As we officially hit the halfway point of the tournament the competition for top spot has never been tighter, with the Queensland Reds sneaking their way to the summit last week as the Chiefs enjoyed the week off.
To open the round the table-toppers will clash in what could be a preview of the grand final, while the Waratahs are eyeing a big bounce back when they face Moana who smashed the Crusaders last week. Meanwhile, the Blues and Hurricanes face off in a Kiwi derby. There’s certainly plenty going on in Round 8.
Read on for all lineups, tips and injury updates.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, April 4
Chiefs vs. Queensland Reds
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Manaakia Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah-Kuoi, George Dyer, Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Reds: Heremaia Murray, Lachie Anderson, Dre Pakaho, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Jeffery Toomaga- Allen, Matt Faessler, Alex Hodgman. Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Xan Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jock Campbell.
Officials: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Angus Mabey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: It’s 1 vs. 2 in Hamilton, as the Reds try to repeat their 2023 heroics by upsetting the Chiefs on the road in New Plymouth. They also beat them in Brisbane last year, but have failed on their recent trips to Hamilton. The Queenslanders have Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson back in the pack, while Josh Canham forms a complementary second-row pairing with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto. The Chiefs should be fresh off the bye, and have stacked their bench for a late injection of energy up front. This game will tell us a lot about the Reds’ ability to go deep into the 2025 season. Chiefs by 3.
Top Fantasy pick:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.17, -13.5 $1.90; Reds $4.60, +13.5 $1.85
Saturday, April 5
Moana Pasifika vs. NSW Waratahs
North Harbour Stadium, Albany 12:05pm (AEDT)
Moana: William Havili, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine; Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Paea, Allan Craig, Sam Slade, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fini Inisi
Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Henry O’Donnell, Lalakai Foketi, Triston Reilly, Teddy Wilson; Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclair, Daniel Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Angus Bell. Replacements: Julian Heaven, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Joey Walton
Officials: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: You couldn’t have two sides coming into a game in more contrasting fashion. The Waratahs were woeful against the Hurricanes last week, while Moana produced the finest victory of their short history in upsetting the Crusaders. The Waratahs have made seven changes and will be hoping Ethan Dobbins has more luck at the lineout, while Taniela Tupou will be asked to inject some power from the bench. Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii moves back to fullback, while Andrew Kellaway shifts to the wing on his return. Moana are largely settled but also regain flyer Kyren Taumoefolau; they have however lost star back-rower Miracle Faiilagi. There is likely to be plenty of points in this one, but it’s hard to see the Waratahs bouncing back after last week’s poor showing. Pasifika by 5.
Top Fantasy pick:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Moana $1.80, -2.5 $2.05; Waratahs $1.95, +2.5 $1.70
Fijian Drua vs. Crusaders
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Drua: Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Longanimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani; Elia Canakaivata, Isoa Tuwai, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Corey Kellow, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Seb Calder, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummon, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua
Officials: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: Stunned by an enthusiastic Moana Pasifika, it doesn’t get any easier for the Crusaders in Fiji this week. Taha Kemara returns at No. 10 while Codie Taylor captains the side from hooker with David Havili still absent. The Drua should be fresh off the bye and can’t really afford another loss, particularly at home, if they’re to remain alive in the race for the finals. Drua by 10.
Top Fantasy pick:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Drua $2.60, +5.5 $1.87; Crusaders $1.46, -5.5 $1.87
Blues vs. Hurricanes
Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a. Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Xavi Taele, Stephen Perofeta
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jesen, Kini Naholo, Riley Hohepa, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asofa Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo.
Officials: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Mike Winter; TMO: Paul Williams
Prediction: There is at last some good news for the Blues, who have welcomed back Beauden Barrett after the star playmaker was sidelined by a broken hand. The Aucklanders had last week off to reset for 2025, with another home defeat likely to end their season, particularly given they are yet to leave New Zealand this season. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes appeared to turn a corner against the Waratahs last week, while skipper Du’Plessis Kirifi is in outstanding form. The Hurricanes are also desperate to reverse their loss to ythe Blues from earlier this year. Hurricanes by 10.
Top Fantasy pick:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues $1.55, -3.5 $1.87; Hurricanes $2.35, +3.5 $1.87
Western Force vs. Highlanders
HBF Park, Perth, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Force: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Caleb Tangitau, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson, Nathan Hastie; Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka (TK) Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson
Officials: Jordan Way; Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Graham Cooper; TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: This feels like a huge game for both teams, almost an eight-point finals dogfight, to borrow some footballing parlance. Both the Force and Highlanders were a tad unlucky to lose last week, the Kiwis in particular will have felt aggrieved at some of the refereeing, unfortunately from the same man who has the whistle this week. At home, the Force should feel confident, and they will be hoping to exert some scrum dominance just as the Reds and Brumbies did against the Highlanders in recent weeks. Carlo Tizzano is also just about the best player in Super Rugby Pacific right now. But this game will be no snack, and the Highlanders ability to get on the ball — providing they do it legally — means this will be a real battle to the final whistle. Force by 3.
Top Fantasy pick:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Force $1.58, -3.5 $1.87; Highlanders $2.30, +3.5 $1.87
Injury Ward
Brumbies
Lachlan Lonergan (return to play protocol, concussion, expected back Round 9), Kadin Pritchard (return to play protocol, concussion, expected back Round 9), Charlie Cale (lower back injury, timeline TBC), Ben O’Donnell (hamstring operation), Tevita Alatini (ACL), Harry Vella (ACL)
Blues
PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Ben Ake (shoulder), Beauden Barrett (hand), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ricky Riccitelli (chest), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (concussion), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), AJ Lam (leg).
Chiefs
Simon Parker (Knee, Short-term), Anton Lienert-Brown (Leg, Short-term), Josh Lord (Knee, Mid-term), Rameka Poihipi (Knee, Season), Kaleb Trask (Hamstring, Mid-term), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Hamstring, Long-term), Liam Coombes-Fabling (Knee, Mid-term), Fiti Sa, (Shoulder, Long-term), Wallace Sititi (Knee, Long-term), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Shoulder, Short-term)
Crusaders
Dom Gardiner (Hamstring/ 2 weeks) Johnny McNicholl (Hamstring/ 3-4 weeks) Kyle Preston (Rib/1-2 weeks) Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Knee/ 2 weeks) George Bell (Foot/season) Braydon Ennor (Hamstring/TBC) Finlay Brewis (Shoulder/season)
Fijian Drua
Selestino Ravutaumada (HIA), Epeli Momo (Knee)
Highlanders
Oliver Haig (Foot / 2 weeks ) Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ) Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 2-3 weeks) Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks) Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC) Nikora Broughton (Rib Injury / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks)
Hurricanes
Brett Cameron (Knee/season) Devan Flanders (Ankle/ Round 12) Tjay Clarke (Shoulder/ Round 11) Daniel Sinkinson (Hamstring/ Round 8) Riley Higgins (Hand/ Round 8) Harry Godfrey (Lower Leg/Round 11) Billy Proctor (Achilles/ TBC)
Moana Pasifika
Danny Toala (knee) James Lay (elbow) Julian Savea (knee) Kyren Taumoefolau (shoulder) Losi Filipo (shoulder) Lotu Inisi (hamstring) Michael Curry (shoulder injury) Samiuela Moli (hamstring) Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa (quad) Sione Havili Talitui (ankle)
NSW Waratahs
Max Jorgensen (ankle), Jake Gordon (medial ligament) Mahe Vailanu (broken arm) Triston Reilly (shoulder) Dave Porecki (calf) Fergus Lee-Warner (foot) Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
Queensland Reds
Jock Campbell, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Liam Wright
Western Force,
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee) Bayley Kuenzle (knee) Harry Hoopert (knee) Divad Palu (shoulder) Matt Proctor (shoulder) Papillon Sevele (knee)
Suspensions
Drua: Motikiai Murray (Round 9)
All odds correct at time of publication.
Source: espn.com