Super Rugby Pacific 2026: Exciting Round One Preview

Morgan Winslow

Published: February 12, 2026 5:18 PM ET

Super Rugby Pacific 2026: Exciting Round One Preview

The highly anticipated 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season is set to commence, with teams vying for the coveted title. As always, the Crusaders are the defending champions, having triumphed over the Chiefs in last year’s final. This season promises heightened competition with top talents like Jordie Barrett, Carter Gordon, and Harry Potter joining various squads.

Round One Match Previews

Highlanders vs. Crusaders

Kick-off: Friday, February 13, 5:05 PM AEDT at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.

Highlanders Starting XV: Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy (co-c), Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Debuts for Angus Ta’avao and Lucas Casey.

Crusaders Starting XV: Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki.
Leicester Fainga’anuku returns, and Codie Taylor is on the bench.

Statistics indicate that the Crusaders have won five out of their last six encounters against the Highlanders. The Highlanders aim to prevent a seven-game losing streak, their longest since 2021-22. The key player matchup features Caleb Tangitau against Leicester Fainga’anuku. Prediction: Crusaders by 12.

NSW Waratahs vs. Queensland Reds

Kick-off: Friday, February 13, 7:35 PM AEDT at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

Waratahs Starting XV: Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Harry Potter, James Hendren.
Matt Philip captains the side for the first time.

Reds Starting XV: Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell.
Fraser McReight leads the Reds, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips starting at flyhalf.

The Reds have a strong history against the Waratahs, winning eight of their last nine matchups. In their opening-round history, the Reds have a slight edge with a 4-3 record. The match will feature a critical clash between Matt Philip and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. Prediction: Waratahs by 2.

Fijian Drua vs. Moana Pasifika

Kick-off: Saturday, February 14, 2:35 PM AEDT at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Drua Starting XV: Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Kemu Valetini, Ponipate Loganimasi, Virimi Vakatawa, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Manasa Mataele, Ilaisa Droasese.
Temo Mayanavanua makes his debut, co-captaining alongside Frank Lomani.

Moana Pasifika Starting XV: Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Ngani Laumape, Lalomilo Lalomila, Tevita Ofa, William Havili.
William Havili reaches his 50th match milestone.

Historically, Moana Pasifika has struggled against the Drua. This matchup features a pivotal face-off between Ngani Laumape and Virimi Vakatawa. Prediction: Drua by 5.

Blues vs. Chiefs

Kick-off: Saturday, February 14, 5:05 PM AEDT at Eden Park, Auckland.

Blues Starting XV: Joshua Fusitu’a, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Dalton Papali’i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan.
Torian Barnes will debut, and Dalton Papali’i is the captain.

Chiefs Starting XV: Jared Proffit, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Kaylum Boshier, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Kyren Taumoefolau, Etene Nanai-Seturo.
Kyren Taumoefolau makes his debut, replacing Damian McKenzie.

The Chiefs will seek consecutive wins over the Blues for the first time since 2014. The upcoming encounter marks a major test for both teams. Prediction: Chiefs by 4.

Western Force vs. ACT Brumbies

Kick-off: Saturday, February 14, 7:35 PM AEDT at HBF Park, Perth.

Western Force Starting XV: Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams (c), Franco Molina, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Divad Palu, Mac Grealy.
Johnson-Holmes returns after a long absence, while Franco Molina and George Bridge debut.

Brumbies Starting XV: James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Rhys van Nek, 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.
Kadin Pritchard starts at inside centre in his debut.

The Brumbies boast a strong track record against the Force, winning seven of the last eight matchups. This game will see a key matchup between Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith, crucial for positioning in the league. Prediction: Brumbies by 3.