Jordie Barrett is back in Wellington and ready to lead the Hurricanes into battle. The All Blacks midfielder returns from his Leinster sabbatical to captain a Hurricanes side entering the competition for the first time this season, heading a round two programme that features twin New Zealand derbies, a wave of debutants, and one of Super Rugby’s most storied trans-Tasman rivalries.

Barrett’s return is the headline act on a Friday night that also sees the Waratahs look to build on their emphatic round one demolition of the Reds when they host the Fijian Drua in Sydney. Saturday brings the Highlanders and Chiefs together under the Dunedin roof—both seeking to back up round one victories—before the Force welcome the Blues to their new Joondalup home north of Perth. The weekend concludes with a rare Sunday fixture between old rivals in Christchurch, where James Slipper will become just the second player to reach 200 Super Rugby caps when his Brumbies take on the wounded Crusaders.

Friday 20 February

Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika

Sky Stadium, Wellington — 7:05pm NZT / 5:05pm AEDT

The Hurricanes have entered the chat. After sitting out round one with the bye, Clark Laidlaw’s side finally take the field with a squad brimming with intrigue and firepower—though not without cost. Star fullback Ruben Love is sidelined for up to six weeks with an ankle injury, captain Du’Plessis Kirifi is managing a calf complaint, and wing Kini Naholo is also unavailable.

Barrett captains the side from second five-eighth alongside centre Bailyn Sullivan, while one-test All Black Brett Cameron fills the No 10 jersey vacated by Love’s absence. All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard and centre Billy Proctor provide impact from the bench in what will be their first appearances of the year.

The Hurricanes are blooding three debutants, headlined by Japan captain Warner Dearns, who starts in the second row on a season-long sabbatical from reigning Japanese champions Brave Lupus. Loose forward Arese Poliko and utility forward Matolu Petaia will make their bows from the bench.

“It was a huge crowd against Moana last year, so hopefully we can create that again and put in a performance that gets our fans excited and gets them coming back for the rest of the season,” said Laidlaw.

For Moana Pasifika, it was a case of ‘Ardie who?’ as Tana Umaga’s men pulled off arguably the upset of the opening round, storming the Drua’s fortress in sweltering Lautoka to snap a nine-match home winning streak. Umaga has opted to rotate heavily, handing seven debutants a run at Sky Stadium. Former Brisbane Bronco Israel Leota starts on the wing, Japanese international Mamoru Harada is named on the bench for his Super Rugby bow, and Samiuela Moli takes the captaincy with Miracle Faiilagi providing impact off the pine.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase the depth within our group. If we want to get all the way to the end of this competition, we’re going to need everybody,” said Umaga.

The Hurricanes have scored an average of 55 points per game across their four home matches against Moana Pasifika, though they have historically struggled in season openers, winning just once from eight previous attempts when opening at home.

Teams:

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Bailyn Sullivan, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Brett Cameron, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Hugo Plummer, 3 Siale Lauaki, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Matolu Petaia, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Arese Poliko, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Billy Proctor.

Moana Pasifika: 15 Simon Peter Toleafoa, 14 Israel Leota, 13 Glen Vaihu, 12 Faletoi Peni, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Siaosi Nginingini, 8 Dominic Ropeti, 7 Konrad Toleafoa, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Alefosio Aho, 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 2 Samiuela Moli, 1 Abraham Pole.
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Tito Tuipulotu, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Allan Craig, 20 Sam Tu’itupou Ah-Hing, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 William Havili, 23 Tevita Ofa.

*LATE CHANGE: Semisi Paea is out. Miracle Faiilagi starts at blindside flanker and captains the side, with Sam Tu’itupou Ah-Hing added to the bench for his debut.

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

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Ruben Love (ankle – 4–6 weeks), Du’Plessis Kirifi (calf – 2 weeks), Kini Naholo (knee – 2–4 weeks), Isaia Walker-Leawere (calf – 1 week), Caleb Delany (calf – 2 weeks), Harry Godfrey (knee – season), Josh Timu (foot – 7–9 weeks).

Unavailable — Moana Pasifika: Ardie Savea (sabbatical), Augustine Pulu (calf), Jimmy Tupou (elbow), Niko Jones (foot), Ola Tauelangi (back), Tupou Afungia (neck), Paula Latu (knee), Tevita Latu (knee).

NSW Waratahs v Fijian Drua

Allianz Stadium, Sydney — 7:35pm AEDT

The Waratahs were one of the most impressive performers of round one, tearing the Reds apart in an emphatic display spearheaded by the irrepressible Max Jorgensen. The winger, freshly locked up on a contract through 2031, has been directly involved in six tries across his last five Super Rugby matches and will fancy his chances against a Drua defence that conceded 40 points to Moana Pasifika in Lautoka.

Dan McKellar has made just one change, with Crusaders recruit Ioane Moananu coming onto the bench for concussed hooker Folau Fainga’a. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii retains his place at outside centre after an impressive showing in the No 13 jersey, with McKellar confirming there has been no directive from Rugby Australia regarding the code-switcher’s positioning.

“No player owns the jersey. There’s always going to be competition in good teams, and our team’s no different,” said McKellar.

Wallabies back Andrew Kellaway has again been omitted from the matchday 23 entirely.

The Drua, smarting from their loss to Moana Pasifika, have overhauled their halves combination. Co-captain Frank Lomani starts at scrumhalf alongside Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at flyhalf, replacing Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Kemu Valetini from round one. Taniela Rakuro and Isikeli Rabitu come into the starting backline.

The visitors face a grim record: 24 consecutive losses outside Fiji, with their last away win coming against Moana Pasifika in round one of 2023. The Waratahs are undefeated against the Drua at Allianz Stadium.

Teams:

Waratahs: 15 James Hendren, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Jake Gordon, 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 Ioane Moananu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Triston Reilly.

Fijian Drua: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Ponipate Loganimasi, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Taniela Rakuro, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (co-c), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Inia Tabuavou, 23 Manasa Mataele.

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

Unavailable — Waratahs: Folau Fainga’a (concussion), Austin Durbidge (forearm), Angus Scott-Young (calf), Eamon Doyle (ankle).

Unavailable — Fijian Drua: Mesulame Dolokoto (knee), Meli Tuni (knee), Simione Kuruvoli (shoulder), Aisea Nawai (leg).

Saturday 21 February

Highlanders v Chiefs

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin — 7:05pm NZT / 5:05pm AEDT

The most anticipated match of the round sees two sides riding the confidence of round one victories collide in what promises to be a ferocious New Zealand derby under the Dunedin roof.

The Highlanders stunned the defending champion Crusaders in the season opener, a clutch Cameron Millar penalty and gutsy defence in the dying stages securing their first win since May 2025. Jamie Joseph has kept faith with the side that delivered the upset, making only enforced changes. Ethan de Groot shifts from the bench to start at loosehead, with Sosefo Kautai coming onto the bench to replace Angus Ta’avao, who is absent on compassionate grounds following the tragic passing of his son Leo.

Jona Nareki will reach his half-century of appearances for the Highlanders, a milestone Joseph acknowledged with warm admiration. “He’s been littered with injuries but for the Highlanders he’s one of our best players and has been since he’s been here.”

“The Chiefs are a bit like the Crusaders, stacked with All Blacks and have performed very well in recent seasons, so another huge challenge for us and one we are looking forward to,” said Joseph.

The Chiefs’ win came in far more controversial fashion, with Tupou Vaa’i’s early try against the Blues awarded at the time but later acknowledged by officials as an incorrect decision—Vaa’i had left the ground to launch over two defenders in what constituted an illegal action. The result stood, however, and Jono Gibbes’ side arrive in Dunedin with significant reinforcements.

All Blacks wing Leroy Carter starts on the left flank, while fellow internationals Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Emoni Narawa—who will also bring up 50 Chiefs caps—are named on the bench. However, the Chiefs are without Damian McKenzie (paternity leave), Cortez Ratima (also paternity leave), and the influential Samipeni Finau (concussion), while Wallace Sititi is out with a hamstring niggle.

Josh Jacomb retains the No 10 jersey in a piquant selection given the playmaker is joining the Highlanders next season.

“These local derbies are brutal. There is no inch given and it will go up another notch against the Highlanders who are coming off an equally tough win against the defending champions Crusaders,” said Gibbes.

The Chiefs have won their last seven encounters against the Highlanders and took a 41–24 victory the last time these sides met to close the 2025 regular season. The Highlanders are seeking back-to-back wins to start the year for the first time since Super Rugby Trans-Tasman in 2021.

Teams:

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Lucas Casey, 7 Sean Withy, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Rohan Wingham, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Tanielu Tele’a.

Chiefs: 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Kaylum Boshier, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 George Dyer, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Jared Proffit.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Simon Parker, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Emoni Narawa.

Referee: Angus Mabey. Assistant Referees: Michael Winter, Ben Wollerton. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Unavailable — Highlanders: Fabian Holland (shoulder – season), Dylan Pledger (ACL – season), Saula Ma’u (shoulder – 7 weeks), Finn Hurley (foot – 4 weeks), Xavier Tito-Harris (hamstring – 2 weeks), Andrew Knewstubb (quad – 2 weeks), Angus Ta’avao (compassionate grounds – TBC).

Unavailable — Chiefs: Damian McKenzie (birth of first child), Cortez Ratima (birth of second child), Wallace Sititi (hamstring – round 3), Samipeni Finau (concussion – round 3), Brodie McAlister (hand – round 5), Jayden Sa (shoulder – round 3), Isaac Hutchinson (knee – round 8).

Western Force v Blues

HIF Health Insurance Oval, Joondalup — 4:35pm AWST / 7:35pm AEDT

The Force make history by hosting the first ever Super Rugby match in Joondalup, north of Perth, but the occasion brings a daunting challenge in the form of the Blues, who have won their last 13 meetings between these sides—a streak dating back to 2008.

The loss of Nick Champion de Crespigny to a knee injury sustained in the round one defeat to the Brumbies has prompted a reshuffle, with Wallaby lock Darcy Swain moving into the starting second row and captain Jeremy Williams shifting to blindside flanker for just the third time in his Super Rugby career. The rest of the side is largely unchanged from the team that led 10–0 before being overrun 56–24 by the Brumbies.

“Going over there, we know we need to be at our best,” said Blues coach Vern Cotter. “We’ve taken a lot of lessons from last week and the focus is on being accurate, disciplined, and connected for the full 80 minutes.”

The Blues have made several changes from the side that lost narrowly to the Chiefs. Marcel Renata starts at tighthead prop in place of Ofa Tu’ungafasi, while Anton Segner comes into the back row at blindside flanker with debut bolter Torian Barnes reverting to the bench. In the second row, Laghlan McWhannell lines up alongside Josh Beehre after experienced lock Sam Darry was ruled out with concussion. Patrick Tuipulotu remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, targeting a round six return, while Beauden Barrett is unavailable following the birth of his child.

The late afternoon kick-off in Joondalup, with temperatures potentially exceeding 30°C, and the five-hour time difference from New Zealand present additional challenges for the visitors. New Zealand teams have historically struggled in Perth.

Both sides are searching for their first win of the season. The Force have been winless across seven matches, averaging just 17 points per game during that stretch. The Blues, meanwhile, have won 25 of their last 28 matches against Australian opposition.

Teams:

Western Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Divad Palu, 13 George Bridge, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Bayley Kuenzle, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Nathan Hastie, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Jeremy Williams (c), 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Franco Molina, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Henry Robertson, 22 Max Burey, 23 Kurtley Beale.

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Cole Forbes, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 6 Anton Segner, 5 Josh Beehre, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Joshua Fusitu’a.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklund, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 19 Che Clark, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai.

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

Unavailable — Force: Nick Champion de Crespigny (knee – short term), Doug Phillipson (knee – long term), Feao Fotuaika (foot – medium term), Dylan Pietsch (foot – short term), Darby Lancaster (thigh – short term), Alex Harford (shoulder – long term).

Unavailable — Blues: Beauden Barrett (birth of child), Sam Darry (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder), Cameron Christie (knee – season), Corey Evans (ankle), Jordan Lay (concussion), Payton Spencer (concussion), Malachi Wrampling (concussion).

Sunday 22 February

Crusaders v ACT Brumbies

Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch — 3:35pm NZT / 1:35pm AEDT

The weekend’s finale features one of Super Rugby’s most enduring rivalries. The Crusaders and Brumbies have engaged in several iconic battles across 30 seasons, including the 2000 and 2004 grand finals, and it was a typically thrilling encounter the last time these sides met—the Crusaders snatching a 33–31 victory courtesy of a late George Bell try.

Round one brought sharply contrasting fortunes. The defending champion Crusaders were stunned by the Highlanders in Dunedin, committing a staggering 25 turnovers in a performance coach Rob Penney described as one requiring serious introspection. The Brumbies, by contrast, dismantled the Force 56–24 in Perth and arrive brimming with confidence.

Penney has responded with significant changes. Will Jordan, whose cameo off the bench almost single-handedly rescued the round one match, moves to fullback in the starting XV, with Leicester Fainga’anuku dropped to the bench following an error-riddled performance. Braydon Ennor starts at outside centre, while Fletcher Newell—an All Blacks tighthead—comes into the front row. Louis Chapman makes his first appearance in close to 1,000 days for the Crusaders off the bench.

“We always look in the mirror first,” said Penney. “Collectively, we could have done some things a little differently, but it is what it is. We’ve got to look forward now and take what we learned into the game we’ve got at home on Sunday.”

Penney was also keen to get the best out of Fainga’anuku in a redefined role from the pine: “He’s come back to New Zealand as a world-class player. We need to find his perfect position and let him develop confidence in that position.”

The Brumbies have backed the same 23 that dismantled the Force. The headline is veteran loosehead James Slipper, who will become just the second player to reach 200 Super Rugby appearances, putting him within touching distance of the competition’s all-time record holder, former Crusader Wyatt Crockett (202).

Coach Stephen Larkham said the performances of his forwards meant there was no need to rush Test lock Nick Frost back.

“The history between the two organisations goes deep and this will be no different. It’ll be a humdinger,” said Penney.

The Crusaders have not lost to the Brumbies in Christchurch since 2000, winning their last 12 home matches against the ACT side. The Brumbies counter with four consecutive regular-season away wins, conceding just 16 points per game during that run. A bright and warm forecast in Christchurch for Sunday may suit the visitors’ expansive game plan.

Teams:

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

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Lachie Shaw, 3 Rhys van Nek, 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 Hudson Creighton.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe. Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert. TMO: Richard Kelly.

Unavailable — Crusaders: Scott Barrett (sabbatical), Macca Springer (quad – 1 week), Kershawl Sykes-Martin (hip – 1–2 weeks), Kyle Preston (concussion – min 12 days), Mitch Drummond (concussion – min 12 days), Johnny McNicholl (hamstring – 3 weeks), Liam Jack (hamstring – 6–8 weeks), Maloni Kunawave (hamstring – 6–8 weeks), Cooper Roberts (fibula – 6–8 weeks), Cullen Grace (knee – TBC).

Unavailable — Brumbies: Nick Frost (rested), Allan Alaalatoa (back), Lachlan Lonergan (knee), Tom Wright (knee).

BYE: Queensland Reds

Super Rugby Pacific debuts:

Warner Dearns (Hurricanes – Japan captain, starting debut at lock)
Arese Poliko (Hurricanes – bench debut)
Matolu Petaia (Hurricanes – bench debut)
Mamoru Harada (Moana Pasifika – Japanese international, bench debut)
Israel Leota (Moana Pasifika – ex-Brisbane Bronco, starting debut)
Alefosio Aho (Moana Pasifika – starting debut at lock)
Faletoi Peni (Moana Pasifika – starting debut at centre)
Simon Peter Toleafoa (Moana Pasifika – starting debut at fullback)
Lolani Faleiva (Moana Pasifika – bench debut)
Konrad Toleafoa (Moana Pasifika – starting debut at flanker)
Kavaia Tagivetaua (Fijian Drua – bench debut)
Sam Tu’itupou Ah-Hing (Moana Pasifika – bench debut, late addition)

Club debuts:

Ioane Moananu (Waratahs – bench, ex-Crusaders)

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)