Super Rugby round 15 teams: Why 'high risk' Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is on ice for must-win match; Chiefs boss urges fans to 'smuggle' banned item

The NSW Waratahs will again be without Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for the crucial clash with the ACT Brumbies in Sydney on Friday night.

And the chief executive of the Chiefs has called on the club's fans to smuggle a banned item into One New Zealand Stadium for the blockbuster against the Crusaders.

Read on for all the Super Rugby Pacific round 15 team news.

Watch the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport

Crusaders v Chiefs

FRI 22 MAY: One NZ Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

Crusaders star Will Jordan will return from injury for the sold-out grand final rematch against the Chiefs.

Jordan will start at fullback after recovering from a calf injury.

"He's one of the world's best. Having someone like that come back into your group is a real blessing, and the timing couldn't be better," Crusaders coach Rob Penney said.

The Chiefs will be without star playmaker Damian McKenzie, who suffered concussion in the 42-12 win over the Highlanders.

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Isaac Hutchinson will take his place at fullback but the feature of the Chiefs team release was the cheeky quotes from chief executive Simon Graafhuis, who is offering prizes to fans who smuggle their banned cowbells into One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

"We want to see your most creative smuggling efforts. Hidden in jackets, disguised as emotional support equipment, packed in children's lunchboxes," he said.

"Take a photo prior, tag Chiefs, Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific and myself and I'll find a unique prize for your efforts.

"Bonus points if your cowbell ends up in the hands of Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge – and even better if you get him to ring it."

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: Manumaua Leita, Jack Sexton, Seb Calder, Liam Jack, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Johnny McNicholl

CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Issac Hutchinson

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Daniel Rona

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Glen Newman

NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies

FRI 22 MAY: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will miss a second straight game with his problematic hamstring as the Waratahs host the Brumbies in a huge Friday night derby.

Suaalii was named to start at outside centre against the Fijian Drua but was scratched from the lineup before kickoff.

"He was a possibility. If it's a grand final, you'll probably roll him out," Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said.

"The travel has probably taken its toll. When he's sitting in economy class for a fair amount of time, a long travel day off the back of playing in Dunedin as well, that's probably played a role in where he's at.

"But he ran this morning (Wednesday) and we're hopeful that he'll turn around quickly. Certainly there's been no re-tear or incident, it's just not quite right. If he's a tighthead prop, you can probably get away with it, but when you're the athlete that he is, it would be high risk."

Triston Reilly will continue in the No.13 jersey instead, while McKellar has stuck with young halves Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen after the upset win in Suva.

"Everyone at this club knows that this is a big game and an important week," McKellar said.

"We've spoken in the past about how some games are just different, the Waratahs against the Brumbies is one of those weeks on any given week, but certainly when we're both chasing the same prize, it adds to that, which is great.

"So hopefully there's a good crowd there on Friday night and there's plenty of interest around the game.

"The retention of the starting line-up comes down to performance. A lot of guys who have got an opportunity in Suva have had to be really patient and chip away, play Shute Shield and train in the non-23 group. When you give players an opportunity, you just want them to take it. I thought a number of guys did that last weekend."

WARATAHS (1-15): Jack Barrett, Ioane Moananu, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen

Replacements: Oniti Finau, Isaac Kailea, Apolosi Ranawai, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Michael McDonald, Jack Debreczeni, Joey Walton

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Toby Macpherson, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright

Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Andy Muirhead

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Warwick Lahmert

TMO: Richard Kelly

Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds

SAT 23 MAY: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (2.35pm kickoff AEST)

Reds halfback Tate McDermott will make his first Super Rugby appearance of the season after eight months out with a nasty injury.

McDermott had surgery to have his hamstring reattached to his pelvis after the Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park last year.

The 27-year-old Wallabies star played 40 minutes of club rugby for the University of Queensland last weekend and replaces Louis Werchon in the starting lineup.

Fraser McReight is also back as captain and openside flanker after being rested in the loss to the Western Force last weekend.

"Obviously, it's brilliant to have Tate back. His leadership from the sidelines has been fantastic for us and he now gets out there to help Fraser on the park," Reds coach Les Kiss said.

"Sharp, keen, energetic, busy... Tate has been all of those things at training and he comes in to start. Kalani (Thomas) and Louis have really stepped up at halfback for us this season. We've grown in that position and they will continue to make valuable impact.

"Josh Canham is back at lock with Seru (Uru) now on the bench. Hamish Muller was our players' player last weekend so his teammates recognised his quality."

MOANA (1-15): Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Allan Craig, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota, William Havili

Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama

REDS (1-15): George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Treyvon Pritchard, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Lachie Anderson

Referee: Reuben Keane

Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Louis Trisley

TMO: Brett Cronan

Hurricanes v Highlanders

SAT 23 MAY: Hnry Stadium, Wellington (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

The Hurricanes have made six changes and a positional switch to their team to face the Highlanders in Wellington on Saturday.

Co-captain Jordie Barrett starts at inside centre, pairing with Bailyn Sullivan for the first time since the season-opening win over Moana Pasifika in February.

Tom Allen is in line to make his first Super Rugby appearance with the 21-year-old Hawke's Bay lock one of five new faces on the bench alongside co-captain Du'Plessis Kirifi – back from a minor knee injury.

"Tom got a huge reception at the team meeting. The boys are super excited for him," Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.

"He's been training and toiling away for the past couple of years without getting an opportunity, so we're proud of him and the work and patience and resilience that he's showed. When he gets on the field, we can't wait to welcome him to the club."

Laidlaw has rested winger Fehi Fineanganofo, who will now have to wait to until the final game of the regular season to get an opportunity to score the most tries in a Super Rugby season.

He is equal with Joe Roff and Ben Lam on 16.

For the Highlanders, Xavier Tito-Harris has replaced the injured Caleb Tangitau on the right wing.

"The Hurricanes play with real speed and ambition, and we respect that," Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said.

"But we're clear on who we are and what we want to bring. This team has worked hard, they're connected, and they're hungry to put in a performance our people can be proud of."

HURRICANES (1-15): Siale Lauaki, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Eretara Enari, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (c), Bailyn Sullivan, Ngane Punivai, Josh Moorby

Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Allen, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Jordi Viljoen, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Tomás Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nic Shearer, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jona Nareki, Xavier Tito-Harris, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Stanley Solomon, Meihana Grindlay

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan

TMO: Graham Cooper

Western Force v Fijian Drua

SAT 23 MAY: HBF Park, Perth (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

The Western Force have added Bayley Kuenzle to their starting XV and Boston Fakafanua is in line for his debut for the clash with the Fijian Drua.

Kuenzle comes into the starting side at outside-centre for his ninth start of the campaign.

George Bridge is out with soreness, having played the most minutes of any Force player this season.

Force academy graduate Fakafanua is on the bench for what is a must-win game for the club.

"We've got to take it one game at a time," Force captain Jeremy Williams said.

"We put ourselves in this position where it's do-or-die. One game could be the last. We've got to walk towards that. We've just got to walk towards it and do everything in our power to make the odds in our favour. Everyone's pumped."

FORCE (1-15): Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vailoni Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa'agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Boston Fakafanua, Kurtley Beale

DRUA (1-15): Meli Tuni, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Kemu Valetini, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu

Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Iosefo Namoce

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter

TMO: Aaron Paterson

BYE: BLUES