While it’s a welcome boost for the Highlanders, they do lose Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Tomás Lavanini due to injury. Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will miss four to six weeks with an ankle injury, while Lavanini has a dislocated finger.
The Brumbies are also coming off a bye and welcome back Wallabies duo Allan Alaalatoa and Lachlan Lonergan as they look to return to winning ways.
The Brumbies have won their past five matches against the Highlanders and are aiming for consecutive wins over them in New Zealand for the second time.
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Oliver Haig, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Nic Shearer, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Jonah Lowe, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Taine Robinson.
Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Hugh Renton, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Reesjan Pasitoa, 23. Taniela Tele’a.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Lachlan Shaw, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Charlie Calei, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Ollie Sapsford, 15. Andy Muirhead.
Bench: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Darcy Breen, 19. Toby MacPherson, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Hudson Creighton.
Moana Pasifika v Chiefs
Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua. Saturday 2.05pm
Super Rugby returns to Rotorua for the first time in eight years and even though the clash is in Chiefs territory, it will be a home fixture for Moana Pasifika.
The match was set to be played in Tonga, but due to a lack of funding and sponsorship, it was relocated to Rotorua, with Moana Pasifika already allocated their five home fixtures in Auckland.
The Chiefs welcome back All Blacks star Damian McKenzie, who has been cleared to return from a concussion standdown and will start at first five-eighths, with Josh Jacomb switching to the bench.
While McKenzie returns, Samisoni Taukei’aho has been given the week off, while Emoni Narawa joins the casualty ward after picking up a foot injury. Fellow All Black Wallace Sititi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Former All Blacks halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will make a rare cameo off the bench at his home ground, while Reon Paul is in line to debut after being named in jersey No 23.
There will be some familiar faces to Chiefs fans in Moana’s side with halfback Augustine Pulu named to return after serving a dangerous tackle ban, while lock Jimmy Tupou is in line to make his club debut off the bench.
The Chiefs have never lost to Moana Pasifika, and have an average winning margin of 40.1 points across their eight meetings.
Moana Pasifika: 1.Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Paula Latu, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Veikoso Poloniati, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Niko Jones, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 13. Tevita Latu, 14. Solomon Alaimalo, 15. William Havili.
Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Atu Moli, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Semisi Paea, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Tyler Pulini.
Chiefs: 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Tyrone Thompson, 3. Reuben O’Neill, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa’i (c), 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Simon Parker, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Kyle Brown, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Liam Coobes-Fabling.
Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. Sione Ahio, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Reon Paul.
Fijian Drua v Western Force
Churchill Park, Lautoka, Saturday 4.35pm
Former NRL star Lac Lomax will get another chance to make his Super Rugby debut after being named on the bench for the Western Force as they travel to Fiji to face the Drua.
Lomax was initially named to debut last week against the Reds, but was a late withdrawal due to a hamstring injury.
The Force also welcome back captain Jeremy Williams, while Kurtley Beale is in line to make his 181st Super Rugby appearance, which would put him fifth equal all time alongside Sam Whitelock.
Force fullback Mac Grealy said he was excited at the chance of linking up with Lomax.
“It’s like having a new toy as a kid, you know, getting to use it and sort of hopefully put him in some good spots,” Grealy said.
“He’s looking real sharp and has definitely put himself in the mix but it was pretty devastating for me last week.
For the Drua, former Fiji 7s rep, Sikeli Basiyalo, will make his debut after being named on the right wing.
The Western Force have never beaten the Drua in Fiji.
Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasolabial (c), 5. Joseva Tamani, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Ilaisa Droasese, 12. Iosefo Namoce, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Isikeli Basiyalo, 15. Isikeli Rabitu.
Bench: 16. Sairusi Ravudi, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Phillip Baselala, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Isikeli Rabitu.
Force: 1. Sef Fa’agase, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Misinale Epenisa, 4. Franco Molina, 5. Jeremy Williams (c), 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny (c), 7. Jack Daly, 8. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9. Henry Robertson, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 12. Bayley Kuenzle, 13. Hamish Stewart, 14. George Bridge, 15. Mac Grealy.
Bench: 16. Nic Dolly, 17. Marley Pearce, 18. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19. Lopeti Faifua, 20. Will Harris, 21. Agustin Moyano,, 22. Kurtley Beale, 23. Zac Lomax.
Hurricanes v Blues
Hnry Stadium, Wellington, Saturday 7.05pm
The Hurricanes have opted for a 6-2 bench split for their top of the table clash against the Blues.
The two teams are locked at the top of the competition ladder on 25 points, but the Hurricanes have a game in hand.
The Hurricanes have made minimal changes to their team with Pasilio Tosi starting at tighthead prop, while Callum Harkin returns at fullback, shifting Josh Moorby out to the wing.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said the team is ready for what will be their biggest test of the season to date.
“We’re refreshed and re-energised from the bye, so we’re really looking forward to playing at home against a top side in the Blues,” Laidlaw said. “It’s a good challenge at this time of the year to get into another Kiwi derby.
“We’re certainly well aware of the challenge the Blues are going to come with, so we’re probably going to have to play our best rugby of the year to get the result.”
For the Blues, they have received a big boost with All Blacks halfback Finlay Christie and experienced fullback Zarn Sullivan returning to the starting side.
“It’s a top of the table clash for that No 1 spot and that’s exactly the sort of challenge we want at this stage of the season,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.
“Coming off a bye, the focus has been on reconnecting, sharpening our detail and making sure we’re ready for a big performance in Wellington. The Hurricanes are playing very good rugby so we need to make sure we are at our best for 80 minutes.”
The Blues have won the past three meetings between the two sides, while six of the past seven clashes have been decided by 10 points or less.
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett (cc), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.
Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Tevita Mafileo 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brad Shields, 21. Brayden Iose, 22. Ereatara Enari,, 23. Jone Rova.
Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Josh Beehre, 5. Sam Darry (c), 6. Che Clark, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Malachi Wrampling, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Xavi Taele, 13, AJ Lam, 14. Codemeru Vai, 15. Zarn Sullivan.
Bench: 16. James Mullan, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Sam Matenga, 19. Tristyn Cook, 20. Torian Barnes, 21. Taufa Funaki, 22. Pita Ahki, 23.Payton Spencer.
Reds v Crusaders
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Saturday 9.35pm
The Crusaders have been dealt a big blow for their upcoming road trip across the Tasman with Will Jordan and Codie Taylor both ruled out through injury.
Both players were set to make the trip and be named to face the Reds, but Jordan has stiffness in his calf, while Taylor has a hamstring niggle.
Captain David Havili has recovered from a foot injury and will start at second five-eighth, while Johnny McNicholl will make his first appearance of the season at fullback.
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For the Reds, they’ve made two changes to their starting side with Ryan replacing Treyvon Pritchard on the other wing, and Matt Faessler in for Josh Nasser.
Filipo Daugunu will make his 100th Super Rugby appearance.
The Crusaders have won 14 of their past 15 matches against the Reds.
The last time the Reds beat the Crusaders in Brisbane was the 2011 Grand Final.
Reds: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Nick Bloomfield, 4. Seru Uru, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Kalani Thomas, 10. Carter Gordon, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell.
Bench: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19. Hamish Muller, 20. Vaiuta Latu, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23. Isaac Henry.
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. George Bell, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Dom Gardiner, 7. Corey Kellow, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl.
Bench: 16. Manumaua Leitu, 17. Finlay Brewis, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Tahlor Cahill, 20. Johnny Lee, 21. Louie Chapman, 22. Rivez Reihana, 23. Dallas McLeod.