Super Rugby Pacific round seven teams: Zac Lomax made to wait for Force debut, James Slipper hits 100

Western Force coach Simon Cron has resisted the temptation to rush star NRL signing Zac Lomax into the Super Rugby Pacific fray.

Cron has not included Lomax in his matchday 23 for Saturday night's crucial home game against the Chiefs in Perth.

Read on for all the round seven team news.

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

Moana Pasifika v Highlanders

FRI 27 MAR: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

Tana Umaga insists he will pour everything he's got into Moana Pasifika before he takes on a new role with the All Blacks.

Moana boss Umaga was appointed on Tuesday as the new All Blacks defence coach under Dave Rennie at the end of the Super Rugby season.

"I've got to make sure that I do well with Moana Pasifika and respect the time that I've got here," the ex-All Blacks captain said.

"I'll apply the same things I learned when I was an All Black in terms of 'am I going to leave Moana in a better place?'

"I'm here until the end of the season and we've still got things we want to achieve before then."

Meanwhile, Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has picked halfback Nic Shearer to make his debut.

"Nic has shown good form in the development team games and played with some real spark that we want him to bring to our game. I'm sure he will adapt well to Super Rugby," Joseph said.

"They are a big, physical side that play a direct style of game, and we will need to meet that challenge."

MOANA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae Ta'ufo'ou, Veikoso Poloniati, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Niko Jones, Dominic Ropeti, Joel Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Glen Vaihu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Ola Tauelangi, Siaosi Nginingini, Patrick Pellegrini, Tevita Ofa

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Oliver Haig, Tomas Lavanini, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nic Shearer, Reesjan Pasitoa, Jona Nareki, Tanielu Tele'a, Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c)

Referee: Damon Murphy

Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey

TMO: Brett Cronan

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ACT Brumbies v NSW Waratahs

FRI 27 MAR: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Another week, another major milestone for James Slipper, who will play his 100th game for the ACT Brumbies against the NSW Waratahs on Friday night.

The Brumbies are riding a wave of positivity after last weekend's thrilling comeback win over the Chiefs in Canberra.

Slipper broke Wyatt Crockett's record of 202 Super Rugby games in that match.

The prop played 104 games for the Queensland Reds before moving to the capital.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has welcomed David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford and Lachie Shaw back from injury and illness, with the trio replacing Hudson Creighton, Kye Oates and Nick Frost respectively.

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has made just one change, with Andrew Kellaway replacing the injured Harry Potter on the right wing.

"There'll be no surprises down there. It's going to be a pretty cool Friday evening at GIO Stadium and so there'll be a bit of dew around," McKellar said.

"They'll come hard at the breakdown, as they always do. You've got to be nice and physical down there and you've got to be accurate, while discipline's going to be really important.

"We've just got to roll our sleeves up and be hungry for what's going to be a physical contest. We were happy with our attack on the weekend and in particular how our centres and back three performed. There is an opening there on the wing and Kells was a natural selection for us there."

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Darcy Breen, Lachie Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead

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

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, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Sid Harvey

Replacements: Folau Fainga'a, Jack Barrett, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan

TMO: Graham Cooper

NEW PODCAST! Corey Toole steals a fairytale Brumbies win, the Reds make history in Fiji and the Waratahs fluff their lines again

Hurricanes v Queensland Reds

SAT 28 MAR: Hnry Stadium, Wellington (2.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has recalled Tyrel Lomax into his starting lineup to play the Queensland Reds after the All Blacks prop recovered from an ankle injury.

Lomax replaces Pasilio Tosi at tighthead prop while fullback Callum Harkin has been ruled out with concussion.

Josh Moorby will wear the No.15 jersey instead with Bailyn Sullivan promoted to start on the right wing.

"We're really looking forward to playing a top-quality side in the Reds, who have won four games on the bounce," Laidlaw said.

"To win in Fiji, as they did last week, and to beat the Brumbies in Canberra is no mean feat, as we know.

"They're off to a really good start to their season, so we're expecting our hardest game of the block. We had a tight game last year over in Brisbane, and we don't expect it to be any different this week."

The Reds, meanwhile, welcome back captain Fraser McReight after the flanker was rested for the trip to Fiji.

Carter Gordon has been ruled out with a "minor leg issue" but Tom Lynagh is set to make his first appearance of the season.

Lynagh has been chosen on the bench with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips again wearing the No.10 jersey.

"This presents the toughest game in the competition to date - playing the Hurricanes at the 'Cake Tin' in Wellington," Reds coach Les Kiss said.

"The Hurricanes' form has been imperious with their blend of forward power and backline skills run by their halves Cam Roigard and Ruben Love. We've built confidence over our last four matches, for sure. It has shown the results of playing our game and building on what we do well."

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby

Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova

REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, 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, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Treyvon Pritchard

Referee: Angus Mabey

Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter

TMO: Aaron Paterson

Blues v Fijian Drua

SAT 28 MAR: Eden Park, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)

Payton Spencer, the son of All Blacks legend Carlos, will make his first start for the Blues against the Fijian Drua at Eden Park.

Spencer made his debut off the bench in last Saturday's 35-20 win over the Waratahs in Sydney.

But he will wear No.15 this week in place of Zarn Sullivan, who is unavailable because of concussion.

All Blacks flanker Dalton Papali'i misses this weekend because of a back injury and lock Sam Darry assumes the captaincy.

"We've had a few disruptions after the win over Waratahs, particularly losing Dalton and Zarn, but it's a chance for others to step in and make the most of their opportunity," Blues coach Vern Cotter said.

"The Drua are a dangerous side when you give them space. They play with a lot of flair and confidence, so for us it's about being accurate, controlling the tempo and making good decisions under pressure."

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry (c), Torian Barnes, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Payton Spencer

Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Che Clark, Jed Melvin, Finlay Christie, Xaci Taele, Codemeru Vai

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Kemu Valetini, Ponipate Loganimasi, Iosefo Namoce, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Epeli Momo, Iliasia Droasese

Replacements: Mesulame Dolokolo, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Virimi Vakatawa

Referee: Reuben Keane

Assistant Referees: Nic Berry, Jordan Way

TMO: Brett Cronin

Western Force v Chiefs

SAT 28 MAR: HBF Park, Perth (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)

Western Force coach Simon Cron is taking an understandably patient approach with Zac Lomax, electing to leave the code-hopper out of his 23 to play the Chiefs.

Lomax has not played rugby since he was 15 but hopes to force his way into the Wallabies for next year's home World Cup.

"It's a tough one, it's just sort of day by day, and I've been out of the game for a period of time and I've learned as much as I can each day," Lomax said before the team was announced.

"And also the last (NRL) game I played was the start of September so it's been five or six months and I'm just trying to get the legs back underneath me while at the same time not wanting to go out there and do a soft tissue injury, to put me out for a period of time.

"I'm playing it day by day but hopefully will get out there sooner rather than later. I'm not exactly sure when Cronny's thinking.

"It's just too hard to speculate and say, 'This is when I will be on' or not, but for me, I want to play yesterday... and even just be a part of some team training. I haven't been part of it for a period of time.

"I guess I'll be going underdone a fair bit and trying to close the gap the best I can."

For the Chiefs, Leroy Carter will run out in the unfamiliar centre's jersey, while Brodie McAlister will start at hooker for the first time this year.

Damian McKenzie has been moved to fullback with Josh Jacomb taking his place at No.10.

"This is still a very experienced and strong side that reflects the depth we have in the squad," Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said.

"We don't take the Force lightly, especially on their home patch and after the loss to the Brumbies last week it's important we get the little things right on Saturday."

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

Replacements: Leonel Oviedo, Sef Fa'agase, Misinale Epenisa, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Hamish Stewart, Divad Palu

CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Proffit, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Quinn Tuapea, Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Sione Ahio, Fiti Sa, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Brown, Kyren Taumoefolau

Referee: Marcus Playle

Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Ben O'Keeffe

TMO: Glenn Newman

BYE: CRUSADERS