Super Rugby Pacific 2025 kicks off this week in what is still summer for most people.
It opens on Friday night with the Hurricanes travelling to Christchurch to take on the Crusaders (kick-off 7.05pm), and includes a replay of the 2024 final when the champion Blues host the Chiefs at Eden Park on Saturday (kick-off 7.05pm).
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The Hurricanes have won their last two Super Rugby Pacific games against the Crusaders – by margins of just one and four points, respectively.
The Crusaders had a disaster of the season in 2024 and have too many injuries to name inn their side for the opening round. Although the Canes are missing plenty of names in key positions too.
Crusaders vs Hurricanes, Appollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, Friday, February 14, 7.05pm
CRUSADERS: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili (captain), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
HURRICANES: Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-captain), Brad Shields (co-captain), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai
Highlanders vs NSW Waratahs, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Friday, February 14, 9.35pm NZT
The Highlanders have looked promising in build up matches, but the big worry would be depth if injuries hit the squad. Most interest will centred on the Waratahs on who is playing for them rather thn if the HIghlander can sneak a win in Sydney.
Co--captain Timoci Tavatavanawai has been huge in pre-season and is a dangerous player with ball in hand.
HIGHLANDERS: Sam Gilbert, Michael Manson, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie, Hugh Renton (co-captain), Sean Withy, Lui Naeata, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma'u, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Finn Hurley
Blues vs Chiefs, Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday, February 15, 7.05pm
Off-season recruits Brodie McAlister from the Crusaders and Leroy Carter from All Blacks Sevens have both been named to earn their first caps for the Chiefs.
The Blues have won seven of their last nine against the Chiefs what is a replay of last year's final. Their side is strong across the field and in reserves too.
BLUES: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Cameron Suafoa, Dalton Papali'i, Anton Segner, Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), Laghlan McWhannell, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Nathaniel Pole, Josh Fusitua, Angus Ta’avao, Che Clark, Adrian Choat, Fin Christie, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
CHIEFS: Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Luke Jacobson (captain), Kaylum Boshier, Simon Parker, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa
Moana Pasifika vs Western Force, 9.35pm, HBF Park, Perth, Saturday 15 February
Ardie Savea as captain is huge boost for the side, not only in his play but also reputation for the squad as well. Can he help the franchise pick up more wins than last season?
Manawatū tight-head prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou who will make his DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Moana Pasifika debut.
Four other players in the starting lineup will make their Moana Pasifika debut, including exciting hooker Millennium Sanerivi, dynamic playmaker Jackson Garden-Bachop, Samoa Olympic Sevens star Lalomilo Lalomilo and former NRL Tigers winger Solomon Alaimalo.
MOANA PASIFIKA: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Ardie Savea (captain), Sione Havili Talitui, Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Samuel Slade, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Millennium Sanerivi, James Lay. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Tupou Tailoa, Melani Matavao, Danny Toala