Round seven sees the Hurricanes defend top spot against an in-form Queensland Reds outfit, while bitter Australian rivals collide in Canberra and both New Zealand’s bottom sides search for momentum.

The Super Rugby Pacific table has taken shape after six rounds, with the Hurricanes sitting pretty atop the standings with 20 points and a jaw-dropping +128 points differential. But the competition remains fierce below them — just seven points separate second from seventh as the scramble for finals positions intensifies.

This round marks the first bye for the Crusaders since their thumping 50–21 win over Moana Pasifika, while the Blues and Chiefs also have the week off. That leaves four compelling fixtures spread across Friday and Saturday, headlined by the match of the round in Wellington.

Friday 27 March

Moana Pasifika v Highlanders

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

Two sides desperate to arrest losing slides meet in Auckland, with Moana Pasifika seeking to end a five-game winless run and the Highlanders looking to bounce back from a 50–7 drubbing at the hands of the Hurricanes.

Moana coach Tana Umaga has made six changes to his starting side, with the experienced Jackson Garden-Bachop and Solomon Alaimalo returning to the backline. The forward pack sees prop Abraham Pole and No.8 Dominic Ropeti elevated into starting roles. Tongan international Paula Latu is in line for his Super Rugby Pacific debut from the bench — a 30-year-old who has played much of his NPC rugby for Southland, adding an interesting dynamic given the Highlanders’ southern connection.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has opted against wholesale changes despite last week’s heavy defeat, though co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai drops to the bench and Folau Fakatava has been left out entirely. Southland halfback Nic Shearer will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut alongside Reesjan Pasitoa in the halves. Argentine lock Tomas Lavanini returns after a week off to bolster the lineout, which Joseph identified as needing collective improvement.

Joseph acknowledged his side lacked “spark” and is hoping the ninth consecutive week of rugby hasn’t taken its toll. Moana Pasifika claimed their first-ever win over the Highlanders when these sides last met, but the away team has won the last three encounters between them.

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Solomon Alaimalo, 13 Tevita Latu, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Joel Lam, 8 Dominic Ropeti, 7 Niko Jones, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Allan Craig, 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Abraham Pole.
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18 Paula Latu, 19 Alefosio Aho, 20 Ola Tauelangi, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Tevita Ofa.

Highlanders: 15 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Tanielu Tele’a, 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Nic Shearer, 8 Hugh Renton (co-c), 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Te Kamaka Howden, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Rohan Wingham, 19 Will Stodart, 20 Sean Withy, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Andrew Knewstubb, 23 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c).

Referee: Damon Murphy. Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey. TMO: Brett Cronan.

ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 9.35pm AEDT

It’s rivalry week in the nation’s capital as the Waratahs travel down the Hume Highway for a clash that means everything to both sides. The Brumbies have won 14 of their last 15 meetings with NSW, including each of their last eight at GIO Stadium.

James Slipper will write another chapter of history, becoming a Brumbies centurion just a week after becoming Super Rugby’s most-capped player. The veteran prop anchors a side boosted by the returns of Ollie Sapsford (hamstring), David Feliuai (HIA protocols) and Lachie Shaw (illness). Coach Stephen Larkham has labelled this the biggest game of the Brumbies’ season.

The Waratahs make one change, with Andrew Kellaway replacing Harry Potter (quad) on the wing. NSW have been struggling for consistency, sitting seventh after five rounds with just two wins. Former Brumbies coach Dan McKellar returns to his old stomping ground seeking a statement victory.

The Brumbies sit third on the ladder with 19 points, while the Waratahs have just 10. Six of the last eight meetings have been decided by eight points or fewer, suggesting another tight affair awaits.

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 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Lachie Shaw, 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 Hudson Creighton.

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 Jamie Adamson, 6 Clem Halaholo, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Daniel Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Jack Barrett, 18 Siosifa Amone, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Charlie Gamble, 21 Angus Scott-Young, 22 Teddy Wilson, 23 Triston Reilly.

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

Saturday 28 March

Hurricanes v Queensland Reds

Hnry Stadium, Wellington — 4.35pm NZT / 2.35pm AEDT

The match of the round sees table-topping Hurricanes host an in-form Reds outfit hungry to end a remarkable losing streak. Queensland haven’t beaten the Hurricanes in New Zealand since 1998 — an 11-game drought spanning over a quarter of a century.

The Hurricanes welcome back All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax from an ankle injury, while co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi returns to the starting loose forward trio. Josh Moorby shifts to fullback to cover Callum Harkin’s concussion absence, with Bailyn Sullivan taking the right wing. Ruben Love retains the fly-half jersey after an outstanding start to 2026.

Assistant coach Jamie Mackintosh acknowledges the Reds present a significant physical test, particularly through their loose forward trio featuring captain Fraser McReight, who returns after a week off. The Hurricanes have won their last 10 matches against the Reds — their longest winning streak against any current Super Rugby team.

Queensland coach Les Kiss called this the toughest test of the season, praising the Hurricanes’ “imperious” form. The Reds have won four of their five matches, sitting fourth on the ladder. Tom Lynagh is set for his first appearance of 2026 via the bench, adding a touch of dynasty to proceedings.

Teams:

Hurricanes: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Bailyn Sullivan, 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 Caleb Delany, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Vernon Bason, 17 Siale Lauaki, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Brayden Iose, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Lucas Cashmore, 23 Jone Rova.

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 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 Kalani Thomas, 22 Tom Lynagh, 23 Treyvon Pritchard.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe. TMO: Mike Fraser.

Blues v Fijian Drua

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

The Blues look to extend their perfect record against the Fijian Drua when the sides meet for the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy — the inaugural edition of a fixture honouring the late great Fijian wing who graced Eden Park in Blues colours.

Coach Vern Cotter has been forced into changes, with Payton Spencer earning his first start at fullback after Zarn Sullivan suffered concussion against the Brumbies. Captain Patrick Tuipulotu remains sidelined, with Sam Darry taking the armband. Dalton Papali’i misses out with a back injury, meaning Anton Segner shifts to openside flanker with Torian Barnes coming into the starting XV at blindside. Loose forward Jed Melvin will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut from the bench.

The Drua welcome back Kemu Valetini at fly-half, with Iosefo Namoce earning his first start at inside centre. Veteran hooker Mesulame Dolokolo returns from injury to provide impact off the bench. The Fijians are coming off a bye week but sit ninth on the ladder with just eight points.

The Blues have never lost to the Drua in five meetings, though each match has been competitive — typically decided by 30–36 points across the 80 minutes. With the Blues second on the ladder and eyeing top spot, a statement performance is expected.

Teams:

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

Fijian Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Epeli Momo, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Iosefo Namoce, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Kemu Valetini, 9 Frank Lomani (c), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Mesake Vocevoce, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokolo, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Joseva Tamani, 20 Isoa Tuwai, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23 Virimi Vakatawa.

Referee: Paul Williams. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Western Force v Chiefs

HBF Park, Perth — 8.35pm AWST / 9.35pm AEDT

The final fixture of the round sees the winless-at-home Force host a Chiefs outfit missing several key players. The visitors will be without Rameka Poihipi (rib), Anton Lienert-Brown (hamstring), Daniel Rona (hamstring), and Josh Ioane (broken hand).

Coach Clayton McMillan has reshuffled his backline accordingly, with Damian McKenzie shifting to fullback and Josh Jacomb starting at fly-half. Leroy Carter, the former Māori All Black, slots in at centre alongside Quinn Tupaea. Brodie McAlister earns his first start at hooker, while young lock Fiti Sa is in line for a potential debut from the bench.

In positive news for the Chiefs, Emoni Narawa has been confirmed as re-signed and starts on the wing after returning from injury.

The Force welcome back Vaiolini Ekuasi from a quad injury at No.8, with Nick Champion de Crespigny shifting to blindside flanker. They remain without Zac Lomax, whose debut continues to be delayed. The Force are unbeaten against New Zealand teams at HBF Park over the last four matches — but the Chiefs have won their last eight meetings overall.

Teams:

Force: 15 Max Burey, 14 Darby Lancaster, 13 George Bridge, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Bayley Kuenzle, 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 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Leonel Oviedo, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Misinale Epenisa, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Will Harris, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Divad Palu.

Chiefs: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Leroy Carter, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Etene Nanai-Seturo, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson (c), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 4 Josh Lord, 3 George Dyer, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Jared Proffit.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Sione Ahio, 19 Fiti Sa, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Kyle Brown, 23 Kyren Taumoefolau.

BYE: Crusaders

The Crusaders have the bye after their comprehensive 50–21 victory over Moana Pasifika last weekend. The defending champions sit fifth on the ladder with 14 points from six matches — three wins and three losses. They’ll be watching results closely as the competition’s middle ground tightens.

Super Rugby Pacific debuts

• Nic Shearer (Highlanders — halfback, starting debut)
• Paula Latu (Moana Pasifika — prop, bench debut)
• Payton Spencer (Blues — fullback, first start)
• Jed Melvin (Blues — loose forward, bench debut)
• Fiti Sa (Chiefs — lock, bench debut)

Milestones

• James Slipper (Brumbies) — 100th appearance for the Brumbies, becoming the first player to play 100 games for two different Super Rugby clubs (following 104 games for the Reds)

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)