The regular season closes with the battle for third place unresolved. The Crusaders can leapfrog the Blues by beating a weakened Hurricanes side on Friday night, which would leave Vern Cotter’s men needing a result against the Chiefs in Hamilton to avoid surrendering a home qualifying final.

The standings heading into the weekend: Hurricanes 55 points, Chiefs 46, Blues 38, Crusaders 36, Brumbies 33, Reds 32. Third place is the last position guaranteeing a home qualifying final, and three teams are still in contention. The Blues hold it, but their two-match losing streak – defeats to the Crusaders and Hurricanes – has left the door open.

Five matches across Friday and Saturday close the round-robin. The Crusaders host the Hurricanes in Christchurch, the Reds face the Drua in Brisbane, the Brumbies take on Moana Pasifika in Canberra, the Chiefs meet the Blues in Hamilton, and the Force host the Waratahs in Perth. The Highlanders have the bye, their season over.

Friday 29 May

Crusaders v Hurricanes

One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch – 7:05pm NZST / 5:05pm AEST

The Crusaders need a win to move above the Blues into third and secure a home qualifying final – potentially against those same Blues. Rob Penney’s side have built momentum at the right time, including a come-from-behind victory over the Chiefs last weekend, but the week brought bad news off the field. All Blacks captain Scott Barrett requires back surgery and is out for 3–5 months, while fullback Will Jordan has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a calf injury. Leicester Fainga’anuku has been rested, and Ethan Blackadder was a late withdrawal, with Johnny Lee starting at openside and Oli Mathis joining the bench.

Johnny McNicholl steps in at fullback. Wing Sevu Reece will make his 100th appearance for the franchise. “Honestly, I just can’t find the words for it,” Reece said. “This whole week I’ve been looking back to that Fijian kid who first came down to Christchurch just to train as injury cover.” Former New Zealand Under-20s centre Cooper Roberts is in line for a debut off the bench. “I’ve never played in front of that many people before, so it’s going to be pretty cool,” Roberts said. Penney kept things simple: “We’ve got a season to finish off here. That’s the focus.”

The Hurricanes have already wrapped up top spot and made sweeping changes. Jordie Barrett (hamstring), Ruben Love, Billy Proctor, Peter Lakai, Asafo Aumua, Warner Dearns and Fehi Fineanganofo (hamstring) are all absent. But two All Blacks return from injury: halfback Cam Roigard starts after missing three matches with a calf problem, while tighthead Tyrel Lomax is back after two months out with an ankle injury. Cooper Flanders makes his Super Rugby Pacific debut at openside, Taniela Filimone earns his first start on the wing, and Brad Shields captains the side.

Roigard said he could have played last week but the coaching staff held him back. “I feel like it’s probably a blessing in disguise getting a few weeks to get the body right and get fizzling for knockout footy,” he said. On the pressure falling on the Crusaders, he added: “We want to keep playing better. There’s no reason why we can’t win on the weekend.” Coach Clark Laidlaw said: “We’ve got plenty to play for. We’ve got proud men.”

The halfback contest between Roigard and Noah Hotham – New Zealand’s two leading nines – is the fixture’s headline match-up. The Crusaders have won their last two when trailing at half-time and have never lost a home play-off (32 from 32). Laidlaw acknowledged the atmosphere, saying: “We’ve had a taste of their stadium through Super Round, so to go back is nothing new for us as a team.”

Teams:

Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Dallas McLeod, 12 David Havili (c), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Johnny Lee, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Letiu, 17 Finlay Brewis, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Liam Jack, 20 Oli Mathis, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Taha Kemara, 23 Cooper Roberts.

Hurricanes: 15 Josh Moorby, 14 Taniela Filimone, 13 Josh Timu, 12 Jone Rova, 11 Kini Naholo, 10 Callum Harkin, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Arese Poliko, 7 Cooper Flanders, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 4 Hugo Plummer, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Raymond Tuputupu, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Tom Allen, 20 Matolu Petaia, 21 Jordi Viljoen, 22 Lucas Cashmore, 23 Bailyn Sullivan.

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

Unavailable – Crusaders: Scott Barrett (back – surgery, 3–5 months), Will Jordan (calf – season), Leicester Fainga’anuku (rested), Ethan Blackadder (late withdrawal), George Bell (injured), Cullen Grace (injured), Braydon Ennor (injured).

Unavailable – Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett (hamstring – expected back for play-offs), Ruben Love (rested), Billy Proctor (rested), Peter Lakai (rested), Asafo Aumua (rested), Warner Dearns (rested), Du’Plessis Kirifi (shoulder – week-to-week), Fehi Fineanganofo (hamstring – expected to miss first play-off round).

Queensland Reds v Fijian Drua

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – 7:35pm AEST

The Reds can climb as high as fourth with a bonus-point win and favourable results elsewhere. They nearly gave up a commanding lead to Moana Pasifika last weekend and will want a cleaner performance. Les Kiss warned against complacency: “The Fijian Drua are a dangerous proposition. We are not in control of the permutations for the finals so all our focus is on addressing this game and getting the win.”

Prop Aidan Ross and inside centre Hunter Paisami both return from injury, while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is back in the second row after the birth of his child. Treyvon Pritchard switches from wing to fullback, with Lachie Anderson returning to the right wing.

For the Drua, hooker Zuriel Togiatama marks his 50th appearance for the franchise. Captain Temo Mayanavanua leads from lock, while openside Kitione Salawa will look to repeat the breakdown performance that nearly derailed the Force last weekend. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula returns at fullback. The Drua have won just one of their last 16 matches in Australia and the Reds have never lost to them at Suncorp, where their 52–7 round 14 victory was the largest margin in the fixture’s history.

The key contest: Salawa against Fraser McReight at the breakdown.

Teams:

Reds: 15 Treyvon Pritchard, 14 Lachie Anderson, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 6 Seru Uru, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Zane Nonggorr, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Vaiuta Latu, 20 Joe Brial, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Filipo Daugunu.

Fijian Drua: 15 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 14 Manasa Mataele, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Taniela Rakuro, 10 Kemu Valetini, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Vilive Miramira, 5 Temo Mayanavanua (c), 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Meli Tuni.
Replacements: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Joseva Tamani, 20 Etonia Waqa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Simione Kuruvoli, 23 Virimi Vakatawa.

Referee: James Doleman. Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Dan Moore. TMO: Glen Newman.

Saturday 30 May

ACT Brumbies v Moana Pasifika

GIO Stadium, Canberra – 2:35pm AEST / 4:35pm NZST

This is almost certainly Moana Pasifika’s final Super Rugby match. Winless in 2026 and on a 12-game losing streak, their departure from the competition has been confirmed in all but name. Coach Tana Umaga was direct: “We’ve got nothing to lose, you never know what you might see out there, it makes it enjoyable for us to turn up to work each day in a tough time.” He added: “We’re not going over there just to make up some numbers.”

For the Brumbies, a bonus-point win keeps alive their slim hopes of a top-three finish. They sit five points behind the Blues and need the Crusaders to lose on Friday night to have any realistic chance. The return of Charlie Cale at No. 8 is the selection headline. Cale scored nine tries in seven matches before a shoulder injury, and he rejoins Rob Valetini and Rory Scott in the back row. Coach Stephen Larkham said: “We’ve certainly got to focus on trying to win this weekend. We’ve picked a team that reflects that. We’re not resting players.” Kadin Pritchard is out with a hamstring injury; Hudson Creighton starts at outside centre with Jarrah McLeod added to the bench.

The Brumbies have won their last three against Moana Pasifika and scored 60-plus in each of their last two home meetings. Moana’s captain Miracle Faiilagi is reportedly heading to Japan, while No. 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa has been one of the few consistent performers in a difficult season. A 13th straight defeat would equal Moana Pasifika’s longest losing run.

Teams:

Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Hudson Creighton, 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 Lachlan Shaw, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Rhys van Nek, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Klayton Thorn, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Jarrah McLeod.

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Israel Leota, 13 Solomon Alaimalo, 12 Faletoi Peni, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 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 Paula Latu, 19 Alefosio Aho, 20 Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Tevita Latu, 23 Tuna Tuitama.

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

Unavailable – Brumbies: Kadin Pritchard (hamstring).

Unavailable – Moana Pasifika: Jimmy Tupou (likely season done), Jonathan Taumateine (likely season done), Julian Savea (likely season done), Lalomilo Lalomilo (likely season done), Monu Moli (likely season done), Ngani Laumape (likely season done).

Chiefs v Blues

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton – 7:05pm NZST / 5:05pm AEST

The match of the round. The Blues need to win to guarantee third place and a home qualifying final at Eden Park. A loss, combined with a Crusaders win on Friday night, would drop them to fourth and potentially send them to Christchurch – where the Crusaders have never lost a play-off match.

The Chiefs have second place secured and have rested heavily. Luke Jacobson, Quinn Tupaea and Tupou Vaa’i are all out, while Damian McKenzie remains sidelined with concussion. Wallace Sititi captains the side for the first time. “It’s a huge honour to captain the Gallagher Chiefs against the Blues and I want to thank the coaches, my family and the Lord for this opportunity,” Sititi said. “Derbies are always big games and this week is no different.” Cortez Ratima starts at halfback with Josh Jacomb at first five-eighth, and Reon Paul and Daniel Rona pair in midfield. Coach Jono Gibbes said: “We’ve earned the right to manage the team how we want to thanks to the efforts of everyone through the season.”

The Blues are without Beauden Barrett (quad strain) – arguably not the worst outcome given his recent form. Stephen Perofeta starts at first five-eighth. Patrick Tuipulotu (neck), Bradley Slater (concussion) and Dalton Papali’i (broken jaw) are also absent. Anton Segner captains the side for the first time at blindside flanker. Josh Beehre returns from a back injury at lock, while loosehead Joshua Fusitu’a is back on the bench after missing since the opening rounds with a torn bicep. Eli Oudenryn is in line for a debut off the bench.

“We know what’s on the line heading into Hamilton and we’re excited by the opportunity,” Cotter said. “The Chiefs are a quality side and playing them away is always a huge challenge.” Segner added: “We love playing in front of our fans. It’s obviously one of the main motivations we have for this week is getting to play another game at Eden Park.”

Blues chief executive Karl Budge put the financial stakes in clear terms: a home play-off against the Crusaders would net “multiples of six figures” and attract a crowd above 20,000. “If we don’t [win], we might have to play a very good Crusaders team in Canterbury,” Budge said. “Not too many people from finals’ football have come away with an outcome.”

The Chiefs have won three straight regular-season meetings with the Blues, though the last two at FMG Stadium Waikato have been decided by a point. The Blues have lost their last two New Zealand derbies; a third would be their longest such streak since 2019–2020. The Segner–Sititi back-row contest has All Blacks implications.

Teams:

Chiefs: 15 Liam Coombes-Fabling, 14 Daniel Sinkinson, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Reon Paul, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi (c), 7 Jahrome Brown, 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Josh Lord, 4 Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 George Dyer, 2 Tyrone Thompson, 1 Jared Proffit.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Benet Kumeroa, 18 Keran van Staden, 19 Fiti Sa, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23 Lalakai Foketi.

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 AJ Lam, 13 Xavi Taele, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Sam Nock, 8 Malachi Wrampling, 7 Anton Segner (c), 6 Torian Barnes, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Beehre, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 James Mullan, 1 Mason Tupaea.
Replacements: 16 Eli Oudenryn, 17 Joshua Fusitu’a, 18 Flyn Yates, 19 Laghlan McWhannell, 20 Hoskins Sotutu, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Corey Evans, 23 Codemeru Vai.

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

Unavailable – Chiefs: Luke Jacobson (rested), Quinn Tupaea (rested), Tupou Vaa’i (rested), Damian McKenzie (concussion – hopeful for play-offs), Xavier Roe (hamstring – return unclear), Leroy Carter (hopeful for play-offs), Emoni Narawa (return unclear), Etene Nanai-Seturo (return unclear).

Unavailable – Blues: Beauden Barrett (quad strain), Patrick Tuipulotu (neck), Bradley Slater (concussion), Dalton Papali’i (broken jaw), Taufa Funaki (injured).

Western Force v NSW Waratahs

HBF Park, Perth – 5:35pm AWST / 7:35pm AEST

Nothing rides on this match beyond pride and Wallabies auditions, with Joe Schmidt’s July Test squad announcement approaching. Both sides missed the play-offs and will want to end disappointing seasons with a win.

The Force welcome back fly-half Ben Donaldson from a three-week quad injury absence and outside centre George Bridge. Captain Jeremy Williams leads a pack featuring Darcy Swain and breakdown specialist Carlo Tizzano.

The Waratahs make six changes. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns from a hamstring injury to start in midfield, alongside Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, Pete Samu and Joey Walton. Jamie Adamson replaces the injured Charlie Gamble at openside. Coach Dan McKellar said: “We want to finish the season well and make sure that we’ve got momentum at the back end of this year. It’s incredibly disappointing not to be playing finals.” On Suaalii, McKellar added: “I think he’s been disappointed that he hasn’t been able to string games together during his time at the club so far.”

The Force are chasing multiple wins over the Waratahs in a season for the first time in combined Super Rugby since 2015. The Waratahs have won two of their last three at HBF Park and are seeking back-to-back away victories for the first time since May 2022.

Teams:

Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Zac Lomax, 13 George Bridge, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Nathan Hastie, 8 Vailoni Ekuasi, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Jeremy Williams (c), 3 Misinale Epenisa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Harry Johnson-Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Sef Fa’agase, 19 Franco Molina, 20 Will Harris, 21 Agustin Moyano, 22 Boston Fakafanua, 23 Kurtley Beale.

Waratahs: 15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Harry Potter, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Andrew Kellaway, 10 Jack Bowen, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Jamie Adamson, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Miles Amatosero, 4 Matt Philip (c), 3 Dan Botha, 2 Ioane Moananu, 1 Jack Barrett.
Replacements: 16 Oniti Finau, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Apolosi Ranawai, 19 Ben Grant, 20 Clem Halaholo, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Triston Reilly.

Referee: Marcus Playle. Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Warwick Lahmert. TMO: Ollie Kellett.

BYE: Highlanders

Super Rugby Pacific debuts

Cooper Flanders (Hurricanes – openside flanker, starting debut)
Taniela Filimone (Hurricanes – wing, starting debut)
Cooper Roberts (Crusaders – centre, bench debut)
Eli Oudenryn (Blues – hooker, bench debut)

Milestones

Sevu Reece (Crusaders) – 100th Super Rugby Pacific appearance
Zuriel Togiatama (Fijian Drua) – 50th appearance

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)