Thrilled to Make a Comeback: Wallabies Captain Returns for Reds, While Taniela Tupou Receives Coach’s Acclaim

Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson is set for a crucial return with the Queensland Reds as they prepare to take on the Hurricanes this Friday night.

Meanwhile, the NSW Waratahs have welcomed back the dynamic prop Taniela Tupou into their starting lineup for their away fixture against the Western Force.

Continue reading for all the latest team updates ahead of Round 15 in Super Rugby Pacific.

Crusaders vs Highlanders

FRI 23 MAY: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

The Crusaders are delighted to have Test stars Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor back in their ranks for the opening match of Round 15.

Both Barrett and Taylor missed out on the 48-33 triumph over the Waratahs in Sydney, which was vital in keeping their chances for the minor premiership very much alive.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made an adjustment, placing Taniela Filimone on the left wing to replace the injured Jona Nareki.

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Kershawl Skyes-Martih, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl

Replacements: George Bell, Lewis Ponini, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Taniela Filimone, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Jonah Lowe, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sosefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Referee: Todd Petrie

Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe, Jackson Henshaw

TMO: Richard Kelly

Queensland Reds vs Hurricanes

FRI 23 MAY: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

The Reds’ No.8 and Test captain, Harry Wilson, makes his return to Super Rugby after a five-week absence due to a broken arm.

“I’m thrilled to be back and ready to get stuck into it,” Wilson commented.

“There’s a lot at stake for both the Reds and the Hurricanes this Friday night, as securing a spot in the top four is crucial leading into the finals,” he added.

“The Hurricanes boast one of the top-performing backrows in the competition, something we at the Reds have always cherished as well.”

REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Dre Paheko, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Trevor King, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan

HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallagher, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor (co-c), Daniel Sinkinson, Callum Harkin

Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Bailyn Sullivan

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter

TMO: Brett Cronan

NEW PODCAST! The Between Two Posts team praises the Brumbies and Ardie Savea while dissecting another disappointing performance from the Waratahs

Chiefs vs Moana Pasifika

SAT 24 MAY: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEST)

Moana Pasifika have received a boost with the return of Solomon Alaimalo as they aim for their first-ever playoff appearance in Super Rugby.

Alaimalo, who has been out due to a foot injury, will take his position on the left wing in Hamilton.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, will field an unchanged team for the first time since the 2023 final.

CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling

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, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Tevita Ofa

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Jackson Garden-Bachop

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon

TMO: Richard Kelly

Western Force vs NSW Waratahs

SAT 24 MAY: HBF Park, Perth (7.35pm kickoff AEST)

Taniela Tupou returns to the starting lineup for the Waratahs, taking the place of Daniel Botha following an impressive stint off the bench.

“In his last two outings, he has shown promising signs in both set pieces and with his movement and speed,” said NSW coach Dan McKellar.

“We’re beginning to witness glimpses of the old Nella, which is very encouraging.”

FORCE (1-15): Fatongia Paea, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Kurtley Beale

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Lawson Creighton

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Graham Cooper

TMO: Brett Cronan