The Super Rugby Pacific draw is locked in for 2025 as fans start to circle the important matches for the season.
It’s fitting for Rugby lovers the competition will kick off on Valentine’s Day as the Crusaders face the Hurricanes, followed by the Waratahs taking on the Highlanders.
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After an eventful 2024 season, there are a plethora of blockbuster clashes and big games that will define the upcoming season.
Rugby.com.au highlights ten from a long list to keep an eye on for 2025.
Round One: Waratahs v Highlanders
All eyes will be on Sydney as the NSW Waratahs roll out a host of new signings at home against the Highlanders.
The biggest name is Joseph Suaalii, the NRL convert with one of the biggest hypes around a cross-code convert since Israel Folau.
On top of this, the likes of Taniela Tupou and Rob Leota pull on the sky blue jersey for the first time whilst Andrew Kellaway and Darby Lancaster return home to NSW.
Round One: Blues v Chiefs
The Chiefs won’t have to wait long for a shot at the Blues after the Auckland side took out last year’s title.
It was a dominant performance by the Blues as they thumped the Chiefs 41-10, who welcome back Beauden Barrett after his sabbatical.
However, the Chiefs will be hungry for revenge with the likes of Wallace Sititi and Damian McKenzie in career-best form.
Round Three: Force v Reds
The Force’s win over the Queensland Reds was one of the biggest upsets of 2024 as they took down a Reds side stacked with Wallabies.
Simon Cron’s side have been rewarded with a strong season as Jeremy Williams and Carlo Tizzano become fully-fledged Test stars, joined by new recruits Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Darcy Swain.
The Reds will be hungry to make a statement after their round one bye and the match-up between Tizzano and Fraser McReight will be must watch
Round Four: Moana Pasifika v Hurricanes
Ardie Savea’s move to Moana Pasifika is one of the biggest in Super Rugby history as the inspirational All Black heads to the expansion side.
Savea is a Hurricanes legend so their round four match-up in Auckland will evoke emotion from all parties.
The Hurricanes are undergoing a fresh start as Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi and TJ Perenara move on.
Round Six: Waratahs v Brumbies
The Waratahs-Brumbies rivalry didn’t need any more fire, so the appointment of Dan McKellar as Waratahs head coach will only add to the hype.
McKellar’s appointment at Daceyville stunned many in the nation’s capital and he looks to turn around the Waratahs.
Stephen Larkham’s recent extension shows the faith the Brumbies have in the club legend but expect the talk from both sides to ramp up in the build up.
Round Six: Moana Pasifika v Chiefs
Matches in the Pacific is what makes Super Rugby so special, with the competition returning to Tonga for a second year.
The match in Nuku’alofa in April was a huge success despite the Highlanders’ victory.
Moana Pasifika will be eager to flip the result against the Chiefs, who will be coming off a tough Drua trip and a rematch with the Blues
Round Eight: Blues v Hurricanes
The Blues and Hurricanes clash always delivers something special in a battle of the dominant North Island clubs.
Both sides were entrenched in the battle for top spot and there’s been nothing to suggest they won’t be up there again in 2024.
The return of Beauden Barrett against his old side adds another dynamic, even if brother Jordie will be in Ireland.
The Queensland Reds and Blues are starting to make the ANZAC fixture their own as part of a weekend of great games.
This year’s fixture saw the emergence of a cult hero in Tim Ryan as the ‘Junkyard Dog’ announced himself with a hat-trick.
Expect another thriller as both sides celebrate the special history between the two nations.
Round 13: Waratahs v Reds
The NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds are natural rivals and this match will only be heightened by the potential finals implications.
The Waratahs have a brutal run home that sees them play the Reds, Crusaders (who will be much improved) followed by away games in Perth and Auckland.
The Reds also have a tough finish with clashes with the Brumbies and Hurricanes, making this game near must win for both sides
Round 16: Brumbies v Crusaders
Speaking of what could be must-win games, the final-round clash between the two heavyweights could have major implications in the finals.
Their 2024 clash in Canberra was a classic, decided by a last-minute moment of madness that ended in a penalty try.
Stephen Larkham’s side will be looking to make a statement on the eve of the drinks
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-09-30 05:00:33
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