All you need to know before round 16 of Super Rugby Pacific.

Crusaders v Hurricanes

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch. Friday, 7.05pm

Sevu Reece will play his 100th game for an injury-hit Crusaders after All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, who had planned to return from a non-playing sabbatical soon, now faces up to five months on the sideline with back surgery scheduled for this weekend.

Fullback Will Jordan was ruled out for the remainder of the season for the Canterbury-based side earlier this week after he reaggravated a calf injury during the Crusaders 36-32 victory over the Chiefs.

Add to that Tamaiti Williams being out of action since the end of March and the defending champions are missing a host of top talent, but outgoing coach Rob Penney said this has allowed new players to step in to leadership roles.

“Losing those men is without question disappointing, but it’s allowed a whole other group to step up and take a leadership role and put their own stamp on it, and that’s what you require,” Penney said.

“If we go any further into the competition post this weekend, it’ll be on the back of those men really stepping up, and they’re certainly capable of it.”

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are flying high at the top of the table coming off a 45-28 win over the Highlanders and they have halfback Cam Roigard returning to the starting XV after missing the past three weeks with a calf injury.

Tyrel Lomax also returns from two months out with an ankle injury, linking up with Xavier Numia and Raymond Tuputupu in the front row.

Coach Clark Laidlaw said the wider squad has picked up a few injuries, which allowed him to pick a different team and hand Cooper Flanders, Josh Timu and Taniela Filimone their debuts.

“It’s a real balancing act around some men who have been injured and need rugby, and some fellas to continue with their consistency,” he said.

“We know what’s on the line for the Crusaders. We’ve had a taste of their stadium through Super Round, so to go back is nothing new for us as a team.

“We can’t wait to get there and play on Friday night.”

The Hurricanes won the reverse fixture 38-31 earlier this year and aim to beat the Crusaders more than once in a season for the first time since 2014.

The Crusaders have won four of their past five games against New Zealand opposition, but have had mixed results against the Hurricanes in Christchurch, winning three and losing two in their previous five fixtures in the city.

Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Jamie Hannah, 6. Dom Gardiner, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Christian Lio‑Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Rivez Reihana, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Dallas McLeod, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Johnny McNicholl

Bench: 16. Manumaua Letiu, 17. Finlay Brewis, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Liam Jack, 20. Johnny Lee, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Taha Kemara, 23. Cooper Roberts

Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Raymond Tuputupu, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Hugo Plummer, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields (c), 7. Cooper Flanders, 8. Arese Poliko, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Callum Harkin, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Jone Rova, 13. Josh Timu, 14. Taniela Filimone, 15. Josh Moorby

Bench: 16. Jacob Devery, 17. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Tom Allen, 20. Matolu Petaia, 21. Jordi Viljoen, 22. Lucas Cashmore, 23. Bailyn Sullivan

Reds v Fijian Drua

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Friday, 9.35pm

The Reds could finish as high as fourth depending on how this and other games this weekend finish and have strong form against the Drua.

The Queensland side have won all three of their games against the Drua at Suncorp Stadium and have triumphed in their previous two meetings, limiting the Fijian-based side to less than eight points in both matches.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto returns to the forward pack after becoming a father for the third time this week, while Treyvon Pritchard switches from wing to fullback.

Head coach Les Kiss said the Drua are dangerous opponents and the Reds need to make sure they win to give them the best shot at a strong seeding for the playoffs.

“The Drua showed with their win over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra how strong they are,” Kiss said.

“They are extremely tough customers at the breakdown with the turnovers they force and everyone knows they can counter-attack from anywhere if you let them.”

The Drua have struggled in Australia, winning one of their last 16 games in the country and scoring more than 15 points in just one of their past five games there.

However, their forward pack is likely to be one of their strengths in this game because they have made an average of 11.5 line breaks per game this season, the highest in the competition.

Reds: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Josh Canham, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Seru Uru, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Tate McDermott, 10. Carter Gordon, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Lachie Anderson, 15. Treyvon Pritchard

Bench: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. George Blake, 18. Massimo De Lutiis, 19. Vaiuta Latu, 20. Joe Brial, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Filipo Daugunu

Fijian Drua: 1. Meli Tuni, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Samu Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (c), 6. Vilive Miramira, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Kemu Valetini, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Isikeli Rabitu, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Manasa Mataele, 15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

Bench: 16. Sairusi Ravudi, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Etonia Waqa, 21. Isoa Tuwai, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Virimi Vakatawa

Brumbies v Moana Pasifika

GIO Stadium, Canberra. Saturday, 4.35pm

Moana Pasifika head to Canberra for their final game, but face a Brumbies team looking to place themselves in a strong position for the playoffs.

Coach Tana Umaga was positive before the game and aimed to go out on a high note with the club.

“We’ve got nothing to lose and we’ve got to be confident in what we’re doing,” Umaga said.

“We’re not going over there just to make up some numbers, we want to go over there and get a good result for ourselves.”

The former All Blacks captain reflected on interactions he had with fans before the match and what the team has meant to those who support them.

“Everything that we have done at our club and what we have tried to portray, we were unapologetically Pacific and some people really resonated with that and they enjoyed that.

“That’s just us being us.”

The Brumbies will be bolstered by the return at No 8 of Charlie Cale, who scored nine tries in seven games before a shoulder injury against the Highlanders kept him out of action.

The Australian side have a strong record against Moana Pasifika, winning their last three encounters and scoring more than 60 points against them in their last two matches at GIO Stadium.

Moana Pasifika will hope to snap their 12-game losing streak after coming close to ending their poor run in a 33-31 loss to the Reds last week.

Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Cadeyrn Neville, 5. Lachie Shaw, 6. Rob Veltini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Charlie Cale, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright

Bench: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Blake Shoupp, 18. Rhys van Nek, 19. Nick Frost, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Hudson Creighton

Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Veikoso Poloniati, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Augustine Pulu, 10. Patrick Pellegrini, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Faletoi Peni, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Israel Leota, 15. William Havili

Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada, 17. Abraham Pole , 18. Paula Latu, 19. Alefosio Aho, 20. Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Tevita Latu, 23. Tuna Tuitama

Chiefs v Blues

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton. Saturday 7.05pm

Wallace Sititi will captain the Chiefs for the first time with Luke Jacobson unavailable, while the Blues see the return of Joshua Fusitu’a for his first appearance since round two of the competition.

The Chiefs have named a much-changed squad, with Quinn Tupaea and Tupou Vaa’i taking breaks and Damian McKenzie continuing to recover from concussion.

However, there are still plenty of top players on the pitch alongside Sititi, including All Blacks Cortex Ratima and Samipeni Finau.

Sititi said he was looking forward to leading the Chiefs on to the field on Saturday in front of a home crowd.

“It’s a huge honour to captain the Gallagher Chiefs against the Blues and I want to thank the coaches, my family and the Lord for this opportunity,” Sititi said.

“Derbies are always big games and this week is no different. The Blues are a tough opponent and we need to be ready for that.”

The Blues will start Stephen Perofeta in the No 10 jersey because Beauden Barrett is out with a quad strain, while Fusitu’a, who has returned from a bicep injury, has been named on the bench alongside potential debutant Eli Oudenryn.

Coach Vern Cotter said his team were relishing the chance to face one of Super Rugby’s best teams before the post-season.

“Every week at this stage of the season carries significance and this one is no different,” Cotter said.

“Our focus is on ourselves this week and executing our game plan.

“We know what’s on the line heading into Hamilton and we’re excited by the opportunity.

“The Chiefs are a quality side and playing them away is always a huge challenge.”

The Chiefs have won their last three regular-season matches against the Blues and will look to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time since round 15 in 2024 after their 36-32 loss to the Crusaders last time out.

The Blues have lost their last two games against New Zealand opponents, but beat the Chiefs 20-19 in last year’s qualifying final in Hamilton.

Chiefs: 1. Jared Proffit, 2. Tyrone Thompson, 3. George Dyer, 4. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Josh Lord, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Wallace Sititi (c), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Reon Paul, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Daniel Sinkinson, 15. Liam Coombes-Fabling

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Benét Kumeroa, 18. Keran van Staden, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22. Tepaea Cook-Savage, 23. Lalakai Foketi

Blues: 1. Mason Tupaea, 2. James Mullan, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Josh Beehre, 5. Sam Darry, 6. Torian Barnes, 7. Anton Segner (c), 8. Malachi Wrampling, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele, 14. AJ Lam, 15. Zarn Sullivan

Bench: 16. Eli Oudenryn, 17. Joshua Fusitu’a, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Hoskins Sotutu), 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Corey Evans, 23. Codemeru Vai

Force v Waratahs

HBF Park, Perth. Saturday, 9.35pm

Both sides will play their final game of the season this weekend, with the Waratahs making six changes from their defeat to the Brumbies last week.

Jamie Adamson, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, Joey Walton and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii all come in to the team, with head coach Dan McKellar wanting to finish the season in style.

“We want to finish the season well and make sure that we’ve got momentum at the back-end of this year,” McKellar said.

“It’s incredibly disappointing not to be playing finals.

“The reality is we’ve had our chances and haven’t taken them, so I don’t think there will be any lack of motivation.”

Meanwhile, the Force have named a largely unchanged 23-man squad, with Ben Donaldson and George Bridge coming back in after a quad injury and a break because of a heavy minutes load, respectively.

The Force have won four of their past five games and have a strong record against the Waratahs at HBF Park, winning two of their last three against the New South Wales-based side there.

This match also gives the Waratahs the chance to win consecutive games outside New South Wales for the first time since May 2022 after beating Fijian Drua 50-35 in round 14.

Force: 1. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Misinale Epenisa, 4. Jeremy Williams (c), 5. Darcy Swain, 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 8. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9. Nathan Hastie, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. George Bridge, 14. Zac Lomax, 15. Mac Grealy,

Bench: 16. Nic Dolly, 17. Marley Pearce, 18. Sef Fa’agase, 19. Franco Molina, 20. Will Harris, 21. Agustin Moyano, 22. Boston Fakafanua, 23. Kurtley Beale

Waratahs: 1. Jack Barrett, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Dan Botha, 4. Matt Philip (c), 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Jamie Adamson, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Jack Bowen, 11. Andrew Kellaway, 12. Joey Walton, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. Max Jorgensen

Bench: 16. Oniti Finau, 17. Isaac Kailea, 18. Apolosi Ranawai, 19. Ben Grant, 20. Clem Halaholo, 21. Teddy Wilson, 22. Jack Debreczeni, 23. Triston Reilly

Bye: Highlanders