The Super Rugby Pacific season is about to kick off for 2023 and all clubs have submitted their teams for the opening round.

Last season the Australian franchises dropped their teams at the same time on a Wednesday afternoon, but the Kiwi teams were a law unto themselves.

In an effort to bring some structure to the team announcements the competition organisers have instructed clubs to name their sides two days out from the game day.

Here are how the teams match up this weekend.

(All times are AEDT)

Friday

Crusaders v Chiefs, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch 5.05pm

All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock has been ruled out for the opening match of his final season with the Crusaders after suffering a head knock in a trial against the Hurricanes. Mitchell Dunshea, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, will replace hm alongside captain Scott Barrett.

Will Jordan is also missing with midfielder David Havili shifting to the fullback.

The Chiefs have named 11 current or recent All Blacks in their squad with Damian McKenzie named in the No. 10 jersey on his return to Super Rugby after a season in Japan. Josh Ioane is on the bench and Bryn Gatland was left out of the 23.

Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrettm, Mitchell Dunshea, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, David Havili.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Zach Gallagher, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Macca Springer.

Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Solomon Alaimalo, Shaun Stevenson.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe.

Key facts: Crusaders have won six of their last eight against the Chiefs including last year’s semifinal match Their last loss to the Chiefs was at home last season. The Crusaders won their last seven games last season to claim the title. The Chiefs won six of their last seven regular season games.

The Crusaders have won 27 and lost 17 of their 44 matchups.

NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies, Allianz Stadium, Sydney 7.35pm

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has packed his bench for his Super Rugby return against the Waratahs with Wallabies skipper James Slipper, halfback Nic White and flyhalf Noah Lolesio all out of the starting side for the season opener. Darcy Swain is also named as a replacement as his Wallabies teammates Cadeyrn Neville and Nick Frost start as the locks. Larkham has gone for former Rebels playmaker Jack Debreczeni in the No.10 jersey.

There is a Super Rugby debut for young star Max Jorgensen for the Tahs while Tane Edmed is preferred at No.10 over Ben Donaldson, who plays at No.15. Dylan Pietsch is missing with a quad injury.

Charlie Gamble – who will become eligible for Wallabies selection this year – has been named at No.8 while there is no place in the 23 for Tolu Latu as Darren Coleman opts for a 6-2 bench split.

Waratahs (1-15): Angus Bell, David Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Taleni Seu, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Charlie Gamble, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Max Jorgensen, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson.
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Te Tera Faulkner, Hugh Sinclair, Langi Gleeson, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Nemani Nadolo.

Brumbies (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford.

Referee: Nic Berry

Key facts: The Brumbies have won their last nine games against the Waratahs, their longest run against their rivals. The Tahs have won three of their past four games against Australian opposition having lost 10 in a row before that.

The Brumbies enjoy a 23-17 win-loss record against the Tahs in their 40 meetings.

Saturday

Moana Pasifika v Fijian Drua, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland 2.35pm

There’s plenty of intrigue to see how Moana Pasifika fare against Fijian Drua as the two new additions to Super Rugby prepare for their second seasons in the competition.

Former Wallabies playmaker Christian Lealiifano will once again wear the No.10 jersey for MP while Fiji have the experienced Frank Lomani at halfback.

Pasifika: Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Samiuela Moli, Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Samuel Slade, Mahonri Ngakuru, Michael Curry, Solomone Funaki, Jonah Mau’u, Ereatara Enari, Christian Lealiifano (c), Neria Foma’i, Danny Toala, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai, William Havili

Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Mike McKee, Alamanda Motuga, Manu Paea, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi.

Drua: Emosi Tuqiri, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Tiko, Samuela Tawake, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Taniela Rakuro.

Referee: James Doleman

Key facts: This is the second meeting between the teams with the Drua winning 34-19 last year. Moana Pasifika beat the Brumbies in their final game of 22 after losing the previous 10. They scored 20+ points in their final three games, having done that once in their first four games.

Highlanders v Blues, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 5.05pm

Last season’s runners-up have named a lethal looking side to travel down to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders.

The Blues have a physical back-row and the hottest backline in Super Rugby, with Beauden Barrett featuring alongside Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke.

The Highlanders are missing Aaron Smith but have Folau Fakatava at halfback, while the home side too has a strong back-row in Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u.

Former England playmaker Freddie Burns has been named on the bech.

Highlanders: Ethan de Groot, Rhys Marshall, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Jonah Lowe, Sam Gilbert

Replacements: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, Sean Withy, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Freddie Burns, Connor Garden-Bachop.

Blues: Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta

Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.

Referee: Paul Williams

Key facts: The Blues have won seven of their last eight against the Highlanders including the last four. The Highlanders have lost their last 10 games against Kiwi opposition – a record losing run for any team against their own countrymen in the competition.

The Blues enjoy a 24-17 wn loss record from 41 games.

Reds v Hurricanes, QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville 7.35pm

Tom Lynagh is one of the selection shocks of the new year.

There’s no doubt about his potential, but it wasn’t long ago that the Reds were concerned whether the burgeoning playmaker – the son of World Cup-winning Wallaby, Michael – could stand up to the physical nature of Super Rugby.

But after his strong performance against the Waratahs, Brad Thorn’s side have selected him in the playmaking jersey as James O’Connor makes his way back from injury.

The Reds have selected Zane Nonggorr at tight-head prop in the absence of Rebels-bound Taniela Tupou, with Peni Ravai to come off the bench.

Seru Uru provides the Reds some extra height at the lineout at blindside flanker, while Isaac Henry partners Hunter Paisami in the midfield forcing Josh Flook out on to the wing.

The Hurricanes have an inexperienced halves pairing in Peter Lakai and Devan Flanders and the Reds will try to take advantage of them in the area. Otherwise the Hurricanes have plenty of star power including Ardia Savea, Jordie Barrett and Julian Savea

Reds: Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Lopeti Faifua, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (cc), Tom Lynagh, Flipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield, Connor Anderson, Kalani Thomas, Laweson Creighton, Taj Annan

Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Ardie Savea (c), Cam Roigard, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby

Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Harry Godfrey.

Referee: Angus Gardner

Key facts: The Hurricanes have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Reds including seven straight – their longest winning run against the Reds.

The Canes lead the head-to-head 18-6 from 24 games.

Western Force v Melbourne Rebels, HBF Park, Perth 10pm

Hamish Stewart will have to wait for his chance to wear the No.10 jersey after Simon Cron selected Super Rugby journeyman Bryce Hegarty in the position.

Hegarty, who has made his way back to Super Rugby via the Leicester Tigers and previously played for the Rebels, Waratahs and Reds, only had a short stint against Fiji in their narrow trial loss in Brisbane last week after being forced off because of some heavy contact.

Hegarty partners veteran Ian Prior in one of Super Rugby’s most experienced halves pairings. But can they combine together?

Stewart, meanwhile, has been selected at inside centre alongside former Wasps midfielder Sam Spink.

Cron has named an all-international front-row, but it’s the second-row that the Force are light in. Word on the street is former All Blacks lock Jeremy Thrush is set to lace up the boots once more.

While new skipper Michael Wells will form a back-row trio alongside Tim Anstee and Olli Callan.

Meanwhile, the Rebels have named Nick Jooste at fullback in the absence of Andrew Kellaway.

Jooste’s strong finish to last year gave him the inside running for the role and how he and playmaker Carter Gordon go will quite likely determine the outcome of the match.

Reece Hodge has been selected at outside centre while Monty Ioane makes his debut on the wing.

Up front and the Rebels have a strong front-row and have depth to call on in the second half with Wallabies Jordan Uelese and Pone Fa’amausili named.

Second-rower Trevor Hosea will make his return off the bench.

Force: Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Michael Wells, Ian Prior, Bryce Hegarty, Zach Kibirige, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Manasa Mataele, Chase Tiatia

Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, TBC, Jackson Pugh, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, Toni Pulu

Rebels: Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Stacey Ili, Reece Hodge, Lachlan Anderson, Nick Jooste

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea, Pone Fa’amausili, Trevor Hosea, Tamati Ioane, Vaiolini Ekusai, James Tuttle, Lukas Ripley

Referee: Damon Murphy

Key facts: Melbourne Rebels have won eight of their previous 10 away matches to Western Force in Super Rugby including their last three. All eight wins have been by seven points or fewer including three by a single point.

The Force have lost their last four home games against Australian opposition after winning two in a row before that. Two of those losses have been by a point.

The Rebels lead the head-to-head 13-6 from 19 games.