Super Rugby Pacific 2025 begins tonight with an exciting opening round, featuring some highly anticipated match-ups.

The standout game sees the Blues host the Chiefs in a Grand Final rematch at Eden Park.

Other notable fixtures include the NSW Waratahs unveiling new talent, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, as they take on the Highlanders in Sydney.

The Crusaders will meet the Hurricanes in Christchurch, while the Fijian Drua face the ACT Brumbies in Suva.

Ardie Savea’s Moana Pasifika will travel to Perth to play the Western Force.

The Blues have named a strong squad, including eight All Blacks in their starting line-up.

The team will be led by All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who will celebrate his 150th game for the Blues, becoming only the second player to achieve this milestone for the club.

Head Coach Vern Cotter, who guided the Blues to last year’s Super Rugby Pacific Championship, is optimistic about the season ahead but cautioned that each season starts fresh.

“The team can draw confidence from the championship title last year, but this is 2025, a new season and we all start on zero points,” Cotter said.

“This group of men has talent to burn. If we can harness it in one clear direction, there is no reason why we cannot prosper this year.”

The Blues’ powerful squad features experienced All Blacks such as Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, and Dalton Papali’i, alongside rising stars like Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele’a.

The match kicks off at 7:05 pm on Saturday at Eden Park, with tickets starting at $19 for adults and $10 for children.

Match Fixtures:

• Crusaders v Hurricanes: Friday 14 February, 19:05, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
• NSW Waratahs v Highlanders: Friday 14 February, 19:35, Allianz Stadium, Sydney
• Fijian Drua v ACT Brumbies: Saturday 15 February, 15:35, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji
• Blues v Chiefs: Saturday 15 February, 19:05, Eden Park, Auckland

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