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John Costello has been confirmed the new CEO of West Coast Rugby PHOTO: WEST COAST RUGBY West Coast Rugby have confirmed a new head coach for their Heartland team for 2025 as well as a new CEO. Hokititka local Jared Mitchell is the new man in charge of the team with his rugby journey starting on the Coast as a junior at Wests, and with various West Coast age group representative sides. LATEST HEADLINES: Liam Lawson near-miss on points again Final round struggles for Kiwi golfers Routliffe, Dabrowski take Stuttgart title Nix Women goodbye to Longo, Temple Chiefs back on top, Hurricanes near miss He went on to represent the Christchurch Boys’ High School’s 1st XV before playing senior club rugby for the University of Canterbury. Despite spending much of his career across the Alps, he never lost his connection to the Coast. In recent years, Mitchell has been a key figure in the West Coast Heartland team, first as a player, then as a player/assistant coach, and most notably, as part of the history-making 2023 Lochore Cup-winning side under Sean Cuttance, West Coast’s most successful coach in the Heartland era. His coaching credentials extend beyond the Coast, including stints leading the Canterbury Women’s Sevens team and the Christchurch Boys’ High School Sevens side, while he is currently the assistant coach of the Division 1 University of Canterbury team. He now returns to his roots, ready to take the helm of West Coast’s premier rugby team. Meanwhile he West Coast Rugby Union has appointed Josh Costello as new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of long-serving CEO, Mike Connors. Costello brings with him a deep passion for the game, strong community ties, and a clear vision for the future of West Coast rugby. A proud local with a rich rugby heritage, he is determined to build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor and ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the sport, from grassroots to schools to representative level. “Rugby is more than a sport here. It’s a way of life,” Costello said. “It unites us on the field, in the stands, and in our communities. This bond is what inspires me as I step into this role, ready to work to ensure the strength and growth of West Coast Rugby.” Costello also paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging the scale of his contribution to the game on the Coast. “I’d like to thank Mike Connors for everything he has done for West Coast Rugby. His 31 years of dedicated service have not only built strong foundations but also created a legacy that has shaped our union into what it is today.

Kazuma Kobori finished tied 20th despite a final round 72 at the China Open PHOTO: GOLF NZ New Zealandi golfer Ryan Fox has finished his PGA tournament at the Dominican Republic down the order. A double bogey on the eighth and 18th holes gave him a two-over round 74 and put him even overall for the tournament tied for 59th. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe, Dabrowski take Stuttgart title Nix Women goodbye to Longo, Temple Chiefs back on top, Hurricanes near miss Routliffe, Dabrowski reach Stuttgart final Metcalf boots Warriors to win over Broncos Fox was 14 shots behind the winner South African Garrick Higgo. Better news at the China Open in Shanghai for Kazuma Kobori who has finished tied 20th on five-under after a final round 72. His earlier rounds were 67, 70 and 70. It's his second best finish on the DP World Tour after his last start at the Singapore Classic Fellow Kiwi Daniel Hillier was tied 36th after a final round 71 to finish one-over for the tournament Hillier's result was hampered by a third round 75 which dropped him down the order significantly after early rounds of 68 and 69. The winner of the China Open was Ashun Wu (China) at 14-under, one shot ahead of England's Jordan Smith.

New Zealand's Erin Routliffe (right) and Canadian Gaby Dabrowski have won the WTA title in Stuttgart PHOTO: PORSCHE TENNIS OPEN New Zealand's Erin Routliffe and Canadian Gaby Dabrowski have won the doubles title at the Stuttgart WTA event in Germany. They beat Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova and Shuai [sch-why] Zhang from China 6-3 6-3 in the final in a straight forward contest where the result was never in doubt. LATEST HEADLINES: Nix Women goodbye to Longo, Temple Chiefs back on top, Hurricanes near miss Routliffe, Dabrowski reach Stuttgart final Metcalf boots Warriors to win over Broncos Auckland FC on brink of the Premier's Plate Routliffe and Dabrowskie broke their opponents serve on five occasions and generallyhad the better service percentages themselves in the one hour 16 minute contest It's the second title in consecutive tournaments for Routliffe after success with Jelena Ostapenko at Charleston and a little unexpected. "We didn't bring a coach here this week so we had to lean on each other a lot." It's the first title for Routliffe and Dabrowski as a pair in 2025 after they won the WTA Finals together in November. For Routliffe, 30 it is her 10th career doubles title.

Leroy Carter makes a run in the Chiefs win over the Highlanders PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Chiefs have reclaimed the top spot on the Super Rugby Pacific points table by differential above the Crusaders after a 46-10 win over the Highlanders in Hamilton. At the end of a rugged first half the home side were ahead 13-10 as the Highlanders defence held even after letting Emoni Narawa score. LATEST HEADLINES: Routliffe, Dabrowski reach Stuttgart final Metcalf boots Warriors to win over Broncos Auckland FC on brink of the Premier's Plate Ryan Fox makes PGA Tour cut at Puntacana Wellington Phoenix beaten again by Adelaide The visiting side scored as a Timoci Tavatavanawai short ball found Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens who set up a try for a powerful Sosefo Kautai. The Highlanders comeback didn't eventuate in the second half. Leory Carter's pace got him to a Quinn Tupaea grubber kick two tries in three minutes to Kaylum Boshier and Samipeni Finau took the result completely out of the Highlanders' hands. Boshier got his second not long after, by then the Highlanders were wondering what just hit them and the game devolved into a messy affair as both sides simply wanted it to be over with without any injuries. Samisoni Taukei'aho found time to tack on an extra try to make sure of the important points difference. Meanwhile the Hurricanes and Force have drawn 17-all in Perth, despite extra time. The match ended with a late drop goal attempt from Ruben Love, that bounced off the upright for both teams to share the result The Hurricanes started well with a try to wing Fatafehi Fineanganofo after build up by Xavier Numia, and enjoyed a big territorial advantage in the first half. The Force answered back with a tries to Bayley Kuenzle and Mac Grealy for a 14-5 halftime lead. Love, who started the match at first five was good on attack but also showed it's not his favoured position with some questionable option-taking. . Hurricanes made things difficult as Asafo Aumua, Isaia Walker-Leawere and Peter Umaga-Jensen were all forced from the field with failed HIAs. In slippery conditions at Pukekohe Moana Pasifika were beaten 24-0 after a slow start before Corey Toole scored in extra time in the first half. In the second spell hooker Billy Pollard was driven over from a lineout and made it a double in the 66th minute as both team struggled in the conditions. Toole struck again in the 74th minute from a smart scrum move and cut out pass from Tom Wright saw the wing run in untouched to the corner as Moana couldn't find a way into the match. Moana stay in 10th place and host the Drua at North Harbour next weekend. The Brumbies return home for their clash with the Hurricanes. Chiefs 46 (Kaylum Boshier 2 tries, Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter, Samipeni Finau, Samisoni Taukei’aho tris; Damian McKenzie 5 con, 2 pen) Highlanders 10 (Sefo Kautai try; Cameron Millar con, pen). HT: 13-10. Force 17 (Bayley Kuenzle, Mac Grealy tries, Ben Donaldson 2 con, 1 pen) Hurricanes 17 (Fehi Fineanganofo 2 tries, Callum Harkin 2 con, 1 pen) Brumbies 24 (Corey Toole 2, Billy Pollard 2 tries, Declan Meredith 2 con) Pasifika 0

New Zealand's Erin Routliffe (right) and Gaby Dabrowski are into the final at Stuttgart. PHOTO: WTA Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski are into their first WTA final together for 2025, after beating Timea Babos from Hungary and Brazil’s Luisa Stefani 5-7 6-3 10-4 in the Stuttgart semifinal. Although Routliffe, who turned 30 earlier this month, won the WTA 500 tournament in Charleston two weeks ago, she partnered with Jelena Ostapenko for that event. LATEST HEADLINES: Metcalf boots Warriors to win over Broncos Auckland FC on brink of the Premier's Plate Ryan Fox makes PGA Tour cut at Puntacana Wellington Phoenix beaten again by Adelaide Late Crusaders penalty goal downs the Blues Back with her regular partner Dabrowski they are in their first final since November’s WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Against Babos and Stefani, they had to fight back from losing the opening set, where they were broken for the second time towards the end of it. But Routliffe and Dabrowski, the tournament's top seeds, both served welll in the second set, winning the only sudden death deuce point on their serve and they then went on to dominate the third set super tiebreak. In the final, Routliffe and Dabrowski will play against Ekaterina Alexandrova from Russia and China's Zhang Shuai, who defeated Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Liudmila Samsonova 6-4 4-6 13-11 in the other semifinal. Routliffe is aiming for the 10th title of her career in the final and fifth with Dabrowski. tennis Meanwhile in Mexico at the US$100,000 San Luis Potosi Challenger James Watt and Finn Reynold were beaten in the doubles semifinals by Britain's Marcus Willis and Ivan Liutarevich from Belarus. 6-4 6-4. The previous week the Kiwi pair were finalists at a Challenger in Mexico. Watt had won his way into the singles main draw as well but lost in the first round.

Luke Metcalf (centre) kicked the match-winning penalty in golden-point extra-time. PHOTO: NZ WARRIORS After early misses off the tee, NZ Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf redeemed himself with a match-winning two-pointer. Metcalf booted a penalty goal from 50m right in front in golden-point extra-time as the Warriors defeated the Brisbane Broncos 20-18 in the NRL at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart on Saturday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland FC on brink of the Premier's Plate Ryan Fox makes PGA Tour cut at Puntacana Wellington Phoenix beaten again by Adelaide Late Crusaders penalty goal downs the Blues Manawatu Jets steal an NBL win from Hawks Up until that point, the 26-year-old Australian had not had his best game and could have been a major reason the Warriors lost. He missed a first-half penalty and conversions to all three Warriors second-half tries as they took an 18-6 lead after 66 minutes. He then had two cracks at a match-winning field goal in the dying minutes, one charged down and another to the right. Former Warriors Reece Walsh overcooked the extra-time kick-off, gifting the Warriors a penalty on halfway, which Metcalf made no mistake with. Porous Warriors defence gave up a try to Billy Walters in the fourth minute, but the home side hit back through Leka Halasima in the 31st minute. The Warriors seized control with a fortuitous try to Edward Kosi and others to Metcalf and Marata Niukore in a 15-minute spell. However, tries to Jesse Arthars, his 10th in eight matches, and Walsh, both converted by Adam Reynolds brought the Broncos level in the 75th minute. Next week, the Warriors head to Christchurch where they host the Newcastle Knights at Apollo Projects Stadium on Anzac Day. The Broncos look to turn around a two-game losing streak when they host the high-flying Canterbury Bulldogs on Thursday night. NZ Warriors 20 (Leka Halasima, Edward Kosi, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore tries; Luke Metcalf con, pen) Brisbane Broncos 18 (Billy Walters, Jesse Arthars, Reece Walsh tries; Adam Reynolds 3 con). HT: 6-6

Auckland FC are on the cusp of a maiden A-League Premiership in their inaugural season after edging Melbourne Victory 2-0 on Saturday night. Belgian midfielder Louis Verstraete and Uruguayan forward Guillermo May settled the contest at Melbourne's AAMI Park, where high-flying Auckland put one hand on the Premier’s Plate amid their 13-match unbeaten streak and a history-making season at the expense of fifth-placed Victory. LATEST HEADLINES: Ryan Fox makes PGA Tour cut at Puntacana Wellington Phoenix beaten again by Adelaide Late Crusaders penalty goal downs the Blues Manawatu Jets steal an NBL win from Hawks Craig Murray wins title in Alaskan mountains Also thanks to Alex Paulsen’s breath-taking 85th-minute save to deny Nikos Vergos, Auckland can clinch the Premiership in Round 28, if Melbourne City drop points to Adelaide United on Saturday or AFC beat the Perth Glory on Sunday (kick-off 5pm). For the Victory, the loss snapped their five-game unbeaten run at home while they are five points clear of seventh-placed Sydney FC. Socceroos greats Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella were watching from the stands at AAMI Park, where chances were few and far between during a tense opening 45 minutes. Auckland FC are just one point away from securing the A-League Premier's Plate in their first season. PHOTO: AUCKLAND FC But the match sprung to life in the second half as Auckland threatened. Guillermo May flashed a shot just wide of the post in the 50th minute before a big chance went begging for the visitors just two minutes later. The Black Knights got their goal just moments later. It was Verstraete, whose strike from the edge of the box made its way past Mitch Langerak, who appealed that there was an offside Auckland player obstructing his view. However, replays showed he was indeed onside. Auckland goalkeeper Paulsen produced an incredible save to somehow deny the Victory’s Socceroo Nishan Velupillay from point-blank range but it was offside anyway, not that the Black Knights star knew. Paulsen was at it again in the 85th minute when the goalkeeper, on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth, somehow got down low to claw away Vergos’ goal-bound header. Then, Auckland made sure of the points through May in the final minute of regulation to well and truly silence the Victory fans. Auckland FC 2 ( Louis Verstraete 53', Guillermo May 89') Melbourne Victory 0 . HT: 0-0

Ryan Fox made the cut at the PGA Tour's Corales Puntacana Championship on the cut-line. PHOTO: DP WORLD TOUR New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox was on his way to one of his better PGA Tour rounds before late dropped shots spoiled it. Fox leaked three strokes in his final three holes - a bogey at the 16th and double-bogey at the 18th - during the second round of the PGA Tour's Corales Puntacana Championship on Friday (Saturday NZ Time). LATEST HEADLINES: Wellington Phoenix slip against Adelaide Late Crusaders penalty goal downs Blues   Manawatu Jets steal NBL win from Hawks Craig Murray wins title in Alaskan mountains Coll defeated by rival Asal in El Gouna semis At four-under for the day before the late stumble, Fox signed with a one-under 71 at the Puntacana Resort - Corales Course, leaving him tied for 62nd, making the cut on the number at three-under. The 37-year-old Aucklander's chances of playing the weekend got a big boost with an eagle at the 565-yard par-five fourth hole, followed by birdies at the sixth and seventh holes. He went bogey-birdie early on the back-nine. Fox, who trails the leader, American Joel Dahmen by 13 strokes, tees off his third round on Saturday at 8.30am local time (12.30am Sunday NZT). At the DP World Tour's China Open, New Zealanders Kazuma Kobori and Daniel Hillier remained in contention during the second round on Friday. Kobori carded a one-under 70 and Hillier a two-under 69 at the Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai, with both tied for ninth at five-under, five shots behind the three co-leaders, China's Haotong Li, Spain's Eugenio Chacarra and Finlands' Tapio Pulkkanen. Both Kiwis managed four birdies, with Kobori also racking up three bogeys and Hillier double-bogeying the par-four sixth hole. Hillier tees off his third round on Saturday at 12.00pm local time (4pm NZT), while Kobori starts at 12.20pm (4.20pm NZT). At the Korn Ferry Tour's Suncoast Classic, Harry Hillier treaded water with an even-par 71 in the third round on Friday (Saturday NZT), leaving him tied for 56th at five-under, 10 strokes off the pace. He had four birdies but a triple-bogey at the par-four eighth cost him. Taranaki leftie Sam Jones has missed the cut at the HotelPlanner Tour's Abu Dhabi Challenge despite a one-over 71 in the second round on Friday (Saturday NZT). He finished in a share of 136th at six-over, seven shots below the cut-line. Also missing the cut was Fiona Xu at the LPGA Tour's LA Championship. The rookie professional managed a one-over 73 in the second round on Friday (Saturday NZT) to end tied for 141st at six-over, missing out by 10 strokes.

Kazuma Kobori is five shots off the lead after the first round of the China Open in Shanghai. PHOTO: GOLF NZ New Zealand golfers Kazuma Kobori and Daniel Hillier sit in the top-10 after their opening rounds on the DP World Tour. Kobori is tied for third and Hillier in a share of eighth in windy conditions during the first round of the China Open at the Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai on Thursday, sitting five and six shots back of the lead. LATEST HEADLINES: Imports help Southland to upset NBL win Coll to meet Asal in El Gouna semifinals Zheng wins PGA of Australasia Q-School Paul Temple leaving Wellington Phoenix Reiko Ioane signs with Leinster for 2026 Starting from the 10th hole in the afternoon, Kobori birdied his opening hole, before three straight birdies and four in a five-hole span from the 17th to third holes. The 23-year-old Cantabrian's lone bogey in a four-under 67 came at the par-three fifth. He birdied all three par-fives, while he was one-over on the four par-threes. Finn Tapio Pulkkanen leads the tournament after a course-record nine-under 62, which featured seven birdies and an eagle. Hillier, currently seventh in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai Rankings, had a rougher start to his three-under 68, among the late groups off the first. The 26-year-old bogeyed the second and sixth holes, before getting his round going with three birdies in four holes around the turn. He finished his round bogey-birdie-eagle, going from 38th after 16 holes to eighth. Play was suspended due to darkness with 13 golfers still to finish their first rounds. There are no changes to second round tee times, with Kobori going off from the first tee at 6.30am (10.30am NZT) and Hillier from the 10th at 7.20am (11.20am NZT). Meanwhile, Ryan Fox is tied for 68th after the first round of the PGA Tour's Corales Puntacana Championship. Fox managed five birdies and three bogeys in a two-under 70 at the Puntacana Resort - Corales Course on Thursday (Friday NZT) to sit eight strokes behind the leader, American Joel Dahman. Starting on the 10th hole, 37-year-old Fox had a largely uneventful start to his round, with a birdie and eight pars on his first-nine. He made just two pars on his second-nine, with birdies at the fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth, and bogeys at the first, second and ninth. A birdie-birdie finish has seen Harry Hillier make the cut, his sixth straight, at the Korn Ferry Tour's Suncoast Classic in Florida. Following an opening round 69, Hillier made six birdies, a bogey and double-bogey in a three-under 68 at the Lakewood National Golf Club on Thursday (Friday NZT), making the cut on the number at five-under, seven back of the lead. Further back at their tournaments are fellow Kiwi golfers Sam Jones and Fiona Xu. Jones had an eagle, five bogeys and a double-bogey in a five-over 75 in the opening round of the HotelPlanner Tour's Abu Dhabi Challenge, leaving him 12 shots off the pace and in danger of missing the cut. At the LPGA Tour's LA Championship in California, rookie professional Xu had two birdies, five bogeys and a double-bogey in a five-over 77 in the first round, putting her tied for 143rd, 14 strokes back of the lead.

Paul Coll plays a backhand in his quarterfinal win over Mohamad Zakaria at El Gouna PHOTO: PSA WORLD TOUR New Zealand’s Paul Coll has reached the semifnals at the El Gouna International Squash Open, ending the run of 17-year-old Mohamad Zakaria in straight games in front of a packed crowd. Zakaria took out No.6 seed Tarek Momen in the opening round and showed glimpses of that form in the opening game against the world No 3 Coll as the Egyptian showed his desire to disrupt the rhythm of the Kiwi. LATEST HEADLINES: Jimmy Zheng wins PGA of Aust qualifying Paul Temple leaving Wellington Phoenix Bulls beat Nuggets to chase NBL lead Reiko Ioane signs with Leinster for 2026 Can Crusaders continue record over Blues? Coll’s game plan was clear, make Zakaria work hard for his points and keep the rallies as long and tough as possible. In a perfect scenario for the New Zealander, he took the two opening games in 27 and 23 minutes. The effort of Zakaria was not going unnoticed by the Egyptian crowd but the rallies were all going in the favour of Coll, who was looking certain for a spot in the semis. The end came quick for the teenager as he was clearly feeling the effects of the first two games and struggled to put any pressure on the former No 1, who stormed to the finish line winning 11-4 in the third. “He’s playing very well. I believe that he’s breaking into he top 20 after this tournament, the second youngest player ever to do it so really well done to him. I felt comfortable out there, I controlled the pace quite well and I felt good I injected the pace in and I was happy to do that so well. “Being on the court more gives me more of an advantage for sure. I tried to use my older age and experience to play in these conditions and I felt comfortable out there tonight. “Asal gave me a hiding in London a few weeks back, so I’ve got to tweak a few things. He had a rest tonight so I’m sure he’s enjoying that but no, he’s playing very well at the moment so I have to adjust a few things and come out and give it my best shot.”

Rieko Ioane will miss the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with the Blues. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY All Blacks and Blues utility back Rieko Ioane has enacted a sabbatical clause in his New Zealand Rugby contract and will play in Ireland in 2026. Similar to All Blacks teammate Jordie Barrett before him, the 28-year-old has exercised an option to play overseas and he will join up with Leinster Rugby when his NZ Rugby commitments are complete and ahead of the start of the Champions Cup next season. LATEST HEADLINES: Can Crusaders continue record over Blues? Bay Hawks see off Indian Panthers in NBL NZ Breakers add Kiwi trio Le'afa, Loe, Britt Zheng leads PGA Tour Australasia Q-School Changes to NZ Warriors to face Brisbane Ioane is contracted to the Blues through to the end of the 2027 season and made his Blues debut in 2016. He has gone on to represent the franchise 120 times, scoring more than 250 points. He is also a decorated All Black, having made his debut as a 19-year-old against Italy in 2016 after impressing with the All Blacks Sevens team at a number of tournaments and at the Rio Olympics. He has played at two Rugby World Cups and has scored 37 tries in 81 tests for the All Blacks. Rieko Ioane has a love-hate relationship with Ireland rugby after his run-in with Johnny Sexton following the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. PHOTO: FOTOSPORT/DAVID GIBSON “We are thrilled to confirm the signing of Rieko on a seven-month contract which will come into effect after this year’s Autumn Nations Series fixtures," Leinster Rugby head coach Leo Cullen told leinsterrugby.ie . “Similar to our current arrangement with Jordie, we’d like to thank NZR for their help facilitating the move. “Rieko is a world-class, 81-cap All Black who has been operating at the very top level of the international game and Super Rugby for many seasons. “He is an exciting, versatile outside back who will bring pace, rugby skills and experience to Leinster. "That experience will add massive value to the group here and our younger players especially will learn so much from seeing how Rieko prepares, trains and plays. “We can’t wait to welcome Rieko to Leinster and I’m sure all our supporters will join me in making him and his family feel at home when the time comes.” Ioane said: “I’m looking forward to this exciting opportunity to play in Ireland and for Leinster, and to grow my game with such an iconic club with a rich history. “I’m also looking forward to opening myself and my family up to new experiences away from home and to growing together in a new environment. “I’d like to thank Leo and Leinster Rugby for the opportunity and NZR and my Blues brothers. We’ve work to do yet this season, and I’m locked in for that, but I look forward to touching down in Dublin later this year and meeting all the Leinster supporters.”

Will Jordan is at fullback in a powerful Crusaders backline against the Blues PHOTO: RUSSELL POTTS/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Super Rugby Pacific round 10 has a few key match ups and interesting selections as sides jostle for position. The Crusaders host the Blues on Good Friday having won six of their past seven clashes and 13 from 14 at Appolo Projects Stadium. LATEST HEADLINES: Another Black Fern switches to NRLW Hawks see off Indian Panthers in NBL Breakers add Kiwis Le'afa, Loe, Britt Zheng leads PGA Tour Australasia Q-School Changes to NZ Warriors to face Brisbane The home team lead the points table while the Blues need wins to be assured of a playoff place. Reiko Ioane is at centre in his 120 game and has confirmed he will be taking a sabbatical to Leinster at the end of the season. Zarn Sullivan is back for the Blues for the first time this season at fullback while Caleb Clarke is out injured and Mark Tele'a, off to Japan moves to the left wing. Hamdahn Tuipulotu, the younger brother of Patrick, could make his debut off the bench. Taufa Funaki and Harry Plummer are the two back reserves. Codie Taylor starts at hooker and Kyle Preston is onto the reserves at halfback for the Crusaders. Meanwhile Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has put Ruben Love at first five for their game in Perth against the Force. Riley Higgins is backup for Love while Billy Proctor is onto the bench for his first game of the season Ardie Savea is out for Moana's game against the Brumbies on Saturday afternoon, but the brother Julian returns for his first game of the season, starting in a suprise position at second five ahead of in-form Danny Toala. Damian McKenzie and Shaun Stevenson revert back to first five and fullback respectively after the Chiefs' disaster in Sydney last Friday.  Anton Lienert-Brown comes onto the bench after recovering from injury. There's only one change to the Highlanders, with Mitch Dunshea coming in at lock. Last round the Highlanders had a good win over the Fijian Drua in Dunedin which was an ideal build up for their clash against the Chiefs.. Teams: Crusaders v Blues: 7:05pm Friday 18 April, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Crusaders : 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Antonio Shalfoon, 6. Cullen Grace, 7. Ethan Blackadder, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. David Havili/Dallas McLeod (c), 13. Levi Aumua, 14. Chay Fihaki, 15. Will Jordan, Reserves: 16. Ioane Moananu, 17. George Bower, 18. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. James O'Connor, 23. Macca Springer/Dallas McLeod Blues : 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), 5. Josh Beehre, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Mark Tele'a, 12. AJ Lam, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Cole Forbes, 15. Zarn Sullivan, Reserves:16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Hamdahn Tuipolotu, 19. Laghlan McWhannell, 20. Cameron Suafoa, 21. Adrian Choat, 22. Taufa Funaki, 23. Harry Plummer Moana Pasifika v Brumbies, 4:35pm Saturday 19 April, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe Moana Pasifika : 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Sione Mafile'o, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Michael Curry, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Sione Havili Talitui (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Pat Pellegrini, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Julian Savea, 13. Pepesana Patafilo, 14. Fine Inisi, 15. Tevita Ofa, Reserves: 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Monu Moli, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Samuel Slade, 20. Ola Tauelangi, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Danny Toala Chiefs v Highlanders, 7:05pm Saturday 19 April, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Chiefs : 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. George Dyer, 4. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson, Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Jared Proffit, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Jimmy Tupou, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Josh Jacomb, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown Highlanders : 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Henry Bell, 3. Sosefo Kautai, 4. Mitch Dunshea, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Oliver Haig, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Hugh Renton (cc), 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 14. Taniela Filimone, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Reserves:16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma'u, 19. TK Howden, 20. Will Stodart, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Sam Gilbert, 23. Jonah Lowe Force v Hurricanes, 9:35pm Saturday 19 April, HBF Park, Perth Hurricanes : 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua (cc), 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brad Shields (cc), 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fatafehi Fineanganofo, 12. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 13. Bailyn Sullivan, 14. Ngatungane Punivai, 15. Callum Harkin, Reserves: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Tevita Mafileo, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Zach Gallagher, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Riley Higgins, 23. Billy Proctor