Anton Segner scored twice and was immense at the breakdown as the Blues weathered a remarkable late Highlanders rally to win 47–40 in a breathless 13-try contest at Eden Park, moving into second on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.

Key moments

3 mins – TRY HIGHLANDERS: Adam Lennox pounces on a messy lineout, spotting a gap through the middle of the maul and bursting 30 metres to score in the left corner. Cameron Millar converts. (Blues 0–7 Highlanders)

10 mins – TRY BLUES: Zarn Sullivan makes two clean breaks through the middle, and Hoskins Sotutu burrows over from close range on his return from a knee injury. Beauden Barrett converts. (Blues 7–7 Highlanders)

14 mins – TRY BLUES: Codemeru Vai breaks through a hole to spark a surge into the 22. Anton Segner is stopped short on his first attempt but gets the ball again two phases later and crashes over on the right. Barrett misses the conversion. (Blues 12–7 Highlanders)

27 mins – TRY BLUES: Patient phase play from the Blues sees them edge into the 22 through Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu, before Sam Darry drives over from close range. Barrett converts. Barrett’s conversion moves him past Morne Steyn (1,551) into second place on the all-time Super Rugby points-scoring list. (Blues 19–7 Highlanders)

33 mins – TRY HIGHLANDERS: Caleb Tangitau explodes past Xavi Taele on halfway and draws Zarn Sullivan before firing a long pass to Tanielu Tele’a, who scores in the right corner against his former side. Millar converts. (Blues 19–12 Highlanders)

33 mins – YELLOW CARD BLUES: Zarn Sullivan is shown yellow for a high shoulder contact on Caleb Tangitau, who was falling into the tackle. Tangitau departs on a medical cart and does not return, replaced by debutant Xavier Tito-Harris.

Half-time: Blues 19–14 Highlanders. The Blues dominated possession and territory through their powerful forward pack, with Segner, Darry and Sotutu all crossing from close range. However, Tangitau’s brilliant break and Sullivan’s subsequent yellow card swung momentum back towards the visitors. The Highlanders’ only real joy came at scrum time and through individual brilliance from their backs.

45 mins – TRY BLUES: The Blues maul rumbles over the line from a lineout inside the 22, with hooker Bradley Slater grounding the ball at the back. Barrett converts. (Blues 26–14 Highlanders)

48 mins – TRY BLUES: Anton Segner receives the ball with little on 22 metres out but bursts between Angus Ta’avao and Te Kamaka Howden, showing excellent pace to race away and score under the posts for his second. Barrett converts. (Blues 33–14 Highlanders)

57 mins – TRY HIGHLANDERS: Nikora Broughton clears from the back of a dominant scrum, and Lennox takes the ball shaping wide before spotting a gap. The halfback steps inside Barrett and slides past the cover to score his second. Millar misses the conversion. (Blues 33–19 Highlanders)

62 mins – TRY BLUES: Barrett spots space on the right, skipping past Tele’a’s rush defence and finding Cole Forbes on the wing. Forbes chops back infield to wrongfoot the cover and scores. Barrett converts. (Blues 40–21 Highlanders)

68 mins – TRY HIGHLANDERS: Barrett throws a wild pass that goes to ground, and after Vai fumbles trying to recover, debutant Xavier Tito-Harris scoops up the loose ball and races 80 metres to score. Millar misses the conversion. (Blues 40–26 Highlanders)

71 mins – TRY BLUES: Sotutu makes a strong carry towards the line and debutant Ben Ake crashes over from close range for a try on debut. Barrett converts. (Blues 47–26 Highlanders)

75 mins – YELLOW CARD BLUES: AJ Lam is shown yellow for cynically raking the ball out of a ruck near the Blues line.

76 mins – TRY HIGHLANDERS: The Highlanders tap a free kick quickly and shift it wide right, where Tele’a dives over untouched in the corner for his second. Millar converts. (Blues 47–33 Highlanders)

79 mins – TRY HIGHLANDERS: Finn Hurley makes a surging break upfield and finds Lucas Casey in support, and after the Blues fail to clear their line, replacement hooker Soane Vikena barges over from close range. Millar converts. (Blues 47–40 Highlanders)

80+ mins: The Highlanders win back-to-back penalties to reach the Blues 22, searching for a levelling score to send the match to golden point. But Lennox knocks the ball on near the left touchline, and the Blues survive.

Full-time: Blues 47–40 Highlanders

Match report

A week after being humbled 42–19 by the Hurricanes in Wellington, the Blues produced a clinical exhibition of forward power to surge into a commanding lead at Eden Park — only to endure an agonising final four minutes as the Highlanders roared back from 21 points down and came within a knock-on of sending the match to golden point.

The victory moved Vern Cotter’s side into second place on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder with a 6–3 record, a single point behind the competition-leading Hurricanes ahead of Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown between the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Hamilton. But the manner of the finish — three Highlanders tries in the final five minutes reducing a 47–26 advantage to a nerve-shredding seven-point margin — will have left the Blues coaching staff with plenty to discuss.

The tone was set inside three minutes when Adam Lennox, starting at halfback for the first time this season after replacing the dropped Nic Shearer, exploited a messy Blues lineout with a moment of individual brilliance. The 23-year-old caught the ball as it dropped through a tangle of bodies, spotted a gap through the middle of both packs and burst 30 metres to score in the left corner, leaving Beauden Barrett grasping at thin air in the process.

It was a sensational start for Jamie Joseph’s side, but the Blues’ response was emphatic. Returning captain Patrick Tuipulotu, playing his first match in six months after shoulder surgery, led from the front as the hosts went to work through their powerful forward pack. Hoskins Sotutu, back from a knee injury, burrowed over from close range in the 10th minute after two clean breaks from Zarn Sullivan tore open the Highlanders defence, and four minutes later Anton Segner crashed over on the right after showing tremendous resilience — stopped short on his first attempt, he got the ball again two phases later and fought his way to the line.

The German-born flanker was outstanding throughout his 62 minutes on the park. Beyond his two tries, Segner won two turnovers, pilfered a lineout, made nine carries and produced a string of dominant tackles that drew a standing ovation from the scattered Auckland crowd when he departed. It was a coming-of-age performance from a player who is making the most of an extended run in the Blues’ loose forward rotation.

Sam Darry extended the lead to 19–7 after 27 minutes, crashing over from close range at the end of a patient multi-phase assault that showcased the Blues’ carry-and-clean blueprint. Barrett’s conversion carried additional significance, moving the All Black first five-eighth past South Africa’s Morne Steyn into second place on the all-time Super Rugby points-scoring list.

The game’s most dramatic passage arrived eight minutes before the interval. Caleb Tangitau, who has been pressing his claims for All Black selection under new coach Dave Rennie with a string of electric performances, exploded past Xavi Taele on halfway and drew Sullivan before delivering a superb long pass to send Tele’a over in the right corner against his former side. It was a try that deserved to be celebrated, but instead the aftermath dominated the headlines — Sullivan’s high shoulder made contact with Tangitau’s head as the winger was falling into the tackle, and the Highlanders’ most dangerous attacker departed on a medical cart. Sullivan was shown yellow, saved from a more severe sanction only by Tangitau’s dipping body height. The loss of Tangitau proved a significant blow for the visitors, removing their most potent strike weapon at a critical juncture.

The Blues took their 19–14 lead into the sheds and picked up where they left off when Sullivan returned. A trademark lineout drive yielded Bradley Slater’s try just four minutes into the second half, and Segner’s second — a powerful surge through the gap between Ta’avao and Howden that showcased raw strength and surprising pace over 22 metres — pushed the advantage to 33–14. The game appeared well and truly over.

But the Highlanders’ dominant scrum offered a lifeline. Multiple scrum penalties in succession pinned the Blues deep in their own territory, and Lennox produced another moment of magic to score his second try in the 57th minute, stepping inside Barrett and sliding past Finlay Christie with a devastating change of angle. The halfback had been brilliant all evening, his two tries a testament to his vision and acceleration from the base.

Cole Forbes looked to have sealed the result four minutes later, finishing a slick move on the right wing after Barrett spotted space and skipped past the rush defence. But then Barrett produced one of the worst passes of his distinguished career — a wild throw that spilled loose inside his own half. Codemeru Vai could not recover the ball, and debutant Xavier Tito-Harris, on the field as Tangitau’s replacement, swooped on the loose ball and raced 80 metres to score.

Ben Ake’s try on debut in the 71st minute, crashing over on the back of Sotutu’s carry, appeared to put the result beyond doubt at 47–26 with barely eight minutes remaining. It was the Blues’ sixth forward try of the evening — only Forbes among the backs had managed to cross.

What followed was extraordinary. AJ Lam’s yellow card for cynically raking the ball from a ruck opened the floodgates. Tele’a completed his double in the 76th minute, diving over untouched on the right wing, and three minutes later Finn Hurley’s surging break set up replacement hooker Soane Vikena to barge over from close range. Suddenly the deficit was just seven points, and the Highlanders had momentum and belief.

Back-to-back penalties carried them deep into the Blues 22 as the clock ticked beyond 80 minutes, with Eden Park holding its collective breath. The Highlanders recycled through multiple phases, edging ever closer to the try line that would have sent the match to golden point. But it was Lennox — the man who had tormented the Blues all evening — who knocked the ball on near the left touchline, and the home side could finally exhale.

Midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai was a constant menace for the Highlanders at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers, while Tele’a’s two tries against his former club were eye-catching. But their errors and ill-discipline — they conceded 15 turnovers to the Blues’ eight — ultimately proved too costly. Joseph’s side remain seventh on the table with a 3–6 record and face an increasingly difficult path to the playoffs, beginning with Moana Pasifika at Super Round in Christchurch next weekend.

For Cotter, who will take charge of the Queensland Reds next season, it was the kind of powerful forward display he will want to see replicated when the Blues face the Reds at Super Round on Saturday night. The late wobble denied his side a try-scoring bonus point, but the returns of Tuipulotu, Papali’i and Sotutu, allied to Segner’s outstanding individual performance, offered plenty of encouragement. Centurion Finlay Christie, who marked his 100th Blues appearance with a composed display at halfback, helped steer his side through the chaos.

Match details

Blues 47 (Tries: Sotutu 10′, Segner 14′ 48′, Darry 27′, Slater 45′, Forbes 62′, Ake 71′; Conversions: Barrett 6/7)
Highlanders 40 (Tries: Lennox 3′ 57′, Tele’a 33′ 76′, Tito-Harris 68′, Vikena 79′; Conversions: Millar 5/6)
Half-time: 19–14
Yellow cards: Zarn Sullivan 33′ (high tackle), AJ Lam 75′ (cynical foul)

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Jordan Way (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey
TMO: James Leckie

Milestones

• Finlay Christie — 100th Blues appearance
• Sean Withy — 50th Super Rugby match for the Highlanders
• Beauden Barrett — passes Morne Steyn (1,551) for second on the all-time Super Rugby points-scoring list
• Ben Ake (Blues) — Super Rugby debut, scored a try
• Xavier Tito-Harris (Highlanders) — Super Rugby debut, scored a try

Teams

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Cole Forbes, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Codemeru Vai, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Mason Tupaea.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklind, 17 Ben Ake, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Malachi Wrampling, 22 Taufa Funaki, 23 Pita Akhi.

Highlanders: 15 Taine Robinson, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Tanielu Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Adam Lennox, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Te Kamaka Howden, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot (co-c).
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Oliver Haig, 20 Lucas Casey, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Xavier Tito-Harris, 23 Finn Hurley.

What’s next

Both sides head to Christchurch for Super Round at One New Zealand Stadium next weekend. The Blues face the Queensland Reds on Saturday night, while the Highlanders take on Moana Pasifika on Sunday afternoon.

Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 is headlined by a top-of-the-table collision between the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Hamilton, but the weekend’s action is overshadowed by the shock announcement that Moana Pasifika will disband at the end of the season — reducing the competition to 10 teams from 2027.

The Hurricanes arrive in the Waikato on a five-match winning streak that includes last week’s emphatic 42–19 dismantling of the Blues in Wellington, a performance that cemented their status as the team to beat. The Chiefs, meanwhile, flexed their muscles with a comprehensive victory over Moana Pasifika in Rotorua and welcome back All Black Wallace Sititi from a hamstring injury for what shapes as the most significant fixture of the season so far.

Elsewhere, the Blues look to rebound against the Highlanders in Auckland, the Brumbies welcome Wallabies fullback Tom Wright back from an ACL injury for their clash with the Fijian Drua in Canberra, and the Western Force host a Crusaders outfit decimated by injuries. The Waratahs entertain Moana Pasifika in what promises to be an emotionally charged evening in Sydney — with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle among those in attendance. The Reds have the bye.

Friday 17 April

Blues v Highlanders

Eden Park, Auckland — 7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST

The Blues have been stung by last week’s 42–19 hammering at the hands of the Hurricanes — their heaviest defeat of the season — and will be desperate to arrest a slide that has seen them drop to third on the table with a 5–3 record. They have been boosted, however, by the return of captain Patrick Tuipulotu, who will play his first match of 2026 after off-season shoulder surgery kept him sidelined for six months. Fellow All Blacks Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu also return to the starting side from back and knee injuries respectively, giving coach Vern Cotter a formidable pack. Cotter described Tuipulotu’s return as “massive”, saying the captain drives standards on and off the field. The Blues have lost All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi to concussion and winger Caleb Clarke to a calf injury, with Mason Tupaea and Codemeru Vai stepping into the starting XV. Loosehead prop Ben Ake is in line for his debut off the bench.

The Highlanders, sitting seventh with three wins from eight, are battling to stay in touch with the top six. Their narrow 14–10 victory over the Brumbies in Dunedin last week was a welcome result, but lineout problems continue to plague Jamie Joseph’s side — hooker Jack Taylor has been retained despite ongoing throwing struggles. Former All Blacks halfback Folau Fakatava returns to the matchday 23 via the bench after being dropped following what Joseph admitted was a need for a break from the game. Adam Lennox starts at halfback. The Blues have won four of the last five meetings between the sides and should have too much firepower at home, but the Highlanders have shown they can make life uncomfortable for any opponent when their defence is on song.

Teams:

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Cole Forbes, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Codemeru Vai, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Mason Tupaea.
Replacements: 16 Kurt Eklind, 17 Ben Ake, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Josh Beehre, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Malachi Wrampling, 22 Taufa Funaki, 23 Pita Akhi.

Highlanders: 15 Taine Robinson, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Taniela Tele’a, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Adam Lennox, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Te Kamaka Howden, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot (co-c).
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Oliver Haig, 20 Lucas Casey, 21 Folau Fakatava, 22 Xavier Tito-Harris, 23 Finn Hurley.

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

Unavailable — Blues: Ofa Tu’ungafasi (concussion), Caleb Clarke (calf).

Unavailable — Highlanders: Nic Shearer (dropped — wider training squad), Jonah Lowe (not selected).

NSW Waratahs v Moana Pasifika

Allianz Stadium, Sydney — 7.35pm AEST

This fixture has taken on a significance that extends far beyond the standings. Moana Pasifika announced earlier this week that they will disband at the end of the 2026 season after financial challenges rendered the franchise unviable, reducing Super Rugby Pacific to just 10 teams from 2027. It is a devastating blow for Pacific rugby representation — the Auckland-based franchise joined the competition in 2022 with a mandate to develop elite Samoan and Tongan talent, and enjoyed their best season in 2025 under the stewardship of All Blacks star Ardie Savea. With Savea on sabbatical in Japan, however, the team have managed just one win from eight rounds this season under outgoing coach Tana Umaga, who will join the All Blacks coaching setup at season’s end.

Captain Miracle Faiilagi has called for his side to play “together as a team”, identifying individualism as a factor in their recent seven-match losing streak. Expect an emotional performance from Moana, who actually have a win in Sydney in recent history. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be at Allianz Stadium, adding a touch of occasion to what promises to be a poignant evening.

The Waratahs, eighth on the table with three wins from seven, are desperate for a victory to keep their finals hopes alive. Back-rower Angus Scott-Young earns his first start of the season, while coach Dan McKellar warned that Moana Pasifika’s off-field turmoil could make them an even more dangerous proposition. He described them as “big, powerful men” with the ability to be “really dangerous off turnover ball”. This is a must-win for NSW, and while the emotion factor could carry Moana early, the Waratahs’ set-piece quality should prove decisive.

Teams:

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

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tuna Tuitama, 13 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Tevita Latu, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Melani Matavao, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Veikoso Poloniati, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Chris Apoua, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Abraham Pole.
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18 Paula Latu, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Ola Tauelangi, 21 Jonathan Taumateine, 22 Faletoi Peni, 23 Tyler Pulini.

Referee: Angus Mabey. Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Ben Woolerton. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Saturday 18 April

Chiefs v Hurricanes

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton — 7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST

The match of the round — and arguably the match of the season so far. The top two sides in the competition collide in Hamilton with the Hurricanes sitting pretty on 30 points from seven matches (recording six wins with one loss and four try-scoring bonus points) and the Chiefs on 27 from eight. A Hurricanes victory would open up a significant buffer at the top; a Chiefs win would blow the title race wide open.

Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson will become the 14th centurion in the franchise’s history on Saturday night. The flanker, who debuted in 2018 and was named captain in 2024, will lead from the front in what coach Jono Gibbes described as “a testament to his longevity, his work ethic, and his professionalism”. All Black Wallace Sititi returns via the bench after missing since round three with a hamstring injury, adding another dimension to a powerful forward pack. Quinn Tupaea, the competition’s player of the year leader, has been shifted to outside centre with the newly capped Reon Paul starting at 12, as the Chiefs navigate injuries to midfielders Lalakai Foketi (hand) and Daniel Rona (hamstring). Tupou Vaa’i (concussion), Etene Nanai-Seturo (foot) and Emoni Narawa (foot) are also absent.

The Hurricanes have made just one change from the side that demolished the Blues 42–19 in Wellington, promoting lock Isaia Walker-Leawere to the starting XV in place of Caleb Delany. Walker-Leawere’s physicality adds mongrel to a pack that will need it against the Chiefs’ formidable forward unit. Coach Clark Laidlaw acknowledged the scale of the challenge, noting the Chiefs boast “probably the strongest forward pack we’ve faced” but expressed confidence in the way his side are playing. Cam Roigard, Ruben Love and Jordie Barrett form arguably the most potent spine in Super Rugby, while Peter Lakai continues to terrorise opposition teams from number eight. Both sides have opted for six-two bench splits, underlining the expected arm-wrestle up front. The Chiefs have won two of the last five meetings, but the Hurricanes have taken three — including a 42–19 victory in round three this season.

Teams:

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

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

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

Unavailable — Chiefs: Tupou Vaa’i (concussion), Lalakai Foketi (hand), Daniel Rona (hamstring), Etene Nanai-Seturo (foot), Emoni Narawa (foot).

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Caleb Delany (benched — Walker-Leawere promoted to start).

ACT Brumbies v Fijian Drua

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 7.35pm AEST

The Brumbies welcome back Wallabies fullback Tom Wright for his first appearance since tearing his ACL against the Springboks in August last year — almost eight months on the sideline. Wright replaces Andy Muirhead at fullback and spoke candidly about the mental challenge of the long rehabilitation, noting that coming home for surgery straight away was “probably the best thing” to avoid dwelling on the setback. His return adds another dimension to a Brumbies side sitting fourth on 24 points from eight matches, though they will be without the in-form Charlie Cale, who is undergoing assessment on a shoulder injury. Tuaina Taii Tualima starts at number eight in Cale’s absence, while flanker Luke Reimer earns a starting berth after strong performances off the bench.

The Fijian Drua arrive in Canberra with off-field turbulence of their own — head coach Glen Jackson confirmed this week that he will depart at season’s end after a mutual decision not to exercise the third-year option in his contract, while assistant Tim Sampson has signed a two-year deal with Edinburgh Rugby. Jackson labelled the Moana Pasifika news “devastating”, saying the Pacific presence in the competition is vital to its identity. On the field, the Drua welcome back co-captain Temo Mayanavanua from a knee injury that has sidelined him since round one, a significant boost in the second row. Former Wallaby Issak Fines-Leleiwasa continues at halfback, with former French international Virimi Vakatava earning his third consecutive start at inside centre. The Drua remain winless on the road since 2023 but pipped the Force 24–22 in Lautoka last weekend. Jackson insists the playoffs remain achievable, saying his side need to win five of their remaining seven matches. The Brumbies have won four of the last five meetings and should be too strong at home, but previous encounters have shown the Drua can trouble Canberra’s scrum.

A family subplot adds intrigue — Brumbies flanker Rob Valetini lines up against his elder brother Kemu, who is on the Drua bench.

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 7 Luke Reimer, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lachlan Shaw, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Darcy Breen, 19 Toby MacPherson, 20 Rory Scott, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andy Muirhead.

Fijian Drua: 15 Isikeli Rabitu, 14 Isikeli Basiyalo, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Virimi Vakatava, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Isoa Tuwai, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Temo Mayanavanua (c), 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Emosi Tuqiri.
Replacements: 16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Penaia Cakobau, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Joseva Tamani, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Inia Tabuavou.

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

Unavailable — Brumbies: Charlie Cale (shoulder — assessment).

Unavailable — Drua: Elia Canakaivata (not selected), Motikiai Murray (not selected).

Western Force v Crusaders

HBF Park, Perth — 7.55pm AWST / 9.55pm AEST

Former NRL tryscoring machine Zac Lomax makes his first Super Rugby Pacific start after impressing off the bench in the Force’s narrow 22–24 defeat to the Fijian Drua last weekend. Lomax will line up on the right wing with George Bridge shifting to outside centre, and Force coach Simon Cron wants to get his cross-code recruit involved early after limited opportunities in his debut. Star flanker Carlo Tizzano returns from injury to add bite at the breakdown, while lock Darcy Swain is primed to disrupt the Crusaders lineout. The Force, sitting 10th with just two wins from eight, are running out of time to save their season.

The defending champions arrive in Perth reeling from a torrid week. Captain David Havili has been ruled out with concussion after lasting just one game back from a heel injury, joining an injury list that reads like a who’s who of Canterbury rugby — Will Jordan (calf, 3–5 weeks), Codie Taylor (hamstring, timeline uncertain), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Kyle Preston (knee), Braydon Ennor (hamstring) and Fletcher Newell (not selected). There is some positive news: wing Macca Springer returns from a long-term quad injury, replacing Sevu Reece on the left wing. Springer equalled a Super Rugby record with five tries in a match against the Force in Christchurch last year. Dallas McLeod assumes the captaincy, and the Crusaders will be desperate to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Reds in Brisbane last weekend that left them sixth with 20 points. This fixture has been dominated by the home side historically — a trend the Force will be keen to continue.

Teams:

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

Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Macca Springer, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Louis Chapman, 8 Christian Lio-Willie (c), 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Tahlor Cahill, 3 Seb Calder, 2 George Bell, 1 Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Leitu, 17 George Bower, 18 Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 19 Will Tucker, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Sevu Reece.

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

Unavailable — Force: (No major absences reported beyond previous injuries).

Unavailable — Crusaders: David Havili (concussion), Will Jordan (calf — 3–5 weeks), Codie Taylor (hamstring — timeline TBC), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Kyle Preston (knee), Braydon Ennor (hamstring), Fletcher Newell (not selected).

BYE: Queensland Reds

Super Rugby Pacific 2026 standings after round 9

Milestones

• Luke Jacobson (Chiefs) — 100th Super Rugby cap, becoming the 14th Chiefs centurion
• Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues) — first appearance of the 2026 season after shoulder surgery
• Tom Wright (Brumbies) — return from ACL injury sustained in August 2025
• Temo Mayanavanua (Fijian Drua) — first appearance since round one knee injury
• Zac Lomax (Force) — first Super Rugby Pacific start
• Ben Ake (Blues) — in line for Super Rugby debut off the bench

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+
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Zac Lomax will make his first Super Rugby Pacific start for the Western Force in Saturday’s Round 10 clash against the Crusaders at HBF Park, Perth, elevated into the starting XV after impressing following his debut appearance off the bench in Round 9. The NRL convert, who came on as a replacement during the Force’s tight defeat to the Fijian Drua in Lautoka, now gets his opportunity to demonstrate what he can offer from the outset — and he does so against an injury-hit Crusaders side that represents a genuine opportunity for the Force to claim a significant scalp on home soil.

Carlo Tizzano’s return from injury provides further cause for optimism in the Force camp. The flanker had been absent in the preceding rounds, and his presence in the back row alongside Nick Champion de Crespigny and Vaiolini Ekuasi at number eight adds physicality, continuity and a quality breakdown presence that the Force have missed during his lay-off. Captain Jeremy Williams leads from the second row alongside Darcy Swain, a pairing that provides lineout authority and leadership at the set piece.

Lomax starts at fullback — position fifteen — which will allow the powerful utility player to see plenty of ball in open play and give him the space to demonstrate his considerable athletic abilities in a wider context than the bench role afforded in Round 9. Head coach Simon Cron described Lomax as “a natural athlete — big, strong, fast and powerful” when confirming his inclusion earlier in the month, and the fullback position should give the debutant the best opportunity to influence the match. George Bridge at outside centre and Dylan Pietsch provide further wide threats, with Bayley Kuenzle at inside centre and Ben Donaldson directing play at fly-half.

The front row of Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Misinale Epenisa is experienced and reliable, while Henry Robertson at halfback adds energy and quick delivery to the Force’s attacking game. The replacements bench is notable for the inclusion of Kurtley Beale, who continues to provide a wealth of experience and composure across the back three and midfield positions.

The absence of Darby Lancaster is a significant blow. The winger has been confirmed as out for the season after sustaining an ankle injury against the Reds, removing a player who had been one of the Force’s most effective performers in the earlier rounds. That news, combined with the continued unavailabilities of Taj Annan, Ronan Leahy, Doug Philipson (all knee, medium term) and Alex Harford (shoulder, long term), means the Force carry more than the usual level of depth challenges into the fixture.

The Crusaders arrive in Perth as a side that is significantly depleted by injury. Will Jordan’s calf injury, expected to keep him out for three to five weeks, removes one of the world’s most dangerous backs from Christchurch’s attacking armoury. David Havili (concussion), Codie Taylor (hamstring), Cullen Grace (knee) and Ethan Blackadder (calf) are all absent, while season-ending injuries to Tamaiti Williams and James White continue to test the Crusaders’ forward resources. The result is a Crusaders twenty-three that, while still containing experienced and capable players under the captaincy of Christian Lio-Willie, is a shadow of the full-strength version. Johnny McNicholl starts at fullback and Sevu Reece offers attacking threat from the bench.

For the Force, HBF Park provides the ideal setting to capitalise on a weakened opponent. Home advantage, Lomax’s starting debut, Tizzano’s return, and the Crusaders’ remarkable injury toll all point towards this being one of the Force’s best opportunities of the season to register a memorable win. A victory over the Crusaders — even this Crusaders — would be a statement of considerable intent.

Western Force:

1. Tom Robertson
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Misinale Epenisa
4. Jeremy Williams (c)
5. Darcy Swain
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Vaiolini Ekuasi
9. Henry Robertson
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Dylan Pietsch
12. Bayley Kuenzle
13. George Bridge
14. Zac Lomax
15. Mac Grealy

Replacements: 16. Nic Dolly, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19. Franco Molina, 20. Will Harris, 21. Nathan Hastie, 22. Hamish Stewart, 23. Kurtley Beale

Match details: Western Force v Crusaders, HBF Park, Perth. Saturday 18 April 2026, 19:55 AWST / 21:55 AEST. Live on Stan Sport (Australia) and Sky Sport (NZ).