Super Rugby Pacific round five teams: Crusaders coach backs brawling forwards, Waratahs swing the axe

Crusaders coach Rob Penney has described a training scrap as "a really lovely sight to see" ahead of Saturday's South Island derby against the Highlanders in Christchurch.

And Waratahs boss Dan McKellar has opted for a selection shakeup after a heavy loss to the Hurricanes last weekend.

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

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

Hurricanes vs Western Force

FRI 13 MARCH: McLean Park, Napier (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

The Hurricanes have been boosted by the inclusion of All Blacks duo Tyrel Lomax and Ruben Love.

Both players are in line to make their first appearances of the season off the bench after overcoming their respective injuries.

Lomax returns following two Hurricanes Hunters outings in recent weeks, his first matches since breaking his thumb while on All Blacks duty last September, while Love is available after sustaining an ankle injury during a pre-season training camp in Palmerston North.

Lock Caleb Delany has also completed his return from a calf injury to make his first appearance of the year.

He partners Isaia Walker-Leawere in the second row.

"Having CD, Tyrel, and Ruben all back from their injuries really strengthens our squad and gives us fresh legs and impetus to play the game," Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.

"The Force, from a set piece perspective, certainly got us on alert around making sure we get that area of the game right, as well as trying to impose our game on them.

"We had a draw with them last year, went to golden point and weren't good enough to get across the line, so we know it's going to be a tough challenge. They've played well the last two weeks in New Zealand, so I'm sure they're looking forward to finishing strong against us in Napier."

Force coach Simon Cron has promoted Kurtley Beale to start at inside centre as one of five changes to his starting XV.

As expected, NRL recruit Zac Lomax is not part of the 23.

HURRICANES (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Jacob Devery, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Devan Flanders, Cam Roigard, Callum Harkin, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Jone Rova, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby

Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Warner Dearns, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Ruben Love, Riley Higgins

FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale, George Bridge, Darby Lancaster, Max Burey

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Lopeti Faifua, Nathan Hastie, Taj Annan, Hamish Stewart

Referee: Todd Petrie

Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Ben Woolerton

TMO: Glenn Newman

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Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies

SAT 14 MARCH: Four R Stadium, Ba (2.35pm kickoff AEDT)

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made a whopping nine changes to his starting side to play the Fijian Drua in Ba on Saturday.

Andy Muirhead will captain the side from fullback with regular skipper Ryan Lonergan named on the bench.

Rob Valetini returns to the team for his 100th cap but James Slipper will have to wait a week before playing his record-breaking 203rd match on home soil.

The Brumbies lost to the Queensland Reds last weekend.

"We learnt a lot from last week," Larkham said.

"Sometimes you take more out of a loss than a win. The chaos of that game gave our players some really good learnings around how to adapt and overcome challenges during a match.

"This week presents another opportunity for growth and to test ourselves once more in Fiji."

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isikeli Rabitu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Joji Nasova, Iliasia Droasese

Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Iosefo Namoce

BRUMBIES (1-15): Lington Ieli, Billy Pollard, Darcy Breen, Nick Frost, Toby Macpherson, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Kye Oates, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Hudson Creighton, Andy Muirhead (c)

Replacements: Liam Bowrn, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Lachie Shaw, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Austin Anderson

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Michael Winter

TMO: Aaron Paterson

Crusaders v Highlanders

SAT 14 MARCH: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

Crusaders coach Rob Penney has named Will Tucker on his bench after the lock got into a scrap with prop Kershawl Sykes-Martin at training.

New Zealand media reported that the pair exchanged punches during a feisty dust-up in Christchurch on Tuesday.

"So there should be," Penney said when asked if there was tension in the camp after the defeat to the Blues.

"It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren't happy with the performances and the outcomes.

"Very proud young men are going to come up against each other, and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time."

The defending champion Crusaders (1-2) are eighth on the ladder and lost to the Highlanders in round one.

CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan

Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Will Tucker, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Dallas McLeod

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Tomas Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy (co-c), Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele'a, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soana Viekna, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Oli Haig, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasiota

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey

TMO: James Leckie

Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs

SAT 14 MARCH: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Tim Ryan and Seru Uru have been selected in the Queensland Reds starting side for Saturday night's massive clash against the NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium.

In-form winger Ryan returns after a game off under time management-and-rotation protocols.

He replaces Lachie Anderson, who has started his recovery from a serious wrist injury sustained against the ACT Brumbies last weekend.

The experienced Uru will step up at lock for his first starting assignment of 2026 in place of the unavailable Josh Canham.

"We know how much our fans enjoy the Reds vs Waratahs rivalry and it will be great to see a big turnout," Reds coach Less Kiss said.

"It's no different for our players. This is a day on the calendar we look forward to.

"The Waratahs have got the better of us on the two occasions we have played them this season. We know the threats they will bring to the game. We have to be thorough in our preparation."

The Waratahs have made six changes to their starting line-up.

They include fly-half Jack Debreczeni and Narrabri-born wing Sid Harvey, who both make their first starts for the club, as does lock Angus Blyth against his old team.

Triston Reilly moves to outside centre to replace the injured Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii.

Head coach Dan McKellar is anticipating a much stronger Reds performance from the 36-12 defeat to the Waratahs in round one

"The Reds have certainly improved and we understand that when they were in Sydney a few weeks ago, they were down a couple of players," McKellar said.

"They'll be a far greater challenge at Suncorp at the weekend and we know that we need to be significantly better than we were at home last week.

"Triston was always an option to be back-up 13. He's a very, very good defender for us and his execution is excellent. Triston is a good bloke and a really popular member of the team. He just does his role and those players are so important.

"Sid was probably one of the shining lights from last Friday. He's just got this air of class about him, Sid, both as a footballer and as a human being. He's got time, he's very composed and doesn't get rattled."

REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Treyvon Pritchard

WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen, James Hendren

Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Miles Amatosero, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Harry Potter

Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert

TMO: Richard Kelly

Blues v Moana Pasifika

SUN 15 MARCH: Eden Park, Auckland (1.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Beauden Barrett has been named - officially - to start for the Blues.

Last week the veteran All Blacks playmaker was listed on the bench but had to quickly cloak himself in the No.10 jersey when Stephen Perofeta hurt his calf muscle in the warm-ups.

Barrett took the field against the Crusaders at Eden Park in Auckland and displayed some classy touches to guide the Blues to a well-deserved victory.

Perofeta wasn't considered because of his sore calf.

Halfback Finlay Christie sits out the game because of the All Blacks "rest'' policy.

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai, Cole Forbes

Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Laghlan McWhannell, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Pita Akhi, Zarn Sullivan

MOANA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, Tevita Ofa, William Havili

Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Monu Moli, Lolani Faleiva, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Joel Lam, Ngani Laumape, Tuna Tuitama

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Glenn Newman

BYE: CHIEFS