Super Rugby Pacific round six teams: Waratahs coach's plea to officials after Triston Reilly no-try admission

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has pleaded with the officials to take their time with crucial TMO decisions after Super Rugby Pacific admitted Triston Reilly's spectacular try should have stood on Saturday night.

McKellar has rejigged his back three for the crucial round six home clash with the Blues in Sydney.

Read on for all the round six team news.

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

Highlanders vs Hurricanes

FRI 20 MAR: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has welcomed the return of co-captain Hugh Renton for Friday's clash with the Hurricanes.

The No.8 has been sidelined since April last year after undergoing pelvis and groin surgery.

"As our co-captain and most experienced loose forward it's great to have Hugh back playing Super Rugby," Joseph said.

"He has worked extremely hard to come back from injury setbacks in recent seasons and it demonstrates his character, professionalism, and real passion for the club."

For the Hurricanes, Ruben Love will make his first start of the season after being named at No.10.

Love returned from an ankle injury to come off the bench against the Force last weekend.

His recall sees Callum Harkin shifted to fullback and Josh Moorby to the wing.

Halfback Ereatara Enari and utility Bailyn Sullivan are the only two backs on the bench for the competition leaders.

"With the type of game we think it's going to be, we've gone with a 6-2 split. They've been doing that bit, so we feel with a 6-2 split, we'll have plenty of energy through the whole game," Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.

New Zealand under-20s captain Vernon Bason is in line to make his debut after being named as the backup hooker.

"It's a big day for Vernon on the bench," Laidlaw said.

"We're really excited. He's a player who's come through our pathway, has been training with us for over a year, and is as ready as he's going to be to get out there and make his debut, so that's really exciting for him and his family."

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Oliver Haig, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, Lucas Casey, Hugh Renton (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Reesjan Pasitoa, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Tanielu Tele'a

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin

Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Bailyn Sullivan

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ACT Brumbies vs Chiefs

FRI 20 MAR: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Brumbies great James Slipper is set to make Super Rugby history in his record breaking 203rd appearance.

The prop was rested from the trip to Fiji last weekend but will start at loosehead prop against the Chiefs and break Wyatt Crockett's mark of 202 games.

"The way he carries himself and came back after his little spell was really inspiring," Brumbies teammate Blake Schoupp said.

"He hasn't had the easiest run, but what he's done is come back and continue to play at a high level. To see him break the record this week is just super impressive."

Meanwhile, Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson returns at No.8 after missing the win over Moana Pasifika with a hip injury.

"The Brumbies are a terrific side and the Force next week will be tough in Perth, so this is a good mini tour for us. If we get things right, it will help set us for the rest of the season," Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said.

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Darcy Breen, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, Hudson Creighton, Kadin Pritchard, Kye Oates, Andy Muirhead

Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Alatini, Toby Macpherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Austin Anderson

CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Proffit, Samisomi Taukei'aho, Reuben O'Neill, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Quinn Tupara, Daniel Rona, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Lalakai Foketi

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley

TMO: Brett Cronan

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Fijian Drua vs Queensland Reds

SAT 21 MAR: Churchill Park, Lautoka (2.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Reds coach Les Kiss has rolled the dice by handing Wallabies trio Carter Gordon, Fraser McReight and Zane Nonggorr the week off for a daunting trip to Fiji.

"It's part of the process of having regeneration weeks for players," Kiss said.

Gordon has scored three tries in the last two weeks as the Reds claimed thrilling derby wins over the Brumbies and Waratahs.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will lead the Reds in McReight's absence while Ben Volavola is set to make his debut off the bench.

"The Drua have had back-to-back wins at home in good fashion. They've certainly grown their game and we know they have dangerous players across the pitch. We expect a massive challenge," Kiss said.

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

Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Motikiai Murray, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Inia Tabuavoa

REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, John Bryant, Harry Wilson (c), Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Glenn Newman

Moana Pasifika vs Crusaders

SAT 21 MAR: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

Moana Pasifika have lost halfback Augustine Pulu but gained centre Julian Savea for their clash with the defending champions.

Pulu has has been suspended for three weeks for his high tackle on Blues rival Sam Nock last weekend.

Savea will play his first game of 2026 in the No.12 jersey after recovering from a groin injury.

For the Crusaders, Cooper Grant will make his debut at No.10 after Rob Penney's three top playmakers were ruled out.

Taha Kemara and Rivez Reihana are both unavailable due to concussion while James White has been wiped out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

"Cooper's got an opportunity and it's wonderful for him to step up," Penney said.

"He's got a very confident demeanour. He uses his voice really well and he's got an outstanding skill set. He's new to this level, but he's surrounded by experience and we're confident he'll have the right answers when the blowtorch comes on."

PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Niko Jones, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, William Havili

Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa

CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Cooper Grant, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan (c)

Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leciester Fainga'anuku, Kurtis Macdonald

Referee: Angus Mabey

Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter

TMO: Aaron Paterson

NSW Waratahs vs Blues

SAT 21 MAR: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Exciting youngster Sid Harvey will make his first Waratahs start at fullback against the Blues after incumbent James Hendren was ruled out with a broken wrist.

Former sevens star Harvey started on the left wing in the loss to the Reds.

The back three reshuffle also sees Max Jorgensen revert to the left wing instead of the right with Harry Potter promoted to wear No.14.

The out-of-favour Andrew Kellaway was ruled out of consideration with a cork.

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said he had moved on from the disappointment of the Triston Reilly no-try controversy.

"I've got a lot of respect for Ben O'Keeffe," McKellar said.

"Had a good chat to him during the week. He's been an outstanding referee for a long time, Ben, and we're all human beings. Unfortunately in the game that we play, rugby, it's pretty complex.

"Mistakes happen every now and then. They've been good enough to admit they got it wrong. From our end just disappointing that when we've got the technology - and this isn't on Ben or on any particular referee - if we've got the technology, I think we just need to take the time to make sure we get the decision right.

"And unfortunately on Saturday night that didn't occur."

WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Harry Potter, Sid Harvey

Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, George Poolman

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i (c), Malachi Wrampling, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Marcel Renata, Che Clarke, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Xavi Taele, Payton Spencer

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: Damon Muprhy, Jeremy Markey

TMO: James Leckie

BYE: Western Force