The race for Super Rugby Pacific’s top six enters a critical phase in Round 13, with the Crusaders hosting the Blues in a blockbuster Christchurch derby on Friday night before the Queensland Reds face the Chiefs in a pivotal trans-Tasman clash at Suncorp Stadium that could shape the finals landscape.

With just four rounds remaining, the battle lines are sharpening. The Hurricanes lead the standings on 40 points despite losing All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard to a calf injury that could sideline him for the rest of the regular season. The Blues (38) sit second, the Chiefs (36) third, with the Reds and Crusaders locked together on 27 points and the Brumbies clinging to sixth on 25. Below them, the Highlanders, Waratahs and Fijian Drua are all level on 20 points, with the Force lurking on 18 — meaning every result this weekend carries enormous implications for the playoff picture.

The round kicks off with back-to-back Friday night fixtures across the Tasman, before a Saturday triple-header beginning with the Highlanders welcoming the Waratahs to Forsyth Barr Stadium, Moana Pasifika hosting a depleted Hurricanes side at North Harbour Stadium, and the Brumbies desperate to halt a three-match losing skid when the in-form Force visit Canberra. The Fijian Drua enjoy the bye following their historic first-ever win over the Highlanders in Ba.

Friday 8 May

Crusaders v Blues

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch — 7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST

The defending champions return to One NZ Stadium for only their second outing at their rebuilt home ground, and they will fancy their chances against a Blues outfit they have dominated on home soil — winning 19 of their last 20 home meetings. The Crusaders pushed the competition-leading Hurricanes all the way in Wellington last week, with their forward pack particularly impressive, and Rob Penney welcomes back Super Rugby’s all-time leading try scorer Sevu Reece on the right wing after two matches missed with illness. Rivez Reihana, last year’s championship-winning flyhalf, slots into the No.10 jersey in place of the injured Taha Kemara (knee), while veteran prop George Bower will mark his 100th Super Rugby cap in a formidable front-row trio alongside All Blacks Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell. Leicester Fainga’anuku makes a third straight start at openside flanker. However, Will Jordan (calf) and Scott Barrett (sabbatical) remain unavailable.

The Blues arrive in Christchurch looking to achieve something historically rare — multiple wins over the Crusaders in a season for just the second time in Super Rugby history, having previously done so only in 2003. Blues coach Vern Cotter has again preferred Stephen Perofeta at flyhalf after the six-test All Black’s impressive showing in last week’s 45–19 demolition of Moana Pasifika, with Beauden Barrett again providing firepower off the bench alongside Finlay Christie. “If you want a result later in the season, especially down in Christchurch, you need a strong 23,” Cotter said, adding that the decision was about managing minutes and ensuring the Blues can finish games strongly. “It’s about mixing up game time and making sure we’re getting the right balance. We’re looking at three games to make the top six.” AJ Lam and Dalton Papali’i return to the starting lineup, with veteran prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi shaking off a calf complaint in time. Anton Segner is set for his 50th game from the bench. The Blues need just one more win from their remaining three matches to secure a top-six finish, but a victory here would go a long way toward locking in a top-three berth and the home quarter-final that comes with it.

Teams:

Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Dallas McLeod, 12 David Havili (c), 11 Macca Springer, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 George Bell, 17 Jack Sexton, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Dom Gardiner, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Cooper Grant, 23 Kurtis Macdonald.

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Kade Banks, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Malachi Wrampling, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Sam Matenga, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Flyn Yates, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Anton Segner, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Xavi Taele.

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

Unavailable — Crusaders: Will Jordan (calf), Scott Barrett (sabbatical), Taha Kemara (knee), Brayden Ennor (hamstring), Chay Fihaki (hamstring), Cullen Grace (knee).

Unavailable — Blues: Marcel Renata (ribs), Ben Ake (ankle).

Queensland Reds v Chiefs

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane — 7.35pm AEST

This shapes as the match of the round and a fixture that could define both teams’ finals aspirations. The fourth-placed Reds sit nine points adrift of the third-placed Chiefs and desperately need a home victory to keep alive any hope of finishing in the top three. Les Kiss’s side are in solid form, having won two of their last three and six of their last eight at home against New Zealand opposition. The centre pairing of Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook has been outstanding, flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips continues to impress, and Fraser McReight was arguably the player of the round last week with three turnovers against the Brumbies. Carter Gordon makes a timely return from a knee injury on the bench, replacing Ben Volavola, while winger Lachie Anderson returns from a dislocated wrist. Wallabies prop Aidan Ross (toe) misses out, with George Blake stepping in.

The Chiefs arrive in Brisbane fresh off their bye week but have been dealt a significant blow with confirmation that All Black Leroy Carter will miss the rest of the regular season with a hamstring injury, joining Emoni Narawa (foot) on the sideline. With Daniel Rona also hurt, Jono Gibbes must field a vastly inexperienced backline — three of the four outside backs in the 23 are aged 23 or younger. There is no such inexperience up front, however, with the fearsome loose forward trio of Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker and Wallace Sititi leading the way. Damian McKenzie directs operations from flyhalf, with Quinn Tupaea providing class in the midfield and a heavyweight bench including All Blacks Samisoni Taukei’aho, Cortez Ratima and Wallaby Lalakai Foketi. The Chiefs have won their last five matches by an average of 21.6 points and are looking for consecutive regular-season wins over the Reds for the first time since 2019.

Teams:

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

Chiefs: 15 Isaac Hutchinson, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 13 Kyle Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (c), 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Josh Lord, 3 George Dyer, 2 Tyrone Thompson, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Jared Proffit, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Fiti Sa, 20 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Lalakai Foketi.

Referee: Marcus Playle. Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Dan Moore. TMO: Glenn Newman.

Unavailable — Reds: Aidan Ross (toe).

Unavailable — Chiefs: Leroy Carter (hamstring — season), Emoni Narawa (foot — season), Daniel Rona (hamstring).

Saturday 9 May

Highlanders v NSW Waratahs

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin — 4.35pm NZST / 2.35pm AEST

Both sides were beaten in Round 12 and both know this is close to a must-win fixture if they harbour any realistic finals hopes. The Highlanders ran out of steam in sweltering Fijian heat as the Drua recorded a historic 24–14 victory in Ba, but Jamie Joseph’s side return to Forsyth Barr Stadium — their last home match of the season — with a timely boost. All Blacks wing hopeful Caleb Tangitau returns from concussion to form a dynamic back three alongside Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Jonah Lowe, with the versatile Jona Nareki shifting to outside centre. The front row remains the Highlanders’ cornerstone, with All Blacks Ethan de Groot and Angus Ta’avao providing the grunt, and Argentina international Tomas Lavanini returns to the second row. With the roof closed at Forsyth Barr, conditions will suit the hosts’ quick, expansive style.

The Waratahs, meanwhile, arrive in Dunedin with their season on the line after losing 20–17 to the Force last Friday. Despite growing calls for Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to be shifted to the backfield — former Wallaby Morgan Turinui said on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts that it was time to “shelve that 13 experiment” — Dan McKellar has doubled down on the $5 million code-hopper at outside centre. “We just had no ball and that’s the reality,” McKellar said of the Force defeat, adding that Suaalii had also been restricted by an early knock. Suaalii managed just two run metres against the Force, but McKellar remains confident the conditions under the Forsyth Barr roof will bring out the best in his midfield. “We’ve got the roof on on Saturday afternoon,” he said. “We know we’re going to get good conditions, playing against a team that likes to play a fast, attacking style of rugby.” Jack Debreczeni starts at flyhalf with Lawson Creighton at inside centre, while captain Matt Philip (calf) is absent with halfback Jake Gordon taking the armband. Dan Botha returns from suspension at tighthead but regular loosehead Tom Lambert (knee) misses out. The Waratahs have won three of their last four against the Highlanders, with the previous three meetings decided by two points or fewer — but their 2022 win in Dunedin remains their last in New Zealand, with 12 consecutive losses across the ditch since.

Teams:

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

Waratahs: 15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Lawson Creighton, 11 Sid Harvey, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Jake Gordon (c), 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Miles Amatosero, 3 Dan Botha, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Isaac Kailea.
Replacements: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Jack Barrett, 18 Apolosi Ranawai, 19 Clem Halaholo, 20 Leafi Talataina, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Bowen, 23 Harry Potter.

Referee: Damon Murphy. Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, George Myers. TMO: James Leckie.

Unavailable — Highlanders: Nil reported.

Unavailable — Waratahs: Matt Philip (calf), Tom Lambert (knee), Joey Walton (neck).

Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes

North Harbour Stadium, Auckland — 7.05pm NZST / 5.05pm AEST

The Hurricanes’ bid to secure the top seed has taken a significant hit with the loss of All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard to a calf injury that could keep him out for three to four weeks — potentially the rest of the regular season. Ruben Love (ankle) also misses this fixture, while Jordie Barrett has been given a spell, leading to wholesale changes in the backline. Ereatara Enari and Lucas Cashmore step into the halves, with Jone Rova at inside centre. The forward pack features a new-look front row of Pouri Rakete-Stones, Vernon Bason and Pasilio Tosi, while the welcome return of powerful winger Kini Naholo from a long-term ACL injury adds excitement from the bench. “Having picked up a few injuries in the Crusaders game, it’s an opportunity for the squad to use its depth,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said. “The inclusion of Kini is super exciting. He’s done an unreal job with his ACL recovery.”

For Moana Pasifika, this is their penultimate home match before the franchise’s confirmed disbandment at the end of the season. Rock bottom of the table on six points with a 10-game losing streak, Tana Umaga’s side are playing for pride in their final weeks. They were outclassed 45–19 by the Blues last Saturday but have shown determination throughout a difficult campaign. Samoan international Faletoi Peni earns his first start in the midfield alongside Solomon Alaimalo, while lock Veikoso Poloniati returns to the starting lineup. Notably, Moana have won two of their three home matches against the Hurricanes in Auckland — a record that offers a glimmer of hope, even though the visitors have scored an average of 55 points per game in their last six wins over the islanders. The Hurricanes remain strong favourites, even without several key All Blacks.

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: 15 Glen Vaihu, 14 Israel Leota, 13 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Faletoi Peni, 11 Tuna Tuitama, 10 William Havili, 9 Augustine Pulu, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Semisi Paea, 6 Miracle Faiilagi (c), 5 Veikoso Poloniati, 4 Allan Craig, 3 Atu Moli, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Malakai Hala-Ngatai.
Replacements: 16 Mamoru Harada, 17 Abraham Pole, 18 Lolani Falevia, 19 Jimmy Tupou, 20 Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, 21 Siaosi Nginingini, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Tevita Latu.

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jone Rova, 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Lucas Cashmore, 9 Ereatara Enari, 8 Brayden Iose, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (c), 6 Brad Shields, 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Vernon Bason, 1 Pouri Rakete-Stones.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Hugo Plummer, 20 Devan Flanders, 21 Jordi Viljoen, 22 Bailyn Sullivan, 23 Kini Naholo.

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

Unavailable — Moana Pasifika: Nil reported.

Unavailable — Hurricanes: Cam Roigard (calf — 3-4 weeks), Ruben Love (ankle — 1 week).

ACT Brumbies v Western Force

GIO Stadium, Canberra — 7.35pm AEST

The Brumbies have lost three straight matches for the first time since 2018 and their hold on sixth place — and the final playoff berth — is loosening with every defeat. Stephen Larkham receives a timely boost with the return of Test tighthead Allan Alaalatoa from concussion, the experienced Wallaby joining James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan in an all-international front row. The pack is otherwise unchanged. In the backline, Hudson Creighton starts at outside centre ahead of Kadin Pritchard, while Ollie Sapsford replaces Andy Muirhead on the wing — a move likely designed to counter the aerial threat of Force winger Zac Lomax. The Brumbies have won four of their last five against the Force but are seeking to avoid a third straight home loss, something they have not experienced since 2018.

The Force arrive in Canberra riding a wave of momentum, having beaten the Waratahs 20–17 in Sydney last Friday with Ben Donaldson and Dylan Pietsch — two NSW-born players — making their former club pay. Simon Cron’s side have won three of their past four and sit just seven points behind the Brumbies, meaning a victory in the capital would put the Force right in the mix for a maiden finals berth. Damaging No.8 Vaiolini Ekuasi returns after missing last week for personal reasons, while captain Jeremy Williams leads a settled forward pack. Darcy Swain is set for his 100th Super Rugby cap and Dylan Pietsch his 50th, adding milestone motivation. The Force won their last match in Canberra and victory would make it back-to-back in the nation’s capital for the first time since 2011. The lineout battle between Lachlan Shaw and Jeremy Williams — who sit first and second respectively for lineout steals this season — could prove decisive in a match many pundits are calling a genuine coin-flip.

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Ollie Sapsford, 13 Hudson Creighton, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Corey Toole, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan (c), 8 Toby Macpherson, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lachlan Shaw, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Lachlan Lonergan, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Rhys van Nek, 19 Cadeyrn Neville, 20 Chris Mickelson, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Andy Muirhead.

Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Zac Lomax, 13 George Bridge, 12 Hamish Stewart, 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 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Sef Fa’agase, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Will Harris, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Kurtley Beale.

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

Unavailable — Brumbies: Charlie Cale (unavailable).

Unavailable — Force: Misinale Epenisa (HIA protocols).

BYE: Fijian Drua

The Drua enjoy a well-earned rest after their breakthrough 24–14 victory over the Highlanders in Ba — their first ever win over the Dunedin-based franchise. Isikeli Rabitu scored twice and Elia Canakaivata marked his 50th cap with a decisive try in what was one of the most significant results in the franchise’s short history. Level on 20 points with the Highlanders and Waratahs, the Drua remain mathematically alive for a top-six finish heading into the final stretch.

Standings heading into Round 13

• 1st Hurricanes — 40 points (P10, W8, L2)
• 2nd Blues — 38 points (P11, W8, L3)
• 3rd Chiefs — 36 points (P10, W8, L2)
• 4th Queensland Reds — 27 points (P11, W5, L6)
• 5th Crusaders — 27 points (P11, W5, L6)
• 6th ACT Brumbies — 25 points (P11, W5, L6)
• – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – (Playoff cutoff) – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
• 7th Highlanders — 20 points (P11, W4, L7)
• 8th NSW Waratahs — 20 points (P10, W4, L6)
• 9th Fijian Drua — 20 points (P11, W4, L7)
• 10th Western Force — 18 points (P10, W4, L6)
• 11th Moana Pasifika — 6 points (P11, W1, L10)

Milestones

• George Bower (Crusaders) — 100th Super Rugby cap
• Darcy Swain (Force) — 100th Super Rugby cap
• Anton Segner (Blues) — 50th Super Rugby cap
• Dylan Pietsch (Force) — 50th Super Rugby cap

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)