Round 10 Teams: Zac Lomax Earns Elevation Following Victory Over Super Rugby Champions, While Tom Wright Makes Comeback From ACL Injury

Zac Lomax is set to make his Super Rugby starting debut against the formidable defending champions, the Crusaders, this Saturday night in Perth.

The ex-NRL star showcased impressive skills coming off the bench during his Western Force debut against Fijian Drua last weekend.

Continue reading for the latest team updates for Round 10.

Blues vs Highlanders

FRI 17 April: Eden Park, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

The Blues have received a boost with the return of captain Patrick Tuipulotu for their fixture against the Highlanders at Eden Park on Friday night.

In a significant boost for the team, Tuipulotu will make his first appearance of the season following recovery from shoulder surgery during the off-season.

His return is complemented by the inclusion of Test loose forwards Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu, who both start after bouncing back from back and knee injuries respectively.

“Having Patrick back is huge for us. He’s a leader who elevates our standards on and off the field. You can sense the lift in the squad with him back out there,” stated Blues coach Vern Cotter.

“Dalton and Hoskins have worked hard in their recovery and bring a wealth of experience and leadership to our group.”

BLUES (1-15): Mason Tupaea, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Codemeru Vai, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: Kurt Eklind, Ben Ake, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Pita Akhi

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Te Kemaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Taniela Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Xavier Tito-Harris, Finn Hurley

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey

TMO: James Leckie

NSW Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika

FRI 17 April: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are set to attend Allianz Stadium as the NSW Waratahs take on Moana Pasifika in Sydney.

The evening is expected to be poignant, following Moana’s announcement that this will be their final season.

The Waratahs, currently in eighth place, are in urgent need of a win to keep their finals aspirations alive.

Back-rower Angus Scott-Young will feature in the NSW starting lineup for the first time.

“Moana Pasifika will present a considerable challenge,” said Waratahs coach Dan McKellar.

“They possess size and power, capable of being very dangerous from turnover ball, whether they attack through the front or back door.”

“We must ensure our game plan is sharp while being ready for a truly physical encounter.”

“Angus is a reliable, physical, and experienced player. It took him a few weeks to get back on the team, perform an A game for us, and have quality training weeks under his belt. I always planned to give him an opportunity eventually.”

WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Max Jorgensen, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Sid Harvey

Replacements: Folau Fainga’a, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly

MOANA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Jimmy Tupou, Ola Tauelangi, Jonathan Taumateine, Faletoi Peni, Tyler Pulini

Referee: Angus Mabey

Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Ben Woolerton

TMO: Aaron Paterson

Chiefs vs Hurricanes

SAT 18 April: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

Captain Luke Jacobson will hit a milestone as the 14th centurion in Chiefs history on Saturday when they host the Hurricanes in Hamilton.

Jacobson, who made his Chiefs debut in 2018, was appointed captain in 2024.

“Luke is joining a revered group of great Chiefs players this Saturday,” said Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes.

“This achievement reflects his consistency, strong work ethic, and professionalism. He continuously sets and upholds high standards for our environment, ensuring accountability as a leader. It promises to be a special event for both him and our club.”

All Blacks player Wallace Sititi will make his return from the bench after a hamstring injury sidelined him since Round Three.

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has made a single change in the starting lineup for this crucial top-table encounter, with lock Isaia Walker-Leawere stepping in for Caleb Delany.

Both sides feature six forwards and just two backs on their benches.

“We’re eagerly anticipating this weekend against the Chiefs, who have been performing exceptionally well recently,” said Laidlaw.

“They field one of the strongest forward packs we’ve come across, filled with All Blacks. While we’re fully aware of the threat they pose, our confidence stems from the way we play. We have a solid squad and high cohesion from last week’s game against the Blues, but we expect a highly motivated Chiefs side, resulting in an exciting contest.”

CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Reon Paul, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Fiti Sa, Kaylum Boshier, Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin

Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Todd Petire, Warwick Lahmert

TMO: Richard Kelly

ACT Brumbies vs Fijian Drua

SAT 18 April: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

ACT Brumbies star Tom Wright is poised to make his long-awaited return in Saturday’s face-off against the Drua in Canberra.

Wright sustained an ACL injury playing against the Springboks last year and will step into the fullback role, replacing Andy Muirhead.

“It has certainly been a challenge. It allowed me to take some time for reflection,” said Wright regarding his time away from the game.

“In retrospect, coming home for immediate surgery was probably the best choice to prevent unnecessary mulling, then I focused on the physical aspects of recovery.”

“Having a child just shy of two years old when I returned home from surgery kept me occupied, which helped me ignore external pressures.”

In-form Charlie Cale will miss the encounter as he seeks assessment for a shoulder injury, with Tuaina Taii Tualima stepping in at No.8.

Flanker Luke Reimer earns a starting spot following strong performances off the bench, taking the place of Rory Scott.

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright

Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby MacPherson, Rory Scott, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Andy Muirhead

DRUA (1-15): Emosi Tuqiri, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatava, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Isikeli Basiyalo, Isikeli Rabitu

Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Joseva Tamani, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Glenn Newman

Western Force vs Crusaders

SAT 18 April: HBF Park, Perth (9.55pm kickoff AEST)

Zac Lomax will make his Super Rugby starting debut against the formidable defending champions, the Crusaders, this Saturday night in Perth.

Lomax will take his place on the right wing, with George Bridge moving to outside centre.

Force head coach Simon Cron aims to involve Lomax early in the game, expressing disappointment at missed chances to fully utilise the former NRL try-scorer during his debut.

“He’s still finding his rhythm,” Cron remarked.

“He didn’t receive much ball… we didn’t give him enough opportunities down the edges, so he’ll feel let down by the limited action.”

FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Bayley Kuenzle, George Bridge, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Hamish Stewart, Kurtley Beale

CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie (c), Louis Chapman, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, Dallas McLeod, Leciester Fainga’anuku, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl

Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Will Tucker, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece

Referee: Reuben Keane

Assistant Referees: Nic Berry, Louis Trisley

TMO: Brett Cronan

BYE: Queensland Reds