The all important top six in DHL Super Rugby Pacific is starting to take shape, with the competition now entering its penultimate weekend before the highly anticipated Super Round in Christchurch.
This weekend sees a second consecutive top of the table clash, with the Hurricanes traveling to Hamilton to face the Chiefs, while there’s another NZ derby on Friday night at Eden Park between the Blues and Highlanders.
On Australian soil, the NSW Waratahs host Moana Pasifika in a clash that could prove pivotal for both sides’ finals ambitions, while the ACT Brumbies take on the Fijian Drua in Canberra with plenty on the line as the race tightens. Rounding out the round, the Western Force welcome the Crusaders out west in a dangerous matchup that could shake up the ladder heading into the final push.
Here’s look at how the weekend will unfold:
Blues v Highlanders
Kick-off: Friday 17 April 7:05pm (NZT) 5:05PM (AEST)
Eden Park, Auckland
The Blues will be smarting after a loss to the Hurricanes last weekend, a result that saw them slip to third on the table. The good news is that they welcome back Patrick Tuipulotu for the first time in 2026, with the big lock now recovered from a shoulder injury. Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu return to the starting lineup too, however the Blues are missing Caleb Clarke and Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
“Having Patrick back is massive for us. He’s a leader who drives standards on and off the field. You can feel the lift in the group with him back out on the field,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has only made two changes to his team that narrowly lost to the Brumbies last weekend, bringing TK Howden onto the bench and giving Adam Lennox his first start of the season at halfback.
The Blues will be once again defending the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy for this match.
Waratahs v Moana Pasifika
Kick-off: Friday 17 April 9:35pm (NZT) 7:35pm (AEST)
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
It’s a star-studded affair on and off the field, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lined up to watch from a luxury box alongside Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh. Meanwhile, Moana have responded to this week’s news by naming a near full strength side, featuring the powerful loose forward trio of Miracle Faiilagi, Semisi Paea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar has named Angus Scott-Young at blindside for his first start of the season, otherwise it’s a settled team for what is a pretty important game to stay in touch with the top six.
Despite Moana’s position at the foot of the table, McKellar said that they present “a significant challenge”.
"They're big, powerful men, who have got the ability to be really dangerous off turnover ball and can go front door or they can go the back door.”
Hurricanes v Chiefs
Kick-off: Saturday 18 April 7:05pm (NZT) 5:05pm (AEST)
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
This is the big one, with all eyes on a stacked pair of teams with a ton of attacking intent. However, while the likes of Fehi Fineanganofo and Kyren Taumoefolau will be looking to add to their try hauls this season, this one will be won up front. Two very talented packs will battle it out, with Warner Dearns and Josh Lord in an intriguing match up at lock.
Elsewhere, the loose forward battle has only Devan Flanders as a non-All Black, and his form has been so good this year for the Hurricanes that may well change come July. The Chiefs are so stacked there Wallace Sititi is on the bench, while out in the backs Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie are both in great form.
“They have probably the strongest forward pack we've faced. They’re full of All Blacks, so we’re well aware of the threat they pose, but we’re confident in the way we’re playing,” said Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw.
The Chiefs can snatch the lead on the table with a bonus point win, however the first placed Hurricanes can give themselves a nice buffer of five points with a game in hand if they can achieve that result instead.
Brumbies v Fijian Drua
Kick-off: Saturday 18 April 9:35pm (NZT) 7:35pm (AEST)
GIO Stadium, Canberra
A win here for Brumbies could propel them to third, a place they will want to at least stay and ideally improve on as we head towards the play-offs. They will be feeling confident after a morale-boosting win in Dunedin last weekend, especially against a Drua side who has not won away from home so far this season.
The big news is that Wallaby fullback Tom Wright is back for the Brumbies, having recovered from a serious ACL tear, with flanker Luke Reimer the only other change to the run-on side.
“It’s a tough challenge for him coming back after so long out and starting but I think there’s benefits both ways, get him in there as soon as possible and not have to wait to come off the bench,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said of Wright.
“Just the leadership and the confidence that he gives to the rest of the playing group from the get-go of the game is going to be good for us.”
Western Force v Crusaders
Kick-off: Saturday 18 April 11:55pm (NZT) 9:55pm (AEST)
HBF Park, Perth
The Crusaders are looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Reds last weekend, however they will attempt it with a heavily rotated team. For the first time in a long time they head in with no incumbent All Blacks in the team, however they are still a formidable side to be led by Christian Lio-Willie for the first time.
Meanwhile, Zac Lomax has earned a start on the wing for the Force after an assured display under the high ball last weekend against the Drua. Other good news for the home side has Darcy Swain, Tom Robertson and Carlo Tizzano back.
It’s a big night for Harry Johnson-Holmes, who will bring up his 100th Super Rugby cap when he comes off the bench.
The Crusaders will be desperate to build some momentum before returning home for the opening of One NZ Stadium next weekend, where they will play the first match of Super Round, against the Waratahs.
“Every week’s important. Every point you get is critical. We’re there or thereabouts and we need to start building rhythm sooner rather than later,” said coach Rob Penney.
“We know what we’re capable of, now it’s about showing it.”