Barrett benched for Reds clash, Ikitau returns for Canes, Force lose White

Reds fullback Jock Campbell will start for the first time since February in Friday night’s showdown with the Blues in Brisbane. While Beauden Barrett – the two-time World Rugby player of the year – will come off the bench.

Len Ikitau is one of four changes to the Brumbies’ starting side for their clash with the Hurricanes on Saturday.

The Force have lost Nic White for their crunch trans-Tasman fixture against the Chiefs, while Clayton McMillan has lost Damian McKenzie but welcomed back one big-name All Black.

Read on for all the latest team news ahead of round 11 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition.

(All times are AEDT).

Friday

Chiefs vs Western Force, 5:05pm

Nic White will miss Friday’s first of two trans-Tasman fixtures, but perhaps the bigger news has come out of the Chiefs’ camp.

Clayton McMillan has lost livewire playmaker Damian McKenzie to a short-term hand injury, but has welcomed back All Blacks breakout player of the year Wallace Sititi.

Last year’s World Rugby breakout star has been sidelined until now and will make his return from a knee-injury via the bench for the Chiefs.

McMillan has named a typically strong pack, which is headlined by Tupou Vaa’i and Luke Jacobson. Naitoa Au Kuoi will come off the bench.

McKenzie’s injury sees Josh Jacomb return at fly-half, while Shaun Stevenson once again wears the No.15 jersey. Emoni Narawa starts on the wing, with Anton Lienert-Brown combining with Quinn Tupaea in the midfield.

There’s plenty of firepower to bring off the bench, including Sititi.

The Force head across the ditch with their tails up and plenty to play for, including a maiden finals berth.

After ten weeks, Simon Cron’s men will want to come away with some points on their two-week tour of New Zealand with the Force in fifth spot on 22 points.

They’ve named a strong pack, with Ryan Coxon returning at loose-head prop in the absence of the ever-improving Marley Pearce.

The other change to the pack sees Will Harris return at blindside flanker, which sees Nick Champion de Crespigny move to the back of the scrum.

White’s concussion sees Henry Robertson come in to start in the only change to the backline.

Meanwhile, Sam Carter returns to the bench to give the Force some experience alongside debutant halfback Doug Philipson.

Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kaleb Trask

Force (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Sam Carter, Reed Prinsep (vc), Doug Philipson, Max Burey, George Poolman

Referee: James Doleman

TMO: Glenn Newman

Queensland Reds vs Blues, 7:35pm

After being eased back from a forearm injury suffered in round two, Les Kiss has welcomed back experienced fullback Jock Campbell at fullback for Friday’s Anzac clash with the Blues.

His return comes not a second too late, with the Reds in need of a win after consecutive defeats ahead of their bye. Heremaia Murray, who has grown with every chance in the No.15 jersey, will come off the bench.

Campbell’s return provides the Reds some welcomed experience, poise and communication as they take on the Blues, who have found their feet despite just falling short against the Crusaders last week.

“It’s great to see Jock back in action,” Kiss said.

“He’s played off the bench in recent games and we know his experience will be massively important in a game like this.

“We know his ability in counter-attack. His communication in organising the back three is also a trait of his experience.

“We have been delighted with how Heremaia Murray has contributed and he will from the bench in this game.”

Elsewhere, the Reds have made just the one change with Matt Faessler ruled out after leaving the field early against the Brumbies. Richie Asiata once again will wear the No.2 jersey.

Although the Reds’ scrum has been strong, Kiss and forwards coach Zane Hilton will be wanting more out of their locking duo Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

“Our scrum has been one of the strongest in the competition. This is kudos to all our props as we mix-and-match again,” Kiss said.

Kiss, who is expected to be confirmed as Joe Schmidt’s successor next week, said he was anticipating another ding-dong battle after last year’s epic, which ended with the Blues running down the Reds in stoppage time.

“Last year’s Anzac Weekend Round match was a special occasion for both the players of both sides and the spectators at Suncorp Stadium and it will be again,” Kiss said.

“The match will represent the true spirit of the occasion.

“It’s great that we are up against the defending champions of Super Rugby. They are certainly an impressive opponent with their recent form.

“They have constant threats which means being on our game defensively.”

Blues coach Vern Cotter will bring star hooker Ricky Riccitelli off the bench along with two-time World Rugby player of the year Beauden Barrett. Harry Plummer will start in the No.10 jersey, with Zarn Sullivan at fullback.

Reds (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: George Blake, Alex Hodgman, Massimo De Lutiis, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Heremaia Murray

Blues (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Cam Christie, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Beauden Barrett, Corey Evans

Referee: Jordan Way

TMO: James Leckie

Saturday

Moana Pasifika vs Fiji Drua, 2:35pm

The Savea brothers will get a chance to share the pitch for the first time in a Moana Pasifika jersey when they face the Fijian Drua.

Captain Ardie Savea returns to the matchday 23 this week, starting at openside flanker, with older brother Julian coming off the bench.

William Havili also returns to the starting fullback position, while Jackson Garden-Bachop will start ahead of Patrick Pellegrini.

Drua coach Glen Jackson welcomes back Vuate Karawalevu at fullback. Experienced hooker Tevita Ikanivere will come off the bench.

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili

Replacements: Tomasi Maka, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Allan Craigm Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Julian Savea

Drua (1-15): Peni Ravai, Mesulame Dolokoto (c), Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Longanimasi, Isikeli Rabitu, Inia Tabuavou, Taniela Rakuro, Vuate Karawalevu

Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Elia Canakaivata, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valetini, Selestino Ravutaumada

Referee: Angus Gardner

TMO: Glenn Newman

Highlanders vs Crusaders, 5:05pm

Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai will get the chance to impress the All Blacks selectors out wide in the South Island derby, with young midfielder Jake Te Hiwi handed his first start of the season at inside centre.

Jamie Joseph has also welcomed back Sean Withy at No.8 for their must-win clash against the Crusaders on Saturday.

The Crusaders, meanwhile, have lost Ethan Blackadder because of a tight hamstring, while James O’Connor – the in-form Wallaby – has been rested.

The other significant change sees Tamaiti Williams named on the bench.

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, Will Stodart, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Jake Te Hiwi, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Nathan Hastie, Sam Gilbert, Josh Whaanga

Crusaders (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Xavier Saifoloi, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan

Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki

Referee: Damon Murphy

TMO: Brett Cronan

Brumbies vs Hurricanes, 7:35pm

Off the back of keeping Moana Pasifika to nil last week, the Brumbies have received a boost ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Hurricanes by welcoming back Wallabies Len Ikitau and Luke Reimer.

While Stephen Larkham has also freshened up his tight-five by recalling James Slipper and Billy Pollard.

Ikitau was concussed in the opening minutes during their big win over the Reds almost a fortnight ago and replaces Ollie Sapsford in the starting side, with the versatile back dropping back to the bench.

Reimer, who also missed the win in New Zealand last week, comes in for Rory Scott who offers versatility and extra size off the bench.

“Last weekend gives us massive confidence, especially in and around the defence part of our game,” captain Allan Alaalatoa said.

“To keep Moana out, who are a great attacking side, I think that was a massive effort for a lot of our boys. Especially with the discipline that we showed, we had two yellow cards and we still kept them to zero. So that was a positive, but we also understand that this weekend poses a lot of different other threats, which we’re aware of. We have to make sure we’re on top of our game against the Hurricanes.

“It’s going to be a physical game up front. You’ve got to earn the right against these blokes and I don’t think it’ll be any different for this weekend. It’s going to be a great game and I think both teams will represent Anzac well.

“Those two are boys in Len (Ikitau) and Luke (Reimer) have been in the team for a number of years. They don’t have a leadership title as such but are considered as leaders in the team through their actions and both have been playing great throughout the year.”

The Brumbies will face a Hurricanes side that has been bolstered by the returns of Riley Higgins and Billy Proctor in the midfield. Kini Naholo is also back on the wing.

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has also tweaked his front-row, with Tevita Mafileo, Raymond Tuputupu and All Blacks prop Pasilio Tosi starting. Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax will offer impact off the bench, while explosive All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua will miss the clash.

Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Rhys van Nek, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford

Hurricanes (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Raymond Tuputupu, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Kini Nanolo, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin

Replacements: Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Will Tucker, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Bailyn Sullivan

Referee: Paul Williams

TMO: Richard Kelly