Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026 delivers a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash between the Hurricanes and Blues in Wellington, with both sides locked on 25 points atop the standings in what shapes as the game of the season so far.

The quad-header on Saturday is headlined by the showdown at Hnry Stadium, where the Hurricanes hold a game in hand over their rivals as they look to consolidate their position at the summit. The round begins on Friday night in Dunedin, where the Brumbies aim to extend their five-match winning streak over the Highlanders, before the action shifts to Rotorua for a relocated Moana Pasifika home fixture against the Chiefs.

The Fijian Drua welcome the Western Force to Churchill Park in Lautoka, where the Perth-based side are yet to record a victory, while the Queensland Reds host the injury-hit Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium in a crucial clash for both teams’ finals aspirations.

Friday 10 April

Highlanders v Brumbies

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin — 7:05pm NZT / 5:05pm AEST

The Highlanders welcome back several key players as they look to snap a five-match losing streak against the Brumbies in what shapes as a crucial mid-season fixture.

First-five Cameron Millar and co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai return to their regular positions after missing the previous round, while lock Mitch Dunshea has overcome a calf injury to start in the second row. Halfback Nic Shearer retains his starting spot after an impressive outing against Moana Pasifika, while loose forward Nikora Broughton has earned the No 8 jersey following strong performances with the development squad.

The news is less positive regarding fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, who will miss four to six weeks with an ankle injury, while lock Tomás Lavanini has been ruled out with a dislocated finger. Taine Robinson, who primarily played first-five for the Highlanders last year, will make his first appearance of the season at fullback.

“The Brumbies are a class outfit and will test us across the field,” Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said. “We’re happy to be back at home and to have a few of our starters returning. These middle-round games are important for every team, and we’re looking forward to the contest.”

The Brumbies received a significant boost with the return of Wallabies prop Allan Alaalatoa, who makes his first appearance of the season after a back injury, while hooker Lachlan Lonergan returns via the bench following an ACL rupture against the British and Irish Lions last year. Captain Ryan Lonergan is set for his 100th game for the franchise.

“It’s a good moment for the team to get Allan back into the fray and Lachie Lonergan back into the game as well,” coach Stephen Larkham said. “Allan’s been training exceptionally well, and Lachie’s played a couple of games for Vikings and Runners, and he’s more than ready to go right now, so it’s a big boost for the team coming out of the bye.”

The Brumbies have won their last five meetings against the Highlanders and are hunting their first consecutive wins in New Zealand over the Dunedin-based side since 2009.

Key match-up: Allan Alaalatoa v Ethan de Groot. Two veteran props go head-to-head in what looms as a crucial scrum battle, with the Brumbies enforcer looking to shake off any rustiness while de Groot aims to expose any vulnerabilities.

Teams:

Highlanders: 15 Taine Robinson, 14 Caleb Tangitau, 13 Jonah Lowe, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), 11 Jona Nareki, 10 Cameron Millar, 9 Nic Shearer, 8 Nikora Broughton, 7 Veveni Lasaqa, 6 Te Kemaka Howden, 5 Mitch Dunshea, 4 Oliver Haig, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Jack Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot (co-c).
Replacements: 16 Henry Bell, 17 Josh Bartlett, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Hugh Renton, 20 Sean Withy, 21 Adam Lennox, 22 Reesjan Pasitoa, 23 Taniela Tele’a.

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 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 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Hudson Creighton.

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

Unavailable — Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (ankle — 4-6 weeks), Tomás Lavanini (dislocated finger).

Saturday 11 April

Moana Pasifika v Chiefs

Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua — 2:05pm NZT / 12:05pm AEST

Super Rugby returns to Rotorua for the first time in eight years in unusual circumstances, with Moana Pasifika hosting the Chiefs in what is technically a home fixture played deep in Chiefs territory.

The match was originally scheduled for Tonga but was relocated due to financial issues, with Moana Pasifika settling on Rotorua International Stadium after their allocation of five home games at North Harbour Stadium had been exhausted. Coach Tana Umaga expressed frustration last month about the difficulties in finding alternative venues, claiming the Blues had blocked them from playing in Northland.

Veteran lock Jimmy Tupou will make his Moana Pasifika debut off the bench, having previously represented the Blues, Crusaders and Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks. The 34-year-old brings significant experience and leadership, having played a key role in Counties Manukau’s NPC title success in 2012.

Loose forward Semisi Paea is excited to feature in his hometown, having grown up in Rotorua and attended Rotorua Boys’ High School. “There is no greater feeling than hearing your name get called in the squad to play in the city that raised you,” Paea said. “This is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to representing my family and this franchise in my hometown.”

Props Malaki Hala-Ngatai and Paula Latu will start at Super Rugby level for the first time, with Latu having impressed on debut in the previous round.

The Chiefs welcome back All Blacks first-five Damian McKenzie, who has been cleared to return from a concussion standdown. McKenzie partners All Blacks teammate Cortez Ratima in the halves, with Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi providing cover off the bench and enjoying the chance to play in front of friends and family in his hometown.

Kyle Brown earns a debut start in the centres, while Reon Paul — nephew of All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara — is in line to make his debut from the bench. Tupou Vaa’i captains the side with regular skipper Luke Jacobson among the replacements, while Samisoni Taukei’aho has been rested.

The Chiefs have won all eight meetings against Moana Pasifika by an average margin of 40 points.

Key match-up: Samipeni Finau v Miracle Faiilagi. Finau has returned to his All Blacks best and poses significant problems for opposition defences, while Moana captain Faiilagi will need to lift for the occasion if his side are to record an historic first victory over the Chiefs.

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Solomon Alaimalo, 13 Tevita Latu, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Niko Jones, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Veikoso Poloniati, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Paula Latu, 2 Millenium Sanerivi, 1 Malaki Hala-Ngatai.
Replacements: 16 Samiuela Moli, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Atu Moli, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Semisi Paea, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Tyler Pulini.

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Kyle Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Simon Parker, 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Tupou Vaa’i (c), 4 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 Reuben O’Neill, 2 Tyrone Thompson, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Sione Ahio, 19 Fiti Sa, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Reon Paul.

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

Unavailable — Chiefs: Wallace Sititi (hamstring), Emoni Narawa (foot), Samisoni Taukei’aho (rested).

Fijian Drua v Western Force

Churchill Park, Lautoka — 4:35pm FJT / 2:35pm AEST

Former NRL star Zac Lomax is set for another opportunity to make his professional rugby debut after being named on the Western Force bench for their difficult assignment in Fiji.

The ex-Parramatta flyer was originally named to debut last week against the Reds but was a late withdrawal due to hamstring tightness. The Force got the job done without him, upsetting the Reds on home turf in Brisbane, and Lomax is now in line for another crack in Lautoka.

Captain Jeremy Williams returns after being cleared from concussion protocols, while veteran Kurtley Beale is in line to make his 181st Super Rugby appearance if he comes off the bench, which would see him equal Sam Whitelock in fifth place on the all-time list.

George Bridge shifts to the wing to replace Darby Lancaster, who has succumbed to an ankle injury, while Hamish Stewart has been named in the centres. Force fullback Mac Grealy expressed excitement at the prospect of linking up with Lomax. “It’s like having a new toy as a kid, you know, getting to use it and sort of hopefully put him in some good spots,” Grealy said. “He’s looking real sharp and has definitely put himself in the mix but it was pretty devastating for me last week.”

The Fijian Drua have made a late change to their squad, with Virimi Vakatava coming into the centres to replace Iosefo Namoce, while former Fiji sevens star Isoa Tuwai has been added to the bench.

Sevens flyer Isikeli Basiyalo will make his Super Rugby debut on the right wing after being named in the starting side, with Isikeli Rabitu shifting to fullback and Ilaisa Droasese moving to the wing. Lock Isoa Nasilasila co-captains the side alongside centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre with regular skipper Frank Lomani still sidelined.

The Western Force have never won in Fiji, conceding 30-plus points in both previous visits to face the Drua, while the hosts are hunting for back-to-back wins over the Perth-based side for the first time ever.

Key match-up: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula v Ben Donaldson. The two playmakers hold the keys to their respective sides’ attacking threats, with Armstrong-Ravula the crucial link behind the Drua’s running game and Donaldson seeking to build on his superb performance against the Reds.

Teams:

Fijian Drua: 15 Isikeli Rabitu, 14 Isikeli Basiyalo, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (co-c), 12 Virimi Vakatava, 11 Ilaisa Droasese, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Joseva Tamani, 4 Isoa Nasilasila (co-c), 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet.
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Simione Kuruvoli, 23 Manasa Mataele.

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

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

Unavailable — Force: Darby Lancaster (ankle), Tom Robertson (concussion).

Hurricanes v Blues

Hnry Stadium, Wellington — 7:05pm NZT / 5:05pm AEST

The clash of the round sees the competition’s top two sides meet in Wellington, with the Hurricanes and Blues both entering on 25 points but the hosts holding a game in hand.

This is the defining fixture of the season so far, with a substantial crowd expected at Hnry Stadium for a match featuring 13 All Blacks and two further internationals. The Hurricanes are riding a five-game winning streak and seeking to score 50-plus points in three consecutive games for the first time in their history, while the Blues have improved steadily since their loss to the Brumbies in Canberra.

The Hurricanes have made minimal changes from their 52-14 demolition of the Reds a fortnight ago. Pasilio Tosi starts at tighthead prop with Tyrel Lomax still on the sidelines, while Callum Harkin returns from a concussion to reclaim the fullback jersey, pushing Josh Moorby out to the right wing.

“We’re refreshed and re-energised from the bye, so we’re really looking forward to playing at home against a top side in the Blues. It’s a good challenge at this time of the year to get into another Kiwi derby,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said. “We’re certainly well aware of the challenge the Blues are going to come with, so we’re probably going to have to play our best rugby of the year to get the result.”

The Hurricanes have opted for a 6-2 bench split, with hooker Raymond Tuputupu in line to make his first appearance of the season alongside tighthead prop Tevita Mafileo and loose forward Brad Shields.

Blues coach Vern Cotter has made several changes, with All Blacks halfback Finlay Christie returning to the starting side and Zarn Sullivan back at fullback after overcoming a concussion. Che Clark shifts from the bench to start at blindside flanker, while Xavi Taele earns a start at second five-eighth with Pita Ahki on the bench.

“It’s a top of the table clash for that number one spot and that’s exactly the sort of challenge we want at this stage of the season,” Cotter said. “Coming off a bye, the focus has been on reconnecting, sharpening our detail and making sure we’re ready for a big performance in Wellington. The Hurricanes are playing very good rugby so we need to make sure we are at our best for 80 minutes. It should be a high quality contest and we are looking forward to it.”

Captain Patrick Tuipulotu remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, with Sam Darry leading the side.

The Blues have won five of the last six meetings between the sides, though six of the past seven clashes have been decided by 10 points or fewer.

Key match-up: Beauden Barrett v Jordie Barrett. The sibling rivalry adds spice to an already compelling fixture, with Beauden looking to produce his best form against his former side while Jordie aims to establish the Hurricanes’ credentials as title favourites.

Teams:

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 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Raymond Tuputupu, 17 Siale Laukai, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Brayden Iose, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Jone Rova.

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Malachi Wrampling, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Che Clark, 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 Tristyn Cook, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Pita Ahki, 23 Payton Spencer.

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

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Tyrel Lomax (shoulder — at least one month).

Unavailable — Blues: Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder), Dalton Papali’i (back).

Queensland Reds v Crusaders

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 7:35pm AEST

The Crusaders’ road trip to Brisbane has been complicated by the loss of All Blacks stars Will Jordan and Codie Taylor, who have both been ruled out through injury.

Jordan has been sidelined with a calf problem, while Taylor has a hamstring niggle. Neither will travel with the squad to Australia. “He tried to get going, but it just wasn’t worth pushing him,” coach Rob Penney said of Jordan. “He’s had a big workload, and this is just an unfortunate set of circumstances.”

Taylor was coming off a four-try performance in the Crusaders’ 69-26 victory over the Fijian Drua in their last match at Apollo Projects Stadium, and his absence is a significant blow. Penney acknowledged the importance of the coming weeks. “We’ve got a really good plan. We’ve just got to get some results and keep building,” he said, adding that the “next couple of weeks are massively important.”

Johnny McNicholl will make his first appearance of the season at fullback, while captain David Havili has recovered from a foot injury to start at second five-eighth. Dom Gardiner starts at blindside flanker, with Johnny Lee moving to the bench.

The Reds have made two changes to their starting side, with Tim Ryan replacing Treyvon Pritchard on the wing and Matt Faessler coming in for Josh Nasser at hooker after both suffered head knocks against the Force.

Winger Filipo Daugunu will bring up his 100th Super Rugby appearance — a significant milestone for the try-scoring threat. Richie Asiata and Isaac Henry have been added to the bench.

The Reds desperately need a result after being hammered by the Hurricanes and then upset by the Force, with a once-promising season in danger of unravelling. First-five Tom Lynagh remains unavailable after illness, leaving Carter Gordon to steer the ship.

The Crusaders have won 14 of their last 15 matches against the Reds, with the last Queensland victory at Suncorp Stadium coming in the 2011 Grand Final. The Crusaders have won their last five meetings at Suncorp by an average margin of 17.6 points.

Key match-up: Harry Wilson v Christian Lio-Willie. Wilson needs to spark the Reds’ back row if they are to end their poor run against the Crusaders, while Lio-Willie is as damaging as any No 8 in the competition when he’s firing.

Teams:

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

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

Referee: Angus Gardner. Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan. TMO: Aaron Paterson.

Unavailable — Reds: Tom Lynagh (illness), Treyvon Pritchard (concussion), Josh Nasser (concussion).

Unavailable — Crusaders: Will Jordan (calf), Codie Taylor (hamstring), Ethan Blackadder (injury).

BYE: NSW Waratahs

Super Rugby Pacific debuts

• Isikeli Basiyalo (Fijian Drua — wing, starting debut)
• Kyle Brown (Chiefs — centre, starting debut)
• Reon Paul (Chiefs — utility back, bench debut)
• Zac Lomax (Western Force — outside back, bench debut if selected)

Club debuts

• Jimmy Tupou (Moana Pasifika — lock, ex-Chiefs/Blues/Crusaders)

Milestones

• Ryan Lonergan (Brumbies) — 100th Super Rugby cap
• Filipo Daugunu (Reds) — 100th Super Rugby cap
• Kurtley Beale (Force) — 181st Super Rugby cap (if selected; equals Sam Whitelock for fifth all-time)

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+
Rest of World: NZR+ (streaming)