Super Suaalii back, JOC starts for Saders

Wallabies sensation Joseph Suaalii returns for the Waratahs, while veteran playmaker James O’Connor earns his first start of the season for the Crusaders.

Sidelined for four matches of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season with turf toe, Suaalii slots back into outside centre for the Waratahs’ trans-Tasman clash, with O’Connor stepping up at flyhalf as the Crusaders look to extend their current streak to four wins and overtake the log-leading Chiefs, one of three teams on a bye in round 7.

Round 7️⃣ team lists are in 💪

How’s your team shaping up for this week’s contest?

See the full lists and team breakdowns over on our website 👉 https://t.co/zxSYRwP9X9#SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/bgPDED3bHp

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 26, 2025

The fourth-placed Tahs are at the Cake Tin on Friday (kick-off 8.05am SA time), with Suaalii’s return boosting the backline alongside Max Jorgensen shifting to fullback and debutant Archie Saunders on the wing, facing a Hurricanes side co-captained by Asafo Aumua and Du’Plessis Kirifi .

The Brumbies (5th) take on the Highlanders (7th) in Canberra (10.35am), resting Wallabies Luke Reimer and Ryan Lonergan against a Highlanders outfit led by midfield powerhouse Timoci Tavatavanawai, with Daniel Lienert-Brown promoted to start in the absence of rested All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot.

Timoci Tavatavanawai is HIM 😤

The Highlanders co-captain was unstoppable against the Blues in #SuperRugbyPacific Round 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/NrsN7y61bD

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 25, 2025

On Saturday, Moana Pasifika travel to Christchurch to face the Crusaders, who have handed O’Connor the No 10 jersey and welcome back Solomon Alaimalo on the wing, up against a Moana side bolstered by the return of captain Ardie Savea.

The round wraps up with the third-placed Reds hosting the Force in Brisbane, where Harry Wilson is rested and Matt Faessler takes the captaincy, testing their mettle against a Force side featuring halfbacks Nic White and Ben Donaldson.

Things are heating up 🔥

How’s your team looking after #SuperRubgyPacific Round 6? pic.twitter.com/99M25JbTAw

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 23, 2025

Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images