Round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 is packed with blockbuster clashes, headlined by two fierce interstate derbies and a historic first in Fiji. The Crusaders host the Highlanders in a South Island showdown, the Reds welcome the Waratahs to Suncorp Stadium, and the Fijian Drua make history by playing their maiden match in Ba. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes look to continue their blistering form against the Force in Napier, and the Blues take on Moana Pasifika in a battle of Auckland neighbours.

Key storylines:

• Ruben Love and Tyrel Lomax return from injury for the Hurricanes
• Brad Shields earns his 100th Super Rugby start at blindside flanker
• Fijian Drua play their first-ever match in Ba at Four R Stadium
• Rob Valetini makes his 100th Super Rugby appearance for the Brumbies
• Will Jordan returns at fullback as the Crusaders seek to bounce back
• Johnny Lee set for Super Rugby debut; Tomas Lavanini makes Highlanders debut
• Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out for 6-8 weeks with hamstring injury
• Beauden Barrett makes first official start of the season for the Blues

After four rounds, the competition ladder is remarkably tight. The Brumbies lead on 15 points from three wins, with the Chiefs (13 points) and Hurricanes (11 points) in hot pursuit. Just six points separate first from seventh, setting up a pivotal weekend of action.

Friday 14 March

Hurricanes v Western Force

McLean Park, Napier — 7:05pm NZDT / 5:05pm AEDT

The Hurricanes return to Napier in commanding form following their comprehensive 59–12 demolition of the Waratahs in Round 4. That nine-try performance underlined their attacking potency, and head coach Clark Laidlaw has strengthened his squad further with the return of two key All Blacks. Ruben Love and Tyrel Lomax are set to make their first appearances of the season from the bench, having recovered from ankle and thumb injuries respectively. Love’s return adds another dimension to an already lethal backline that torched the Waratahs last week.

Ex-England international Brad Shields earns his 100th Super Rugby start at blindside flanker, pushing Hastings local Devan Flanders to No 8. The co-captaincy of Jordie Barrett and Du’Plessis Kirifi continues to provide strong leadership, while Cam Roigard’s running game at halfback remains a constant threat.

The Force arrive in New Zealand having pushed the Highlanders in Dunedin before falling 39–31. Ben Donaldson directs play at first five-eighth, with the experienced Kurtley Beale providing direction at inside centre. Jeremy Williams captains the side from the second row, alongside Wallaby lock Darcy Swain. Off the field, the Force received a boost this week with the signing of Wallabies and former NRL star Zac Lomax, though he is not yet available for selection. Despite their competitive showing last week, the Force face a significant step up against a Hurricanes outfit that has averaged over 40 points across their three wins this season.

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

Force: 15 Max Burey, 14 Darby Lancaster, 13 George Bridge, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Bayley Kuenzle, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Will Harris, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Jeremy Williams (c), 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Lopeti Faifua, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Taj Annan, 23 Hamish Stewart.

Referee: Todd Petrie. Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Ben Woolerton. TMO: Glenn Newman.

Saturday 14 March

Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies

Four R Stadium, Ba — 3:35pm FJT / 2:35pm AEDT

History beckons in Ba as the Fijian Drua host their first-ever Super Rugby Pacific match at Four R Stadium. The venue shift from their traditional Suva and Lautoka bases adds another chapter to Fiji’s growing rugby story, and the home side will be eager to deliver for a new audience after their bye week.

Captain Frank Lomani leads from halfback, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula pulling strings at first five-eighth. The back three of Iliasia Droasese, Joji Nasova, and Ponipate Loganimasi offers pace and flair, while the pack is anchored by the physical presence of No 8 Elia Canakaivata. The Drua have shown glimpses of their attacking prowess this season but have struggled for consistency, winning just one of their three matches.

The Brumbies arrive as competition leaders following three wins from four, though their most recent outing saw a dramatic late collapse against the Reds in Canberra. Coach Stephen Larkham has made several changes amid player management protocols, but welcomes back two key figures: Rob Valetini returns to the No 8 jersey for his milestone 100th Super Rugby appearance, while Nick Frost makes his first start of the season at lock. Corey Toole also returns to the wing after missing last week.

Andy Muirhead captains from fullback in what shapes as a stern test of the Brumbies’ depth. The visitors have won all five previous meetings between these sides, but the Drua’s passionate home support and the novelty of a new venue could prove unsettling. Larkham’s men will need to be clinical against a Drua outfit that thrives on chaos and broken play.

Fijian Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 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 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Iosefo Namoce.

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead (c), 14 Corey Toole, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Kye Oates, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Klayton Thorn, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Luke Reimer, 6 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 5 Toby Macpherson, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Darcy Breen, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Lington Ieli.
Replacements: 16 Liam Bowron, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Lachie Shaw, 20 Rory Scott, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Declan Meredith, 23 Hudson Creighton.

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

Crusaders v Highlanders

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

The South Island derby returns to Christchurch with the Crusaders desperate to arrest a worrying slide. Last week’s 29–13 defeat to the Blues in Auckland was comprehensive and exposed significant issues with ball retention. Head coach Rob Penney has demanded improvement, acknowledging the error rate and inconsistency that plagued his side at Eden Park.

The Crusaders have responded with several key changes. All Blacks fullback Will Jordan returns after missing last week’s match, providing a much-needed injection of class and counter-attacking threat. Tasman loose forward Johnny Lee earns a debut in the No 7 jersey following injuries to Corey Kellow and Dominic Gardiner, while Braydon Ennor replaces Leicester Fainga’anuku at centre. Chay Fihaki celebrates his 50th Crusaders appearance in a milestone moment, with Penney praising the wing’s maturity and development into a player who brings composure and skill.

There has been heat at training this week too, with a scuffle between Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Will Tucker requiring captain David Havili’s intervention. That intensity will need to be channelled appropriately against a Highlanders outfit that has already beaten them once this season.

The Highlanders travel with quiet confidence after their Round 1 victory in Dunedin. Coach Jamie Joseph expects another tight affair, noting that these derbies traditionally come down to discipline and composure. Argentine lock Tomas Lavanini makes his long-awaited Highlanders debut after being restricted to development team appearances so far this season. The 33-year-old’s physicality adds grunt to the second row, though his discipline — he has three international red cards to his name — will be closely monitored.

Tanielu Tele’a comes in at outside centre to replace the injured Jonah Lowe, while the co-captaincy of Sean Withy and Timoci Tavatavanawai provides experienced leadership. The Highlanders have won two of the last five meetings between these sides and will fancy their chances of completing a season sweep.

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 Johnny Lee, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tahlor Cahill, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Will Tucker, 20 Xavier Saifoloi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Dallas McLeod.

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

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

Unavailable — Crusaders: Corey Kellow (injury), Dominic Gardiner (injury), Jamie Hannah (injury).

Unavailable — Highlanders: Jonah Lowe (injury).

Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 6:35pm AEST / 7:35pm AEDT

Australian rugby’s fiercest rivalry resumes at Suncorp Stadium with the Reds seeking revenge for their Round 1 defeat in Sydney. Les Kiss’s men arrive buoyed by last week’s remarkable comeback victory over the Brumbies in Canberra, where they overturned a significant deficit to claim four competition points. That result showcased the Reds’ character and attacking weapons, with Carter Gordon pulling strings at first five-eighth.

Tim Ryan returns to the wing this week, while Seru Uru moves into the starting second row in place of Josh Canham. The backrow combination of Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, and Joe Brial remains intact, providing a potent blend of carrying power and breakdown excellence. The Reds have won four of their last five meetings with the Waratahs and will be confident of maintaining that dominance in front of a partisan Brisbane crowd.

The Waratahs face a rebuilding job after their 59–12 humiliation at the hands of the Hurricanes last week. Coach Dan McKellar has swung the axe, making several changes in a bid to spark a response. The biggest blow comes in the centres, where superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring in the warm-up before the Hurricanes match.

McKellar challenged his squad to step up in Suaalii’s absence, noting that the next man simply has to take his opportunity. Triston Reilly comes in at outside centre, while second-gamer Sid Harvey earns a start on the wing. Matt Philip continues to captain the side from lock, with the experienced Pete Samu providing ballast in the backrow.

The Waratahs’ capitulation in Sydney raises questions about their depth and resolve. Without their “Ferrari” Suaalii for potentially two-thirds of the season, they will need others to emerge. This clash shapes as a pivotal moment for both sides’ finals aspirations.

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

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

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

Unavailable — Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (hamstring — 6-8 weeks).

Sunday 15 March

Blues v Moana Pasifika

Eden Park, Auckland — 3:35pm NZDT / 1:35pm AEDT

The battle of Auckland neighbours concludes the round, with the Blues looking to build momentum after their impressive victory over the Crusaders. Beauden Barrett makes his first official start of the season at first five-eighth after being thrust into action last week when Stephen Perofeta injured his calf in the warm-up. The veteran All Black showed his class in guiding the Blues to a comfortable win, and captain Dalton Papali’i affectionately described him as an “old fossil” who can still deliver the goods.

Caleb Clarke was devastating against the Crusaders, scoring a hat-trick to underline his finishing prowess. The powerful wing will again be a focal point of the Blues’ attack, alongside the dynamic backrow trio of Hoskins Sotutu, Papali’i, and Anton Segner. Halfback Finlay Christie sits out under the All Blacks rest policy, with Sam Nock deputising.

The Blues could easily be 4-0 through four rounds — their two losses have been narrow and contentious. This fixture should provide an opportunity to find their rhythm against a Moana Pasifika side that has struggled for consistency.

Moana Pasifika showed fight in the first half against the Chiefs in Round 4 before falling away completely after the break. Former All Black Atu Moli makes his debut at tighthead prop, adding international experience to the front row. However, another ex-All Black, Ngani Laumape, has been relegated to the bench as coach Aaron Mauger searches for the right combination.

Captain Miracle Faiilagi leads from blindside flanker, with Augustine Pulu and Patrick Pellegrini forming the halfback combination. Moana Pasifika have beaten the Blues once in five meetings and will need to produce something special to spring an upset at Eden Park.

Blues: 15 Cole Forbes, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i (c), 6 Anton Segner, 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 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Malachi Wrampling, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Pita Ahki, 23 Zarn Sullivan.

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Ofa, 13 Tevita Latu, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Monu Moli, 18 Lolani Faleiva, 19 Veikoso Poloniati, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Joel Lam, 22 Ngani Laumape, 23 Tuna Tuitama.

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

Unavailable — Blues: Stephen Perofeta (calf), Finlay Christie (All Blacks rest).

BYE: Chiefs

The Chiefs enjoy a well-earned rest after their commanding win over Moana Pasifika in Round 4. Clayton McMillan’s men sit second on the ladder with 13 points from three wins and will return refreshed for the challenges ahead.

Milestones

• Brad Shields (Hurricanes) — 100th Super Rugby start
• Chay Fihaki (Crusaders) — 50th Crusaders appearance
• Rob Valetini (Brumbies) — 100th Super Rugby appearance

Debuts

• Johnny Lee (Crusaders) — Super Rugby debut at flanker
• Atu Moli (Moana Pasifika) — Club debut at tighthead prop
• Tomas Lavanini (Highlanders) — Club debut at lock

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)