The defending champions are in crisis. The Crusaders arrive in Hamilton on Saturday having lost their opening two matches for the first time since 2002 — stunned 25-23 by the Highlanders in Dunedin after coughing up 25 turnovers, then humiliated 50-24 by the Brumbies in Christchurch in their heaviest home defeat in over two decades. Rob Penney labelled the final quarter “embarrassing” after his side conceded three tries in the final seven minutes. Now they face an unbeaten Chiefs side seeking revenge for last year’s Grand Final heartbreak.

Australian teams occupy the top two rungs of the ladder for the first time in years. The Brumbies have been devastating, scoring 50 or more points in both fixtures — dismantling the Force 56-24 in Perth’s 35-degree heat before Sunday’s historic triumph at Apollo Projects Stadium, their first win in Christchurch in 26 years. Charlie Cale, returning from an 11-month injury layoff, has emerged as the early front-runner for Player of the Year after scoring twice against the Crusaders while dominating at the breakdown and in the carry.

The Waratahs have been equally impressive. Max Jorgensen announced himself as the competition’s most exciting talent with a stunning double in the 36-12 demolition of the Reds — his first try, a devastating double-step that left Jock Campbell grasping at air, is already a try-of-the-season contender. Dan McKellar’s side then backed it up with a clinical victory over the Fijian Drua to sit pretty atop the ladder.

The round kicks off Friday in Pukekohe, where Moana Pasifika host their first home match against a winless Western Force, before the Reds return from their bye to face the Highlanders in Brisbane. Saturday brings a mouth-watering double-header: the Fijian Drua hosting the Hurricanes in Lautoka’s afternoon heat, followed by the blockbuster Grand Final rematch in Hamilton. The weekend concludes with the game of the round in Canberra, where skipper Dalton Papali’i brings up his century of caps as the Blues look to halt the rampant Brumbies. The Waratahs enjoy the bye.

Friday 28 February

Moana Pasifika v Western Force

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe — 7:05pm NZT / 5:05pm AEDT

It has been a turbulent week for Moana Pasifika. Just days after being hammered 52-10 by the Hurricanes in Wellington — where they were blown away by four first-half tries and never recovered — the franchise announced it could not afford to host its round nine fixture against the Chiefs in Tonga. It marks the second consecutive year funding constraints have forced them to abandon Pacific Island matches.

Yet Tana Umaga’s side showed in round one they can compete with anyone. Their stunning 28-24 victory over the Fijian Drua in Lautoka snapped the hosts’ nine-match home winning streak, with Ngani Laumape and Solomon Alaimalo combining brilliantly in the centres. That victory feels a lifetime ago after the Wellington thrashing, where eight debutants were thrown into the deep end against a rampant Hurricanes outfit.

Umaga has reverted to the squad that toppled the Drua, recalling captain Miracle Faiilagi and the majority of his first-choice lineup. Glen Vaihu earns his first start at fullback following William Havili’s back injury, while prop Abraham Pole will become just the second Moana Pasifika player to reach 50 Super Rugby caps when he enters from the bench.

The Force arrive without a win from their opening two matches — a 56-24 thrashing by the Brumbies in scorching Perth conditions followed by a 42-32 defeat to the Blues in Joondalup. Coach Simon Cron has made several changes, most notably the return of hooker Nic Dolly from a long-term knee injury suffered in July. Former Crusaders wing Darby Lancaster makes his Force debut after his off-season move from the Waratahs, while Argentine international Agustin Moyano is in line for his Super Rugby bow from the bench.

Both sides are desperate for their first win — but Moana’s home record at Pukekohe and the return of their frontline players should see them edge a tight contest.

Moana Pasifika: 15 Glen Vaihu, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Chris Apoua, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Ola Tauelangi, 20 Tupou Afungia, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Tevita Latu.

Western Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Darby Lancaster, 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 Nic Dolly, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Agustin Moyano, 22 Max Burey, 23 Kurtley Beale.

Queensland Reds v Highlanders

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 7:35pm AEDT

After a frustrating bye week following their dismal round one display, the Reds are desperate to ignite their season — and they have been handed significant reinforcements. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson returns from a knee injury to start at number eight, while flyhalf Carter Gordon will finally make his Queensland debut after missing the opening fixture with a leg complaint.

The Reds will need both if they are to avoid a repeat of their Allianz Stadium nightmare. Les Kiss’s side conceded 17 penalties against the Waratahs — prompting a yellow card for Vaiuta Latu — and managed just 90 seconds in the opposition’s attacking zone compared to nine minutes defending their own line. Fraser McReight was outstanding in defeat, but even his breakdown brilliance couldn’t compensate for such woeful discipline.

“We beat ourselves tonight,” Kiss admitted after the loss. “We can’t give away 16 penalties and expect to win. It’s as simple as that.”

Gordon’s arrival from Melbourne was one of the off-season’s biggest storylines, the former Rebel seeking a fresh start after injuries curtailed his promising Test career. His combination with Wilson — two Wallabies playmakers working in tandem — gives the Reds genuine hope of climbing back into contention.

The Highlanders arrive in confident mood after their stunning opening-round upset of the Crusaders, where Cameron Millar’s nerveless late penalty sealed a famous 25-23 victory. The breakdown proved decisive — the Highlanders won 12 turnovers to the Crusaders’ three, with Te Kamaka Howden and Sean Withy outstanding.

Round two brought them back to earth with a 26-23 defeat to the Chiefs in Dunedin, but there were encouraging signs despite the result. Caleb Tangitau scored a spectacular solo try from 48 metres out, while Veveni Lasaqa’s last-gasp score secured a losing bonus point. The midfield partnership of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jonah Lowe offers genuine X-factor.

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

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

Saturday 1 March

Fijian Drua v Hurricanes

Churchill Park, Lautoka — 4:35pm FJT / 2:35pm AEDT

The Drua return to their Lautoka fortress desperately seeking their first win of the season after back-to-back defeats that have left their campaign in early trouble. The shock round one loss to Moana Pasifika snapped a remarkable nine-match home winning streak, while a gritty but ultimately futile effort against the Waratahs in Sydney saw them go down 34-21.

The Hurricanes, by contrast, are flying. Their 52-10 demolition of Moana Pasifika in Wellington showcased the devastating attacking rugby that made them last year’s runners-up. Cam Roigard was at his electric best, while Jordie Barrett controlled proceedings from inside centre with trademark composure.

Yet the Hurricanes arrive in Lautoka navigating a first-five crisis. Ruben Love’s ankle injury has ruled him out for three to five weeks, while Brett Cameron — who was set to deputise — suffered a knee injury in the opening-round clash with Moana Pasifika. That leaves young Callum Harkin to make his first Super Rugby start at fly-half — a baptism of fire in the Churchill Park cauldron. The afternoon heat and passionate home crowd make Lautoka one of the competition’s most challenging away venues.

The Drua’s attacking intent has never been in question — Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are capable of unlocking any defence — but their discipline and composure in key moments have let them down. If they can marry their natural flair with improved execution, the home advantage could prove decisive.

Fijian Drua: 15 Ilaisa Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Epeli Momo, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (c), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Inia Tabuavou.

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

Chiefs v Crusaders

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

The most anticipated match of the round — and perhaps the season so far — brings together two of New Zealand rugby’s greatest rivals in a Grand Final rematch with dramatically different storylines.

The Chiefs are unbeaten and brimming with confidence. Their round one victory over the Blues at Eden Park was a statement of intent, with Cortez Ratima’s 79th-minute try breaking Auckland hearts after Samipeni Finau’s barnstorming break. A week later, they edged the Highlanders 26-23 in Dunedin despite losing Jahrome Brown to a HIA early in the contest — Samisoni Taukei’aho crossing twice, including from a fortuitous lineout overthrow five metres from the Highlanders’ line.

Damian McKenzie has rejoined the squad after four weeks of paternity leave following the birth of his first child, though Cortez Ratima remains unavailable on the same grounds. Quinn Tupaea has been magnificent in McKenzie’s absence, but the return of the All Blacks playmaker adds another dimension to an already potent attack.

The Crusaders, by contrast, are staring down the barrel. Their 25-23 loss to the Highlanders was concerning enough — 25 turnovers lost, just three won — but the 50-24 capitulation against the Brumbies was something else entirely. David Havili admitted his side was “beaten by the better team” in Dunedin, while Rob Penney was left searching for answers after the Christchurch mauling.

To compound matters, their injury list continues to grow. Hooker Codie Taylor has been ruled out with a rib injury, joining first-five Rivez Reihana (adductor) and lock Cullen Grace (knee) on the sidelines. Johnny McNicholl is also unavailable with a hamstring complaint. Taha Kemara will again wear the number 10 jersey, while George Bell starts at hooker.

“Our accuracy was poor — we had over a dozen errors around halftime which got worse in the second half,” Penney said after the Highlanders loss. The Brumbies defeat was even more damning: three tries conceded in the final seven minutes, Charlie Cale running riot, and a shellshocked home crowd witnessing history for all the wrong reasons.

The breakdown has been the Crusaders’ Achilles heel. They won just three turnovers against the Highlanders and were similarly dominated by the Brumbies. Ethan Blackadder remains their standout, but he cannot do it alone. If the Chiefs’ back row — Luke Jacobson, Kaylum Boshier, and Simon Parker — can replicate the pressure that suffocated the Crusaders in their opening fixtures, Hamilton could witness another heavyweight blow to the defending champions’ title hopes.

Chiefs: 15 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Kaylum Boshier, 6 Simon Parker, 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 Samipeni Finau, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Lalakai Foketi.

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili (c), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Taha Kemara, 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 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Letiu, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Louis Chapman, 22 James White, 23 Dallas McLeod.

ACT Brumbies v Blues

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 9:35pm AEDT

The game of the round brings together the competition’s form team and a Blues outfit desperate to arrest their slide.

Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies have been nothing short of sensational. Their 56-24 dismantling of the Force in Perth’s searing heat set the tone — eight tries, with Charlie Cale announcing his return from injury with a trademark double. But it was Sunday’s triumph in Christchurch that announced them as genuine title contenders. The Brumbies hadn’t won at Apollo Projects Stadium since 2000; they left having scored 50 points and handed the Crusaders their heaviest home defeat in memory.

Cale has been the standout. The dynamic number eight scored twice against the Crusaders while making 15 carries, winning three turnovers, and consistently getting over the advantage line. If he maintains this form, the Player of the Year award is his to lose. Rob Valetini has been equally impressive, the pair forming a back-row combination that would trouble any side in world rugby.

The Blues, meanwhile, are searching for answers. Their round one defeat to the Chiefs — Ratima’s late try breaking their hearts at Eden Park — was followed by an unconvincing 42-32 victory over the Force in Perth. Vern Cotter’s side led 28-13 at halftime but allowed the hosts to score three second-half tries, raising questions about their defensive concentration.

Saturday’s fixture carries special significance for Dalton Papali’i, who will become just the 16th Blue to reach 100 Super Rugby caps. The flanker has been one of the competition’s most consistent performers since his debut in 2018, and his leadership will be crucial if the Blues are to upset the rampant Brumbies.

The challenge is immense. The Brumbies have scored 106 points in their opening two matches while conceding just 48. Their set-piece is functioning, their backline is clinical, and their loose forwards are dominant. Unless the Blues can disrupt at source and starve them of possession, another Brumbies masterclass awaits.

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.

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 Sam Darry, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Xavi Taele, 23 Codemeru Vai.

BYE: NSW Waratahs

The competition leaders enjoy a week off after their impressive 2-0 start. Max Jorgensen’s double in the round one demolition of the Reds — including that sensational solo effort — announced him as the competition’s must-watch talent. Dan McKellar’s men will return in round four to host the Force at Allianz Stadium.

Milestones

• Dalton Papali’i (Blues) — 100th Super Rugby cap
• Xavier Roe (Chiefs) — 50th Super Rugby Pacific cap
• Abraham Pole (Moana Pasifika) — 50th Super Rugby cap

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)