Mark Nawaqanitawase has been left out of the Waratahs team to host the Crusaders while Andrew Kellaway returns after injury for the Rebels.
Triston Reilly has been named ahead of Marky Mark, who can’t make it onto the bench.
In a statement, the Tahs said “Reilly delivered many impressive performances earlier in the season and his work ethic at training and irresistible form for Randwick last weekend has seen him leapfrog Mark Nawaqanitawase onto the right wing.”
See how all the team news unfolds below.
(All times are AEST)
Friday
Moana Pasifika vs Reds, 5.05pm
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will start for the second time in his rookie season, with the teenager given the nod No.10 ahead of Tom Lynagh.
After being given a spell for their loss against the Brumbies, the 19-year-old comes in for their clash across the ditch against Moana Pasifika on Friday evening.
Lawson Creighton, the utility back who can play anywhere across the backline, has been preferred on the bench ahead of Lynagh.
The change at fly-half is one of two changes to the side, with Suliasi Vunivalu also returning on the wing. His return sees Mac Grealy drop back to the bench.
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips of the Reds looks to pass during the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium, on February 24, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Former All Blacks prop Alex Hodgman returns via the bench, while Angus Blyth makes his return after an early season injury.
“Harry deserves a start and we freshen up Tom (Lynagh). We are fortunate with our stocks at No.10 but also aware of the player management needed over a long season,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“Both are getting invaluable experience and playing plenty of minutes. Lawson (Creighton) has positive time under his belt as well and gives us versatility on the bench.
“Suli returns on the wing. Again, we have given consideration to player management with Mac, who has played a lot of minutes and will give us his flair in the back end of the game.”
Kiss has been banging the drum all week about the danger Tana Umaga’s side presents, with Moana Pasifika a physical force to be reckoned with despite winning just two of their opening seven matches.
“I see an opposition team with enormous experience through Tana Umaga, Stephen Jones and Tom Coventry on the coaching staff and the likes of Christian Lealiifano, Julian Savea and Sekope Kepu in the playing squad,” Kiss said.
“This is a real challenge and an exciting one against a physical team with a lot of strike power.”
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Irie Papuni, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, Danny Toala
RESERVES: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao, Christina Lealiifano, Nigel Ah Wong
REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Nick Hogan
Waratahs vs Crusaders, 7.35pm
WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Theo Fourie, Lewis Ponini, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Joey Walton
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie (c), Cullen Grace, Noah Hotham, Riley Hohepa, Johnny McNicholl, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki
RESERVES: Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jordan Kaminski.
Saturday
Hurricanes vs Chiefs, 5.05pm
Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i will celebrate his 50th Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes.
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan said: “Tupou Vaa’i started at the Gallagher Chiefs as a young raw talent, plucked from relative obscurity, that has now developed into a quality lock and key figure in our forward pack.
“Neil Barnes in particular deserves credit for accelerating Tupou’s development which saw him elevated to the All Blacks at such a young age.
“Tupou is an outstanding athlete, a real student in his set-piece roles, and an ever-increasing physical presence in his contact work. I have no doubt he is going to play a huge role for us and the All Blacks in the coming years.”
Vaa’i said of his milestone: “I’m truly grateful and blessed to be able to play 50 games for a club that I have so much faka’apa’apa (respect) for.”
Vaa’i will be joined by Naitoa Ah Kuoi at lock, with Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Reuben O’Neill completing a strong tight five. Samipeni Finau commands his spot at blindside flanker with captain Luke Jacobson shifting into openside and exciting rookie Wallace Sititi claiming another start at No.8.
Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie are at No.9 and No.10 returns, with Anton Lienert-Brown and Daniel Rona adding energy in the midfield. Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa and Shaun Stevenson reunite in the backline.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
RESERVES: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Richard Judd, Peter Umaga-Jensen
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
Rebels vs Highlanders, 7.35pm
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai (c), Tuaina Taii Tualima, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Alex Mafi, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Matt Proctor, Nick Jooste
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Pari Pari Parkinson, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Ajay Faleafaga, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES: Ricky Jackson, Ethan de Groot, Rohan Wingham, Hugo Plummer, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga, Mike Winter.