Super Rugby Pacific 2025: Teams, Suaalii at Centre & Key Returns Revealed

The 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season is set to kick off this Friday with a series of compelling matchups, showcasing both established stars and emerging talent. Among the key storylines is Joseph Suaalii’s shift to outside centre for the Waratahs, a position he’s proven effective in for the Wallabies, while the Blues welcome back Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Stephen Perofeta from lengthy injury absences.

Friday’s Fixtures

The action begins in Dunedin, where the Highlanders will host the defending champions, the Crusaders. The Highlanders will field a team featuring Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens at fullback and a co-captaincy shared by Timoci Tavatavanawai and Sean Withy. The Crusaders, meanwhile, counter with a lineup led by captain David Havili and featuring Leicester Fainga’anuku on the wing.

Later on Friday, the Waratahs will face the Reds at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. A significant talking point is the inclusion of Joseph Suaalii at outside centre (number 13), a move that highlights his versatility and importance to the Waratahs’ attack. James Hendren will start at fullback for the Waratahs, while the Reds will look to Lachie Anderson and Josh Flook to provide attacking impetus.

Saturday’s Contests

Saturday’s schedule features four matches, beginning with the Fijian Drua hosting Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The Drua boast a squad with considerable Test experience, including Ponipate Loganimasi, Iosefo Masi and Selestino Ravutaumada, all recent silver medalists at the Paris Olympics in Sevens. Moana Pasifika will be captained by Ardie Savea, who will play alongside his brother Julian, and features a strong forward pack.

At Eden Park in Auckland, the Blues will welcome the Chiefs. The return of Ofa Tu’ungafasi at tighthead prop and Stephen Perofeta at fly-half provides a significant boost to the Blues’ lineup after both players have overcome lengthy injury spells. The Chiefs will counter with a team led by captain Luke Jacobson and featuring Liam Coombes-Fabling on the wing.

The Western Force will take on the Brumbies at HBF Park in Perth. The Force will field a team featuring Wallabies talent, including Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Darcy Swain, while the Brumbies will rely on the experience of James Slipper and Rob Valetini. The Brumbies will have Andy Muirhead at fullback.

Team Details

Highlanders vs. Crusaders

Highlanders: The Highlanders’ starting lineup includes Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens at fullback, with Sean Withy and Timoci Tavatavanawai sharing captaincy duties. Key forwards include Angus Ta’avao and Ethan de Groot.

Crusaders: The Crusaders’ squad features Chay Fihaki at fullback and a backline led by captain David Havili. The forward pack includes Christian Lio-Willie and Ethan Blackadder.

Waratahs vs. Reds

Waratahs: The Waratahs’ team sees Joseph Suaalii starting at outside centre, with James Hendren at fullback and Jake Gordon at scrum-half. Matt Philip will captain the side.

Reds: The Reds’ lineup features Jock Campbell at fullback and a backline including Hunter Paisami at inside centre. Fraser McReight will captain the team.

Fijian Drua vs. Moana Pasifika

Drua: The Fijian Drua will start Ilaisa Droasese at fullback and feature a powerful forward pack led by Temo Mayanavanua.

Moana Pasifika: Moana Pasifika’s team is captained by Ardie Savea and includes his brother Julian. The squad also features Ngani Laumape at inside centre.

Blues vs. Chiefs

Blues: The Blues’ lineup includes the returning Ofa Tu’ungafasi at tighthead prop and Stephen Perofeta at fly-half. Dalton Papali’i will captain the side.

Chiefs: The Chiefs’ team is captained by Luke Jacobson and features Etene Nanai-Seturo at fullback and Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.

Western Force vs. Brumbies

Force: The Western Force will start Mac Grealy at fullback and feature Wallabies recruits Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Darcy Swain in the forward pack.

Brumbies: The Brumbies’ lineup includes Andy Muirhead at fullback and a forward pack led by captain James Slipper and Rob Valetini.

The opening round of Super Rugby Pacific promises a compelling blend of established stars and emerging talent, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive season. The return of key players from injury and the strategic positional shifts, such as Suaalii’s move to centre, add further intrigue to the upcoming matches.