Super Rugby Pacific round seven teams: Waratahs rev up 'Ferrari' Suaalii in new position

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will return for the Waratahs on Friday night after spending a month on the sidelines with a lingering toe injury.

But NSW coach Dan McKellar has opted to use his prized "Ferrari" in a new position, switching him from fullback to outside centre to tackle the Hurricanes in Wellington.

"Understanding that he's only two weeks back into full training, we felt that playing him in the front line would reduce his overall running load while still ensuring he gets his hands on the ball and influences the game," McKellar explained.

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Max Jorgensen will start in the No.15 jersey instead with Andrew Kellaway getting the week off and Archie Saunders handed a Super Rugby Pacific debut on the left wing.

"Archie is a really coachable kid. He chases kicks hard, he's fast, powerful, and loves to compete," McKellar said of the 21-year-old from the Warringah Rats.

"He's been physical at training, and I couldn't be prouder of him and his family for this opportunity. When you expose young players, they need to be ready, and Arch has good players around him to support his debut."

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Read on for all the round seven Super Rugby Pacific teams!

Hurricanes vs NSW Waratahs

FRI 28 March: SKY Stadium, Wellington (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brayden Iose, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Riley Hohepa, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love

Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Jordi Viljoen, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Kade Banks

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Julian Heaven, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Darby Lancaster, Joey Walton (c), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Archie Saunders, Max Jorgensen

Replacements: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Lalakai Foketi

Referee: Damon Murphy

Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Jeremy Markey

TMO: Brett Cronan

ACT Brumbies vs Highlanders

FRI 28 March: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Harrison Goddard, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Cadeyrn Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma'u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert

Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Ajay Faleafaga, Tanielu Tele'a

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Kaminski

TMO: James Leckie

Crusaders vs Moana Pasifika

SAT 29 March: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Ioane Moananu, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Fletcher Anderson, Noah Hotham, James O'Connor, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Xavier Saifoloi, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Levi Aumua

PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Sam Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Paea, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili

Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Alamanda Motuga, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tuna Tuitama

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Jeremy Markey

TMO: Angus Mabey

Queensland Reds vs Western Force

SAT 29 March: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Richie Asiata, Massimo De Lutiis, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith (c), Seru Uru, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray

Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho

FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan Pasitoa

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw

TMO: Brett Cronan