History beckons for James Slipper as he prepares to become Super Rugby’s most-capped player, while the Hurricanes face their first New Zealand derby of the season and the Crusaders turn to a debutant playmaker amid an injury crisis at fly-half.

Round 6 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 is headlined by Slipper’s record-breaking 203rd appearance when the Brumbies host the Chiefs on Friday night. The 36-year-old prop will surpass Wyatt Crockett’s mark of 202 games — a record that has stood since 2017 — with the former All Black flying to Canberra to witness the milestone.

Elsewhere, the table-topping Hurricanes head to Dunedin for what shapes as a crucial test of their title credentials, while the Fijian Drua look to extend their winning run at home when they welcome a depleted Reds side to Lautoka. The Crusaders blood a new fly-half in Cooper Grant as they face Moana Pasifika in Auckland, before the Blues travel to Sydney to take on a Waratahs outfit smarting from a controversial officiating decision.

The Western Force enjoy the bye after completing a challenging three-week tour of New Zealand.

Friday 20 March

Highlanders v Hurricanes

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin — 7.05pm NZDT / 5.05pm AEDT

The Hurricanes face their first domestic examination of the 2026 campaign, having navigated an opening month against Moana Pasifika, the Fijian Drua, Waratahs and Force without facing a New Zealand rival. They arrive at Forsyth Barr Stadium as competition leaders with three wins from four games, a stark contrast to the same stage last year when they languished near the bottom of the table.

Halfback Cam Roigard acknowledged the shift in difficulty his side will encounter in Dunedin. “It’s going to be a massive challenge this week,” he said. “They’re going to be battle-hardened and they’re going to be ready for this game. It was an unfortunate result for them losing to the Crusaders, but back at home, I know there’ll be plenty of passion and they’ll be wanting to get one back over a New Zealand team.”

Ruben Love will make his first start of the season at fly-half after returning from ankle injury via the bench last week. The positional reshuffle pushes Callum Harkin to fullback and Josh Moorby to the wing. Coach Clark Laidlaw has opted for a 6-2 bench split, loading up on forwards to match the expected physical challenge. “With the type of game we think it’s going to be, we’ve gone with a 6-2 split,” Laidlaw said. “We feel with a 6-2 split, we’ll have plenty of energy through the whole game.” New Zealand under-20s captain Vernon Bason is in line to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench.

For the Highlanders, co-captain Hugh Renton returns at No. 8 for his first appearance since undergoing pelvis and groin surgery last April. “As our co-captain and most experienced loose forward it’s great to have Hugh back playing Super Rugby,” coach Jamie Joseph said. “He has worked extremely hard to come back from injury setbacks in recent seasons and it demonstrates his character, professionalism, and real passion for the club.” Reesjan Pasitoa will make his first start at fly-half after Cam Millar was ruled out with concussion following a high tackle last weekend. Former All Blacks Sevens star Andrew Knewstubb could make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

The Hurricanes have won their last nine meetings with the Highlanders, with their most recent defeat coming in round 10 of Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2020. Centre Billy Proctor, who has scored five tries in three appearances this season, returns to the starting side and identified Highlanders midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai — nicknamed ‘Jim the Difference’ — as the key threat to contain. “It seems like a lot of teams have been struggling with Big Jim,” Proctor said. “I guess our ability to shut down the space and not give him too much time on the ball and eliminate his threat at the breakdown is going to be big this week.”

Teams:

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Folau Fakatava, 8 Hugh Renton (co-c), 7 Lucas Casey, 6 Sean Withy, 5 Te Kamaka Howden, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Sosefo Kautai, 19 Tai Cribb, 20 Veveni Lasaqa, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Andrew Knewstubb, 23 Tanielu Tele’a.

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (c), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Peter Lakai, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Bason, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Hugo Plummer, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Bailyn Sullivan.

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

Unavailable — Highlanders: Cam Millar (concussion — TBC).

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Tyrel Lomax (ankle — up to three weeks).

ACT Brumbies v Chiefs

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 7.35pm AEDT

History will be made in the nation’s capital when James Slipper becomes Super Rugby’s most-capped player in his 203rd appearance. The 36-year-old prop drew level with Wyatt Crockett two weeks ago and now takes sole ownership of a record the former Crusaders and All Blacks loosehead has held since 2017. Crockett will be at GIO Stadium to witness the milestone.

Slipper made his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds in February 2010 — more than 5,800 days ago — and was part of their 2011 championship-winning side. He moved to Canberra in 2019 and Friday’s game marks his 99th Super Rugby appearance for the Brumbies. The durability required to play 203 games at loosehead prop defies belief, particularly given Slipper has also accumulated more than 150 Test caps for Australia.

“To break the all-time Super Rugby appearance record is a remarkable achievement and an undeniable testament to James Slipper’s durability, professionalism and commitment to our game,” Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley said. “Slips has been a pillar of Australian Rugby for more than a decade and a half, and his contribution to our competition can not be understated.”

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham recalled that Slipper was earmarked for Wallabies honours almost immediately upon debuting. “He is a pretty special human and offers a lot to the Brumbies both on the field and off the field,” Larkham said. “One of the best leaders that you will find in the game and we’re lucky to have him.”

The Brumbies will be desperate to reward Slipper with a victory after back-to-back losses to the Chiefs and Fijian Drua. Their trip to Fiji last weekend ended in a rare defeat in wet and wild conditions, dropping them to third in the standings despite their strong start to the season.

The Chiefs arrive refreshed from a bye week with captain Luke Jacobson returning at No. 8 after missing the round-four win over Moana Pasifika with a hip injury. Wallace Sititi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and is not expected back until round 10. “The Brumbies are a terrific side and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini tour for us,” coach Jono Gibbes said. “If we get things right, it will help set us for the rest of the season.”

The Chiefs’ forward pack features All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i and Simon Parker alongside Jacobson, while the halves combination of Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima should flourish if they secure parity up front. The Chiefs have won their last five games against the Brumbies.

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead, 14 Kye Oates, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 Hudson Creighton, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Charlie Cale, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Darcy Breen, 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 Austin Anderson.

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Luke Jacobson (c), 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Jared Proffit.
Replacements: 16 Tyrone Thompson, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 George Dyer, 19 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Lalakai Foketi.

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

Unavailable — Chiefs: Wallace Sititi (hamstring — round 8–10 return expected).

Saturday 21 March

Fijian Drua v Queensland Reds

Churchill Park, Lautoka — 3.35pm FJT / 2.35pm AEDT

The Fijian Drua are riding high after back-to-back home victories over the Hurricanes and Brumbies, with their upset win over the latter last weekend adding another scalp to their growing collection. They return to Churchill Park in Lautoka — rather than their usual Suva base — in confident mood as they look to make it three home wins in succession.

Coach Glen Jackson has made just two changes to his starting side, retaining the core of the team that stunned the Brumbies in wet conditions. Captain Frank Lomani will orchestrate affairs from halfback behind a powerful pack featuring Elia Canakaivata at No. 8 and the dynamic Etonia Waqa at blindside flanker.

The Reds arrive in Fiji on a three-match winning streak but missing several key players. Coach Les Kiss has rested Wallabies trio Carter Gordon, Fraser McReight and Zane Nonggorr as part of their managed workload under World Rugby guidelines that prevent some players from featuring in six consecutive weeks. “It’s part of the process of having regeneration weeks for players,” Kiss said. Gordon has been in superb form with three tries in the last two weeks.

Kiss acknowledged the strength of the Drua at home. “The Drua have had back-to-back wins at home in good fashion,” he said. “They’ve certainly grown their game and we know they have dangerous players across the pitch. We expect a massive challenge.” Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will lead the side in McReight’s absence, while Hunter Paisami’s return to the centres provides experience in the midfield. Ben Volavola, the former North Harbour and Crusaders playmaker who represented Fiji internationally, is in line to make his Reds debut off the bench.

In the six meetings between these sides, the home team has won every time. All three encounters in Fiji have been played in Suva, making this Lautoka fixture a new challenge for both teams.

Teams:

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 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Isoa Tuwai, 21 Motikiai Murray, 22 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Inia Tabuavoa.

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

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

Unavailable — Reds: Carter Gordon (managed rest), Fraser McReight (managed rest), Zane Nonggorr (managed rest).

Moana Pasifika v Crusaders

North Harbour Stadium, Auckland — 7.05pm NZDT / 5.05pm AEDT

Moana Pasifika welcome back two significant figures in Julian Savea and Niko Jones for their clash with the defending champions, but lose halfback Augustine Pulu to suspension. Pulu copped a three-week ban for his high tackle on Blues halfback Sam Nock last weekend, paving the way for Joel Lam to earn his first start in the No. 9 jersey.

Lam’s journey to a starting berth has been remarkable. A former Crusaders academy product who made his Super Rugby debut in 2023, he worked part-time as a teacher aide at a Christchurch school before crossing to Moana Pasifika. He was playing rugby league last season before returning to union. “He looks energised and he’s one of our fittest, if not the fittest, in our team,” coach Tana Umaga said. “Another player that’s just taken his opportunity, he’s had to work hard for it.”

Savea returns for his first match of 2026 after recovering from a groin injury and will start at second five-eighth, adding X-factor to a backline that has struggled for consistency. The former All Black’s presence should provide a significant boost as Moana Pasifika look to snap a four-match losing streak.

The Crusaders have dug deep into their wider training squad after an injury crisis at fly-half. Cooper Grant will make his Super Rugby debut at first five-eighth with Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana both unavailable due to concussion, while James White has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. The 22-year-old Grant — son of Black Sox great Marty Grant — was once pursuing a baseball career and earned a cap for the now-defunct Auckland Tuatara at the age of 16.

“He’s got a very confident demeanour. He uses his voice really well and he’s got an outstanding skill set,” coach Rob Penney said of Grant. “He’s new to this level, but he’s surrounded by experience and we’re confident he’ll have the right answers when the blowtorch comes on.” All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams remains sidelined for a third straight week after an unspecified niggle prevented him from completing World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme following his earlier suspension.

Moana Pasifika memorably defeated the Crusaders 45–29 in their most recent meeting, though that remains their only victory in five encounters.

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Tevita Latu, 13 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 12 Julian Savea, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Joel Lam, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Niko Jones, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Chris Apoua, 19 Veikoso Poloniati, 20 Dominic Ropeti, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Tevita Ofa.

Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan (c), 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Dallas McLeod, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Cooper Grant, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Tahlor Cahill, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 George Bell, 1 Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Leitu, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Antonio Shalfoon, 20 Xavier Saifoloi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Kurtis Macdonald.

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

Unavailable — Moana Pasifika: Augustine Pulu (suspended — three weeks).

Unavailable — Crusaders: Taha Kemara (concussion — TBC), Rivez Reihana (concussion — TBC), James White (shoulder — season), Tamaiti Williams (suspended/niggle — TBC), David Havili (injury — TBC).

NSW Waratahs v Blues

Allianz Stadium, Sydney — 7.35pm AEDT

The Waratahs will be determined to bounce back from a frustrating defeat to the Reds, compounded by the admission from Super Rugby Pacific that Triston Reilly’s spectacular try should have been awarded. Coach Dan McKellar has pleaded with officials to take their time with crucial TMO decisions following the error.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Ben O’Keeffe,” McKellar said. “Had a good chat to him during the week. He’s been an outstanding referee for a long time and we’re all human beings. Unfortunately in the game that we play, rugby, it’s pretty complex. Mistakes happen every now and then. They’ve been good enough to admit they got it wrong. From our end just disappointing that when we’ve got the technology — and this isn’t on Ben or on any particular referee — if we’ve got the technology, I think we just need to take the time to make sure we get the decision right.”

Exciting youngster Sid Harvey will make his first Waratahs start at fullback after James Hendren was ruled out with a broken wrist. The former sevens star had started on the left wing against the Reds. The back three reshuffle sees Max Jorgensen — who has six tries this season, second only to Brumbies flanker Charlie Cale’s seven — revert to the left wing with Harry Potter promoted to the right. Andrew Kellaway was ruled out with a cork.

The Blues travel to Sydney with several changes following last week’s win over Moana Pasifika. Finlay Christie starts at halfback after Sam Nock was injured in the high tackle from Pulu, while Pita Ahki returns at second five-eighth and Zarn Sullivan slots back in at fullback. Bradley Slater returns from an abdominal strain at hooker, while Malachi Wrampling earns his first start for the club at No. 8 after an impressive debut off the bench.

The most intriguing selection is Payton Spencer on the bench. The son of All Blacks and Blues legend Carlos Spencer, he is in line to make his Super Rugby debut. A video posted to the Blues’ social media showed the youngster calling his father with the news, with Carlos responding: “Mean bro. That’s mean, that’s awesome.”

“The Waratahs are always a dangerous side particularly at home in Sydney, so we’ll need to be accurate and disciplined for 80 minutes,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said. “Our focus has been on continuing to adapt and improve our game. We’ve built a strong foundation this season so it’s about ensuring we keep growing.” The Blues have won their last 11 meetings with the Waratahs.

Teams:

Waratahs: 15 Sid Harvey, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Triston Reilly, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Max Jorgensen, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jamie Adamson, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Daniel 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 Lawson Creighton, 23 George Poolman.

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

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

Unavailable — Waratahs: James Hendren (broken wrist — TBC), Andrew Kellaway (cork).

Unavailable — Blues: Sam Nock (concussion — TBC), Josh Fusitu’a (bicep surgery — later in season).

BYE: Western Force

Super Rugby Pacific debuts

• Cooper Grant (Crusaders — fly-half, starting debut)
• Kurtis Macdonald (Crusaders — utility back, bench debut)

Club debuts

• Ben Volavola (Reds — fly-half/fullback, ex-Crusaders/North Harbour, bench)

Potential debuts

• Vernon Bason (Hurricanes — hooker, bench)
• Andrew Knewstubb (Highlanders — utility back, bench)
• Payton Spencer (Blues — utility back, bench)

Milestones

• James Slipper (Brumbies) — 203rd Super Rugby cap (all-time record)

Standings heading into Round 6

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)