Zac Lomax is set to make his inaugural Super Rugby start against the formidable defending champions, the Crusaders, in Perth this Saturday night.
The former NRL standout showed promising form off the bench in his Western Force debut against Fijian Drua last weekend.
Keep reading for the latest team news ahead of round 10.
Patrick Tuipulotu of the Blues at Eden Park. Getty
Blues vs Highlanders
FRI 17 April: Eden Park, Auckland (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
The Blues welcome back captain Patrick Tuipulotu for their match against the Highlanders this Friday night at Eden Park.
Tuipulotu’s return is significant as it’s his first appearance of 2026, following recovery from off-season shoulder surgery.
He is among three vital additions to the side, with Test loose forwards Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu also starting after overcoming their respective injuries.
“Having Patrick back is massive for us. He’s a leader who drives standards on and off the field. You can feel the lift in the group with him back out there,” said Blues coach Vern Cotter.
“Dalton and Hoskins have both worked hard through their rehab and also bring huge experience and leadership back into our fold.”
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 on Friday night as the NSW Waratahs take on Moana Pasifika.
This clash is set to be particularly poignant as Moana has announced this season will be their last.
Currently in eighth place, the Waratahs must secure a win to keep their finals hopes intact.
Back-rower Angus Scott-Young will make his first appearance in the NSW starting lineup.
“Moana Pasifika will pose a significant challenge for us,” said Waratahs coach Dan McKellar.
“They possess big, powerful players who can be dangerous with turnover ball and can strike both ways.”
“We need to ensure we are ready for a highly physical contest. Angus is a reliable and experienced player, and it was always in my plan to give him an opportunity after a few weeks back.”
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)
Chiefs captain Luke Jacobson will make history on Saturday night as he becomes the 14th player to reach 100 matches for the Chiefs when he faces the Hurricanes.
Having debuted in 2018, Jacobson was named captain in 2024.
“Luke joins an exclusive group of exceptional Chiefs players on Saturday,” noted Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes.
“This achievement reflects his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining high standards within our team. It’s a special moment for him and for us as a club.”
All Blacks talent Wallace Sititi will make his return from a hamstring injury and will be on the bench.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has made a single change to his starting lineup, bringing in lock Isaia Walker-Leawere to replace Caleb Delany for this top-of-the-table encounter.
Both teams have opted for six forwards and just two backs on their benches.
“It’s an exciting weekend as we head to the Chiefs, who have been performing exceptionally well lately,” said Laidlaw.
“They have one of the strongest forward packs we’ve faced, filled with All Blacks, and we know the threat they pose. Still, we’re confident in our form and have a cohesive squad after last week’s game against the Blues. This should be a brilliant match.”
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 player Tom Wright is primed to make his long-awaited return this Saturday night against the Drua in Canberra.
Wright has been sidelined since tearing his ACL against the Springboks last year and will start at fullback in Andy Muirhead’s absence.
“It’s been a challenge for sure, but I took some time to reflect during my recovery,” said Wright.
“Returning home to have surgery straight away was probably the best decision, allowing me to focus on the physical recovery.
“Having a young child just shy of two when I returned from surgery helped take my mind off everything, which was a positive distraction.”
Charlie Cale, who has been in good form, will miss this match due to a shoulder injury assessment, while Tuaina Taii Tualima will step in at No.8. Flanker Luke Reimer will also start 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 is ready to make his initial Super Rugby start against the powerful defending champions, the Crusaders, in Perth this Saturday night.
Lomax will feature on the right wing, while George Bridge will shift to outside centre.
Force coach Simon Cron aims to engage Lomax in the game early and noted some missed opportunities during his debut where they could have unleashed the former NRL scoring sensation.
“He’s still finding his feet,” Cron remarked.
“He didn’t have many chances… we didn’t involve him on the edges enough, which may have been frustrating for him.”
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
Compiled by SportArena.au.
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