bench for the all-Australian clash with the Reds in Brisbane — his first rugby union appearance since primary school.

Friday 3 April

Crusaders v Fijian Drua

Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch — 7:05pm NZST / 5:05pm AEDT

The occasion will be impossible to ignore when the Crusaders run out at Apollo Projects Stadium for the final time. The modest Addington venue was built in haste after the earthquakes devastated Christchurch, and what was intended as a temporary solution became a permanent home for over a decade.

Codie Taylor, who makes his 150th appearance for the Crusaders, said the ground will always hold a special place for him and his club. He recalled being part of the wider squad when the earthquake struck, and travelling for every match that season before the stadium gave them a home again. Taylor described it as a place that unified the city and brought hope through rugby.

The milestone adds to an already significant farewell. Taylor has played all 149 of his previous Crusaders appearances with Apollo Projects as his home venue, and this will be the last before the move to Te Kaha for Super Round later this month.

The Crusaders welcome Will Jordan to the captaincy in the absence of David Havili, who remains sidelined with a heel injury. Jordan has been in outstanding form, leading the side’s carry metres with 615 in his five games, with 12 line breaks and 25 defenders beaten. All Blacks Ethan Blackadder (calf, 4-6 weeks) and Tamaiti Williams (spinal infection, season-ending) are unavailable, meaning Johnny Lee and Corey Kellow start in the back row alongside Christian Lio-Willie, who makes his 50th Crusaders appearance. Leicester Fainga’anuku, who has carried for 447 metres and beaten 30 defenders this season, is named in the centres.

The Fijian Drua’s season has been disrupted by injuries. Captain Frank Lomani is out, and star winger Ponipate Loganimasi has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Lock Isoa Nasilasila takes over the captaincy, while former Crusader Manasa Mataele is named on the left wing — a familiar face returning to his former home ground. Fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will steer the attack alongside Issak Fines-Leleiwasa at halfback.

The Crusaders and Fijian Drua have alternated wins across their five Super Rugby Pacific meetings, with the Crusaders winning 31–14 in their most recent encounter.

Jack Sexton, son of former Crusaders hooker Matt Sexton, is in line to make his debut off the bench.

Teams:

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan (c), 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Corey Kellow, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Jack Sexton, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Louie Chapman, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Braydon Ennor.

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

Unavailable — Crusaders: David Havili (heel), Ethan Blackadder (calf — 4-6 weeks), Tamaiti Williams (spinal infection — season), Kyle Preston (injured).

Unavailable — Fijian Drua: Frank Lomani (injured), Ponipate Loganimasi (season-ending).

Saturday 4 April

Chiefs v NSW Waratahs

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton — 7:05pm NZST / 5:05pm AEDT

The Chiefs return to Hamilton for their first home fixture in a month, but will be without talisman Damian McKenzie, who is recovering from a head knock sustained in last Saturday’s scrappy 24–14 win over the Force in Perth.

Coach Jono Gibbes said it was nice to be home again, and that while the side has a few players out injured — which is normal in this tough competition — the quality of the squad they can field shows the depth available throughout the roster.

The All Blacks playmaker is expected to miss only one round, with Liam Coombes-Fabling stepping into the fullback jersey. Outside back Etene Nanai-Seturo is also sidelined with a foot injury, meaning off-season recruit Kyren Taumoefolau claims a rare start on the left wing. All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i returns from a knee injury to join Josh Lord in the second row — a combination that has been delivering quality lineout ball all season. Lord has completed 27 takes, twice as many as any other player in the competition. Prop Reuben O’Neill will win his 50th cap, while Waikato outside back Daniel Sinkinson is in line to make his debut off the bench.

The locking positions are among the most hotly contested areas for the All Blacks this year, and both Vaa’i and Lord have been in outstanding form. In midfield, Quinn Tupaea has been one of the most consistent performers in the competition — he has played the most minutes (451), made 75 carries, beaten 23 defenders, and leads the team with 71 tackles.

The Waratahs arrive in Hamilton full of confidence after a shock win over the Brumbies last weekend. Coach Dan McKellar has stiffened his midfield by restoring Triston Reilly to the centres, while Charlie Gamble returns to the starting side. Former Australia Under-20s captain Teddy Wilson is set for his first start of the 2026 season at halfback, partnering former Chiefs playmaker Jack Debreczeni in the halves.

The Waratahs won 21–14 in their last Super Rugby Pacific meeting with the Chiefs, snapping an eight-game losing streak against them.

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Kaylum Boshier, 7 Luke Jacobson (c), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 George Dyer, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Kyle Brown, 23 Daniel Sinkinson.

Waratahs: 15 Sid Harvey, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Triston Reilly, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Teddy Wilson, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Dan Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Jack Barrett, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Jamie Adamson, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 George Poolman.

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

Unavailable — Chiefs: Damian McKenzie (concussion), Etene Nanai-Seturo (foot), Wallace Sititi (hamstring), Daniel Rona (hamstring), Lalakai Foketi (head).

Queensland Reds v Western Force

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 6:35pm AEST / 8:35pm NZST

All eyes will be on the Western Force bench when former NRL star Zac Lomax prepares to make his Super Rugby debut. The 26-year-old has not played rugby union since his primary school days, and arrives in Perth after a high-profile exit from the NRL.

Lomax had established himself as an elite try-scorer and goal-kicker at State of Origin and Test level before his attempted move to R360 backfired when the breakaway league was postponed. His controversial bid to join the Melbourne Storm this season was ended in an out-of-court settlement ahead of a potential NSW Supreme Court hearing.

Incoming Wallabies coach Les Kiss, who will take charge of Australia in August, said he expected his Reds to target Lomax with high balls when he enters the fray. Kiss said a lot of attention would be on the cross-code convert, adding that while Lomax is a quality player in league, it takes a long time to learn the nuances of rugby union.

Force coach Simon Cron said Lomax had learned plenty from his two weeks of training and was confident he was ready to go. Cron described him as a natural athlete — big, strong, fast and powerful — and noted that coming off the bench would give him a chance to work his way into the game.

Former Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has played a key role in fast-tracking Lomax’s progression, and is also named on the bench. There is further good news for the Force with Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch named to start after recovering from a foot injury that has sidelined him since the pre-season.

The Reds were poor in Wellington where they were hammered by the Hurricanes, and Kiss has recalled Carter Gordon and Josh Flook to his starting backline. Teenager Treyvon Pritchard will make his first start on the wing, with Kiss saying the youngster has certainly shown what he is capable of in his limited minutes off the bench this season.

The Reds have won their last three meetings against the Force.

Teams:

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Treyvon Pritchard, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Matt Faessler, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Tim Ryan.

Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Dylan Pietsch, 13 George Bridge, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 11 Darby Lancaster, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 7 Jack Daly, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny (c), 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Misinale Epenisa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Will Harris, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Kurtley Beale, 23 Zac Lomax.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe. Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Warwick Lahmert. TMO: Richard Kelly.

Unavailable — Reds: Tom Lynagh (illness).

Unavailable — Force: Carlo Tizzano (knee — 2+ weeks), Jeremy Williams (concussion).

BYE: Blues, Brumbies, Highlanders, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika

Super Rugby Pacific debuts

Jack Sexton (Crusaders — loosehead prop, bench debut)
Daniel Sinkinson (Chiefs — outside back, bench debut)
Zac Lomax (Force — outside back, bench debut)

First starts

Teddy Wilson (Waratahs — halfback, first start of 2026)
Treyvon Pritchard (Reds — wing, first start)

Milestones

Codie Taylor (Crusaders) — 150th Super Rugby cap
Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders) — 50th Super Rugby cap
Reuben O’Neill (Chiefs) — 50th Super Rugby cap

Where to watch

Australia: Stan Sport (all matches, ad-free, live and on demand); Nine Network (Saturday 7:35pm AEST 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)

Super Rugby Pacific

Chiefs without McKenzie as injury toll mounts for Waratahs clash

The Gallagher Chiefs face the NSW Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday without injured fly-half Damian McKenzie, with Josh Jacomb deputising at ten as the injury list continues to grow.

Published

2 days ago

1st April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Chiefs without McKenzie as injury toll mounts for Waratahs clash

Chiefs Damian McKenzie during the Force v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, HBF Park, Perth, Australia. Saturday, 28 March 2026, (Photo by Travis Hayto / action press)

The Gallagher Chiefs face the NSW Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday with a significantly depleted backline after fly-half Damian McKenzie was ruled out with a concussion, adding yet another name to a casualty list that is testing the depth of Colin Cooper’s squad heading into the business end of the competition.

McKenzie joins Etene Nanai-Seturo, Wallace Sititi, Daniel Rona and Lalakai Foketi on the Chiefs’ injury list, a roll-call of significant absences that underlines the scale of the selection challenge facing the coaching staff for this Round 8 fixture. The loss of McKenzie in particular is considerable: the fly-half has been in fine form during 2026 and his ability to probe defences, kick from the hand and manage the game in close contests makes him almost irreplaceable in normal circumstances.

In McKenzie’s absence, Josh Jacomb steps into the number ten jersey. The young fly-half will carry the responsibility of directing the Chiefs’ attack at FMG Stadium Waikato, and his performance under pressure will be closely watched given the opposition he faces. Jacomb has shown enough in his appearances this season to suggest he can handle the responsibility, but matching McKenzie’s influence will be a significant ask.

Luke Jacobson captains the side from the openside flank, with Samipeni Finau at blindside and Kaylum Boshier at number eight. The loose trio is experienced and mobile, capable of providing the kind of breakdown work and carrying power that keeps the Chiefs competitive even when their backline is disrupted. In the engine room, Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i form a lock pairing with lineout pedigree and physical authority in the loose.

The front row of Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Reuben O’Neill provides a scrum platform from which Jacomb can operate, with Taukei’aho’s hooking and lineout throwing fundamental to the Chiefs’ set-piece.

Xavier Roe starts at scrum-half, with Jacomb outside him at ten. The injury toll in the backline has meant that Leroy Carter is retained at outside centre, with Quinn Tupaea inside him. In the back three, Kyren Taumoefolau and Emoni Narawa start on the wings with Liam Coobes-Fabling at fullback.

The bench provides experienced reinforcements, with Cortez Ratima offering scrum-half cover and Kyle Brown providing an impact option in the loose forwards. Brodie McAlister provides hooking cover with Jared Proffit and George Dyer in the front row.

The Chiefs face a Waratahs side that is growing in confidence after defeating the Brumbies in Round 7, and Dan McKellar’s men will arrive in Hamilton buoyed by that result. For the Chiefs, a home win on Saturday is essential to keep their season on track despite the personnel challenges, and Jacobson will need to lead from the front in what could be a bruising contest.

The competition standings remain tightly bunched, and this is a fixture that could have significant implications for both teams’ top-four aspirations as the season approaches its latter stages.

Chiefs: 15. Liam Coobes-Fabling, 14. Emoni Narawa, 13. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 10. Josh Jacomb, 9. Xavier Roe, 8. Kaylum Boshier, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 6. Samipeni Finau, 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 4. Josh Lord, 3. Reuben O’Neill, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1. Ollie Norris

Replacements: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. George Dyer, 19. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Kyle Brown, 23. Daniel Sinkinson

Unavailable: Damian McKenzie (concussion), Etene Nanai-Seturo, Wallace Sititi, Daniel Rona, Lalakai Foketi (all injuries)

Match details: Chiefs v NSW Waratahs, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton. Saturday 4 April 2026. Live on Sky Sport (NZ) / Stan Sport (AUS).