It's been a dramatic build-up, but at last the wait for the first season of Super Rugby Pacific is over.
After months of uncertainty, and even a first-round postponement of the Moana Pasifika-Blues match, the tournament will begin on Friday night when the Waratahs host new boys Fijian Drua at CommBank Stadium in Sydney.
Stay across all the line-ups for Round 1 as they're named below, as we analyse each fixture and its respective odds.
Waratahs vs. Drua | Chiefs vs. Highlanders | Crusaders vs. Hurricanes | Reds vs. Rebels | Brumbies vs. Force
Friday, February 18
NSW Waratahs vs Fijian Drua, CommBank Stadium, Sydney, 7.45pm [AEDT]
Waratahs: Alex Newsome, Dylan Pietsch, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, James Turner, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon; Will Harris, Charles Gamble, Lachlan Swinton, Geoffery Cridge, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, David Porecki, Angus Bell. Replacements: Tom Horton, Tetera Faulkner, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Hugh Sinclair, Carlo Tizzano, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Jamie Roberts.
Drua: Selesitino Ravutaumada, Kitione Ratu, Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Baden Kerr, Simione Kuruvoli; Nemani Nagusa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Saulo, Viliame Rarasea, Vilive Miramira, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Onisi Ratave.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs $1.22, -10.5 $1.90; Drua $4.25, +10.5 $1.90 [Odds correct as of 9am 16/2]
Verdict: This is a dangerous first-up game for the Waratahs, who are coming off an unbeaten preseason. The Drua, meanwhile, managed just one official trial fixture, defeating the Rebels on the road in Melbourne. Let's start with the odds, the Waratahs look far too short for a team that failed to win a game in 2021 and suffered some huge defeats along the way. It's true, the Tahs had plenty of points in them, but their defense was just woeful. That looks to have been shored up under new coach Darren Coleman while the youngsters who bore the brunt of last year's tribulations will be better for the experience. The Drua will have an unknown quantity about them, but do, like all Fijian outfits, have the ability to score tries from anywhere. It will be the structural side of the game and set-piece they must get right if they're to hit the ground running in this competition. This game will be closer than the 10.5 line suggests, but NSW should sneak it. Waratahs by five.
Saturday, February 19
Chiefs vs. Highlanders, Wakatipu Rugby Club, Wakatipu, 2.35pm [AEDT]
Chiefs: Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson, Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea, Jonah Lowe, Josh Ioane, Xavier Roe; Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (cc), Luke Jacobson, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Sione Mafileo, Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Brad Weber (cc), Bryn Gatland, Chase Tiatia.
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Mosese Dawai, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Josh Timu, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (c); Gareth Evans, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jermaine Ainsley, Liam Coltman, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Hohneck, Bryn Evans, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Folau Fakatava, Marty Banks, Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Odds: [tab.com.au] Chiefs $1.40, -5.5 $1.90; Highlanders $2.90, +5.5 $1.90 [odds correct as of 9am 16/2]
Verdict: With the cancellation of the Moana-Blues match, the Chiefs and Highlanders get the New Zealand action going in Super Rugby Pacific. All games will be played in either Wakatipu or Dunedin for the next three weeks, to help guard against further COVID outbreaks. On paper, this looks like a game the Chiefs should win and should win easily. There is obviously no Damian McKenzie [Japan], but the returns of key All Blacks forwards Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick are huge, while the injection of powerhouse hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho off the bench will be telling. Josh Ioane has been given the start at No. 10 against his old team, setting up an intriguing battle with former teammate Mitch Hunt. Elsewhere for the Highlanders, Shannon Frizell is back after some off-field concerns while Gareth Evans returns from the Hurricanes to the place where he forged his Super career. As has been the case for a decade, however, the Highlanders' fortunes will largely be tied to the play of Aaron Smith. The southerners have made a habit of playing above the individual reputations of their players, and much of that has had to do with Smith's class at No. 9. Still, this looks a tough challenge first up against a Chiefs that runs a little deeper off the bench. Chiefs by three.
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Crusaders vs. Hurricanes, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5.05pm [AEST]
Crusaders: Will Jordan, George Bridge, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Fergus Burke, Bryn Hall; Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Pablo Matera, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Oli Jager, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody. Replacements: Shilo Klein, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Quinten Strange, Mitch Dunshea, Mitch Drummond, Simon Hickey, Sevu Reece.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen, Ruben Love, Jamie Booth; Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Justin Sangster, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Ben May, Reed Prinsep, Brayden Lose, Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Bailyn Sullivan.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Crusaders $1.27, -9.5 $1.90; Hurricanes $3.65, +9.5 $1.90 [odds correct as of 9am 16/2]
Verdict: Again, the Crusaders start favourites for competition honours, a fact that is not at all surprising given their dominance of the respective tournaments in recent times. But they are without two key faces for their 2022 opener in Richie Mo'unga and Codie Taylor. Those losses will be keenly felt, but the Crusaders still have oodles of class elsewhere and this year welcome Pumas star Pablo Matera, who will make his official Crusaders debut at No. 6. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have some powerhouse players of their own, most notably in Asafo Aumua, skipper Ardie Savea and fullback Jordie Barrett. But they certainly do not boast the depth of Scott Robertson's side and will need to play from in front if they're to be any chance in this one. The Crusaders have been slow-starters in the past, but it's hard to see them not starting season 2022 with a win. Crusaders by seven.
Reds vs. Rebels, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7.45pm [AEST]
Reds: Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Josh Flook, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Liam Wright, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, Dane Zander. Replacements: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Fraser McReight, Spencer Jeans, Hunter Paisami, Lawson Creighton.
Rebels: Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Stacey Ili, Matt To'omua, Glen Vaihu, Carter Gordon, Joe Powell; Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin, Sam Wallis, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip, Cabous Eboff, Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr. Replacements: Matt Gibbon, James Hanson, Sef Fa'agase, Thomas Nowlan, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Raymond Nu'u, Young Tonumaipea.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Reds $1.15, -12.5, $1.90; Rebels $5.50, +12.5, $1.90 [odds correct as of 9am 16/6]
Verdict: It has been a difficult build-up for the Reds with two separate COVID outbreaks through the preseason affecting preparations. Coach Brad Thorn has however managed to run out virtually a full-strength team, save for a couple of longer-term injury concerns. Having suffered a frustrating second half of 2021, veteran James O'Connor will be keen to hit the ground running this season and his partnership with livewire No. 9 Tate McDermott will again be a cornerstone of any Reds' success. Thorn's pack now has multiple seasons under its belt as a unit, while 2021 Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year Taniela Tupou remains box-office viewing. The Rebels, meanwhile, are without some of the standout Wallabies rookies of 2021 in Rob Leota and Andrew Kellaway. They have regained Matt Philip from France, but the pack doesn't measure up all that well against the Queenslanders. Keep an eye on talented No.10 Carter Gordon however, the 21-year-old has reportedly bulked up his frame from last year after impressing in Super Rugby Trans-Tasman. This could be a tight affair for the first 40, but the Reds have some genuine class on their bench and should wear down their opponents. Reds by 13.
Sunday, February 20
Brumbies vs. Western Force, GIO Stadium, Canberra, 2pm
Brumbies: Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Nic White; Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa, Folau Fainga'a, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Nick Frost, Ed Kennedy, Ryan Lonergan, Ollie Sapsford, Jesse Mogg.
Force: Jake Strachan, Toni Pulu, Kyle Godwin, Bayley Kuenzle, Manasa Mataele, Reesjan Pasitoa, Ian Prior; Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Izack Rodda, Fergus Lee-Warner, Santiago Medrano, Feleti Kaitu'u, Tom Robertson. Replacements: Andrew Ready, Harrison Lloyd, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Jake McIntyre, Richard Kahui.
Odds: [tab.com.au] Brumbies $1.16, -11.5 $1.90; Force $5.25, +11.5, $1.90 [odds correct as of 9am 16/2]
Verdict: Round 1 of Super Rugby Pacific wraps up in Canberra, where the Brumbies will be looking to make a statement first up against the Force. Having been pipped at the post in Super AU, then fading badly through Trans-Tasman amid a wretched run with injury, there is a very real feeling in the nation's capital that this is the year the Brumbies can do something. They have named a powerful squad for Round 1, too, that features 11 Wallabies in the starting side. With threats right across the backline, and their always dangerous rolling maul, the Brumbies have the ability to sting teams all over the park. The Force, meanwhile, have certainly bolstered their roster over the offseason, the arrival of Wallabies lock Izack Rodda, former Crusaders flyer Manasa Mataele and talented utility Bayley Kuenzle all notable additions. But it's the run-on debut of 20-year-old Reesjan Pasitoa that will be closely monitored by rugby fans across Australia. Scoring points with genuine attacking nous hasn't always been the Force's strength, but Pasitoa brings with him from Canberra the talents of a genuine playmaker. Still, this looks like too great a challenge for the Force first up. Brumbies by 14.