The inaugural Club Rugby Round arrives in Super Rugby Pacific with five blockbuster fixtures headlined by an Eden Park showdown between the Blues and Crusaders, while the Brumbies host the Reds in a battle of Australian heavyweights and James Slipper chases history.

Round 4 marks a celebration of grassroots rugby, with players across the competition wearing the socks of community clubs that shaped their journeys. The initiative comes at a pivotal moment in the season, with the table-topping Brumbies (3-0, 14 points) looking to extend their perfect start while the Waratahs (2-0, 10 points) aim to maintain their unbeaten record against a wounded Hurricanes outfit. In the New Zealand derbies, big-name playmakers return: Damian McKenzie suits up for the first time in 2026 for the Chiefs against Moana Pasifika, while Beauden Barrett makes his season debut off the bench as the Blues host the Crusaders in the match of the round.

The action kicks off Friday evening in Hamilton with the Chiefs hosting Moana Pasifika, before the Waratahs welcome the Hurricanes to Allianz Stadium. Saturday’s triple-header begins under the roof in Dunedin where emotions will run high as Angus Ta’avao returns for the Highlanders following the tragic death of his son, before Eden Park hosts the Blues-Crusaders rivalry and GIO Stadium closes out the round with the Australian derby. The Fijian Drua enjoy the bye following their statement win over the Hurricanes.

Friday 6 March

Chiefs v Moana Pasifika

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton — 7.05pm NZDT / 5.05pm AEDT

Just two days after being named the new All Blacks head coach, Dave Rennie will be watching intently as one of his potential Test playmakers returns to Super Rugby action. Damian McKenzie missed the opening three rounds due to the birth of his first child but slots straight back into the Chiefs’ starting XV at first five-eighth, bringing his dazzling footwork and tactical nous to a side that fell 33-43 to the Crusaders last weekend.

The Chiefs sit third on the ladder with eight points from three matches but have shown vulnerability, particularly in their home loss to the Crusaders where they conceded six tries. Captain Luke Jacobson is absent with a hip injury, meaning All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i takes over the captaincy duties. Former Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi gets his first start of the season in the midfield, having impressed off the bench in Hamilton last round.

Moana Pasifika arrive at FMG Stadium Waikato searching for their second win of the campaign after suffering a 35-19 defeat to the Western Force in Auckland. Former All Blacks halfback Augustine Pulu makes his Moana debut after recovering from a calf injury — his first Super Rugby appearance since 2018 following a stint in Japan. The visitors have identified Ngani Laumape as their go-to ball carrier, with the powerful centre looking to punch holes through the Chiefs’ defensive line.

The head-to-head record is stark: the Chiefs have won all five meetings between these sides, averaging 60 points per match. With McKenzie pulling the strings and Wallace Sititi prowling at No. 8, the home side should have too much firepower, though Moana’s physical pack will ensure it’s no walkover.

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Lalakai Foketi, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (c), 4 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Benet Kumeroa.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Kyle Brown.

Moana Pasifika: 15 Glen Vaihu, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Tevita Latu, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Solomon Alaimalo, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Augustine Pulu, 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 Abraham Pole.
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Ofa Tauatevalu, 20 Ola Tauelangi, 21 Joel Lam, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Tyler Pulini.

Referee: Todd Petrie. Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert. TMO: Richard Kelly.

Unavailable — Chiefs: Luke Jacobson (hip).

NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes

Allianz Stadium, Sydney — 7.35pm AEDT / 9.35pm NZDT

Something has to give in Sydney. The Waratahs are unbeaten through two rounds with emphatic victories to their name, while the Hurricanes have won their last eight matches against the Sydneysiders dating back to 2016. The Waratahs’ last win over the Canes came at Allianz Stadium in their 2014 title-winning season.

Dan McKellar has stuck with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at outside centre despite external noise suggesting the cross-code star would be better utilised at fullback or on the wing. “We had this conversation last year when I played him at 15 and copped a bit of flak around that,” McKellar said. “It’s a bit ironic now that everyone thinks he should be playing 15.” Andrew Kellaway returns at fullback after missing the first two games, forming an all-Randwick back three with Triston Reilly and Max Jorgensen, the latter having scored four tries in two appearances to briefly lead the competition’s Player of the Year voting.

The Hurricanes limp into Sydney after their 25-20 loss to the Fijian Drua in Lautoka’s mud bath. Co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi has shaken off a calf injury to make his season debut at openside flanker, shifting fellow All Black Peter Lakai to No. 8. Cam Roigard will notch his 50th Hurricanes appearance, while Pasilio Tosi returns to the starting front row. The loss of first five-eighths Brett Cameron and Harry Godfrey for the season with knee injuries leaves Callum Harkin at No. 10 ahead of Lucas Cashmore.

If the Waratahs can match the intensity they showed in dismantling the Fijian Drua 36-13 in Round 2, they have every chance of snapping that eight-match losing streak. But the Hurricanes’ combination of Roigard’s dynamism and Jordie Barrett’s playmaking ability makes them dangerous opponents when they find their rhythm.

Teams:

Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Triston Reilly, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Leafi Talataina, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Folau Faingaa, 1 Tom Lambert.
Replacements: 16 Ioane Moananu, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Clem Halaholo, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Sid Harvey.

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

Referee: James Doleman. Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Dan Moore. TMO: James Leckie.

Unavailable — Waratahs: Eamon Doyle (ankle), Austin Durbidge (forearm), Harry Potter (toe), Angus Scott-Young (calf).

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Brett Cameron (knee — season), Harry Godfrey (knee — season).

Saturday 7 March

Highlanders v Western Force

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin — 4.35pm NZDT / 2.35pm AEDT

Emotions will run high under the roof in Dunedin as former All Blacks prop Angus Ta’avao returns to the Highlanders for the first time since his young son Leo passed away last month. Leo was born with partial-trisomy-13, a genetic disorder that affects a child’s ability to grow, and spent the first three months of his life in hospital. Ta’avao played in the Round 1 victory over the Crusaders but understandably stepped away during the family’s time of grief.

The Highlanders (1-2, 5 points) need a response after losing consecutive matches — narrowly to the Chiefs (23-26) before a disappointing 31-14 defeat to the Reds in Brisbane. Head coach Jamie Joseph, who was overlooked for Dave Rennie for the All Blacks job, has made several changes. Powerful No. 8 Nikora Broughton returns for his first match of the season, while Folau Fakatava reclaims the starting halfback jersey.

The Force arrive buoyant after their 35-19 victory over Moana Pasifika in Auckland ended their losing run. Simon Cron welcomes back Wallabies flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny after a two-game absence with a knee strain, while hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa also returns to the starting XV. Ben Donaldson orchestrated last week’s win and will target Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, who leads the competition for tackle busts (15) and offloads (7).

Joseph warned his side must be ready for an in-form Force outfit. “We saw last week what they’re capable of. They’ll be upbeat and enjoying their New Zealand tour, so they’ll present challenges for us, no doubt. We need to build on our start to the season, lift a notch or two, and convert more of the pressure we’re applying into points.”

Teams:

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

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

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

Unavailable — Force: Feao Fotuaika (foot — medium term), Dylan Pietsch (foot — medium term), Alex Harford (shoulder — long term), Doug Philipson (knee — long term).

Blues v Crusaders

Eden Park, Auckland — 7.05pm NZDT / 5.05pm AEDT

The match of the round. Two wounded giants collide at Eden Park, with the Crusaders (1-2, 5 points) arriving without All Blacks fullback Will Jordan — rested after being “dinged up and sore” following last week’s win over the Chiefs — and suspended prop Tamaiti Williams, who cops a three-week ban for his dangerous cleanout on Tupou Vaa’i.

Most significantly, Beauden Barrett makes his first appearance of 2026 for the Blues, named on the bench after being treated with kid gloves through the opening three rounds. The 34-year-old playmaker hasn’t played since the All Blacks’ 33-19 defeat to England last November, with New Zealand Rugby keen to manage his workload ahead of a packed Test schedule including the South Africa tour. Stephen Perofeta retains the No. 10 jersey, with Barrett set to provide an injection of class from the pine.

The Blues (1-2, 6 points) have dropped consecutive close matches — the Chiefs beat them 19-15 at Eden Park in Round 1, then the Brumbies edged them 30-27 in Canberra last Saturday night. Head coach Vern Cotter has made three changes: Josh Beehre starts at lock in place of the concussed Laghlan McWhannell, Torian Barnes leads out at blindside flanker, and Codemeru Vai earns his first start on the right wing with Cole Forbes sidelined by an ankle injury.

Crusaders coach Rob Penney has named a 6-2 split on the bench, citing the heavy workload on his forwards through the opening month and the expectation the Blues will play direct and physical. Taha Kemara, outstanding at first five-eighth against the Chiefs, shifts to fullback with the return of Rivez Reihana from an adductor strain. Codie Taylor reclaims the hooking jersey after recovering from a rib injury, with George Bell out for 2-4 weeks with a foot problem. Lock Will Tucker makes his Crusaders debut.

“We were disappointed not to get the result last week, but there were plenty of positives in our performance,” Cotter said. “We’ve had a good review and trained with real purpose this week. These contests carry a bit of extra edge. It’s special to be back home in front of our supporters.”

Teams:

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 6 Torian Barnes, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Beehre, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Kurt Eklund, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Che Clark, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Xavi Taele.

Crusaders: 15 Taha Kemara, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 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 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Leitu, 17 Finlay Brewis, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Will Tucker, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Xavier Saifoloi, 23 Dallas McLeod.

Referee: Nic Berry. Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Louis Trisley. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Unavailable — Blues: Laghlan McWhannell (concussion), Cole Forbes (ankle), Patrick Tuipulotu (injury — expected back Round 9).

Unavailable — Crusaders: Will Jordan (rested), Tamaiti Williams (suspended — 3 weeks), George Bell (foot — 2-4 weeks), Tahlor Cahill (shoulder).

ACT Brumbies v Queensland Reds

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 7.35pm AEDT / 6.35pm AEST

The round closes with an Australian derby carrying significant weight for both sides — and a slice of Super Rugby history. Brumbies veteran James Slipper will equal Wyatt Crockett’s all-time appearance record of 202 Super Rugby caps when he trots onto GIO Stadium, fittingly against his former club where he accumulated 104 of those appearances before heading south to Canberra.

The Brumbies (3-0, 14 points) sit atop the ladder after an imperious start to the season. Their drought-breaking 50-24 demolition of the Crusaders in Christchurch was followed by a tense 30-27 victory over the Blues in Canberra, with Charlie Cale and the backrow unit proving devastating. Stephen Larkham has made just one change, with former Red Tuaina Taii Tualima replacing the rested Rob Valetini at blindside flanker — a match-up charged with extra meaning against his old club.

The Reds (1-1, 5 points) responded well to their Round 2 bye with a 31-14 victory over the Highlanders in Brisbane. Les Kiss has handed Filipo Daugunu a start on the wing after the Wallaby’s impressive 21-minute cameo off the bench, with Tim Ryan rotated out. Hunter Paisami’s ankle injury opens the door for Isaac Henry at inside centre, while 18-year-old Treyvon Pritchard is named on the bench for a potential Super Rugby debut — setting up a family showdown with older brother Kadin, who has been cleared to return at outside centre for the Brumbies after passing concussion protocols.

Kiss is under no illusions about the challenge. “We know what we are up against, the best team in the comp at the moment at their home ground,” he said. “It’ll be a very tough encounter. Our preparation needs to be good and our performance needs to be disciplined for the 80 minutes. Canberra is a tough place to win but these are the challenges we look forward to.”

The Brumbies have won five straight against the Reds and look formidable, but Queensland’s backrow of Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson and Joe Brial can cause havoc at the breakdown.

Teams:

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 Tuiana Taii Tualima, 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.

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 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 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Seru Uru, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

Referee: Angus Gardner. Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey. TMO: James Leckie.

Unavailable — Brumbies: Allan Alaalatoa (shoulder — team captain), Rob Valetini (rested), Nick Frost (match fitness — playing curtain-raiser).

Unavailable — Reds: Hunter Paisami (ankle), Matt Faessler (knee), Tom Lynagh (leg — rebuilding strength).

BYE: Fijian Drua

The Drua enjoy a well-earned rest following their stunning 25-20 upset of the Hurricanes in Lautoka’s mud bath. Despite the challenging conditions, they produced one of their best performances to claim a third win in as many home games against the Wellington side.

Super Rugby Pacific debuts

Joel Lam (Moana Pasifika — halfback, bench) — if used
Tyler Pulini (Moana Pasifika — first five-eighth, bench) — if used
Sid Harvey (Waratahs — utility back, bench) — if used
Will Tucker (Crusaders — lock, bench) — if used
Treyvon Pritchard (Reds — utility back, bench) — if used

Club debuts

Augustine Pulu (Moana Pasifika — halfback, starting) — ex-Chiefs, Blues

Milestones

James Slipper (Brumbies) — 202nd Super Rugby cap (equalling Wyatt Crockett’s all-time record)
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) — 50th Hurricanes cap
Andrew Kellaway (Waratahs) — 85th Super Rugby cap
Beauden Barrett (Blues) — First appearance of 2026 (if used)

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: FloSports; ESPN

Canada: TSN

Pacific Islands: Digicel

Japan: Wowow

South Africa & Africa: SuperSport

France: Canal+

South-East Asia: Premier Sports

Italy: Sky Italia

Spain: Telefonica

Rest of World: NZR+ (streaming)