'It's exciting to be back': Wallabies skipper returns for Reds as Taniela Tupou earns coach's praise

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson will make a timely return for the Queensland Reds when they host the Hurricanes on Friday night.

And enigmatic prop Taniela Tupou has been reinstated to the NSW Waratahs starting lineup for the away clash with the Western Force.

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

Watch all the action from the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia on Stan Sport, the only place to watch every match live and on demand

Crusaders v Highlanders

FRI 23 MAY: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

The Crusaders have been boosted by the returns of Test stars Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor for the opening round 15 clash.

Barrett and Taylor both missed the 48-33 win over the Waratahs in Sydney which kept the club's hopes of winning the minor premiership alive.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has named Taniela Filimone on the left wing in place of the injured Jona Nareki.

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Kershawl Skyes-Martih, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl

Replacements: George Bell, Lewis Ponini, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Saula Ma'u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Taniela Filimone, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele'a, Jonah Lowe, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Referee: Todd Petrie

Assistant Referees: Ben O'Keeffe, Jackson Henshaw

TMO: Richard Kelly

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Queensland Reds v Hurricanes

FRI 23 MAY: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

Reds No.8 and Test captain Harry Wilson will return to Super Rugby after missing the last five weeks with a broken arm.

"It's exciting to be back and ready to get into it again," Wilson said.

"For the Reds and Canes, there is a lot to play for on Friday night because top four is where you want to be entering finals.

"The Canes have one of the best performing backrows in the comp. That's something we have always prided ourselves on at the Reds as well."

REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Paheko, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Trevor King, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallgher, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor (co-c), Daniel Sinkinson, Callum Harkin

Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Bailyn Sullivan

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter

TMO: Brett Cronan

NEW PODCAST! The Between Two Posts crew hail the Brumbies and Ardie Savea and unpack another ugly Waratahs performance

Chiefs v Moana Pasifika

SAT 24 MAY: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

Moana Pasifika have been boosted by the return of Solomon Alaimalo as they chase a maiden spot in the Super Rugby playoffs.

Alaimalo has been sidelined by a foot injury but will start on the left wing in Hamilton.

The Chiefs have named an unchanged team for the first time since the 2023 final.

CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O'Neill, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling

PASIFIKA (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Tevita Ofa

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Jackson Garden-Bachop

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Richard Kelly

Western Force v NSW Waratahs

SAT 24 MAY: HBF Park, Perth (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

Taniela Tupou returns to the Waratahs starting side in place of Daniel Botha after some encouraging performances from the bench.

"His last two weeks have produced good signs, both at set piece and with his movement and speed," NSW coach Dan McKellar said.

"We're starting to see signs of the old Nella, which is really encouraging."

FORCE (1-15): Fatongia Paea, 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, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Kurtley Beale

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Lawson Creighton

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Graham Cooper

TMO: Brett Cronan