The New Zealand Conference Preview 2025

Before listening to our New Zealand Super Rugby conference podcast do your homework with our conference blog! A new season means there has been another plethora of squad changes, keep up with all the info right here!

You can watch the Draft Rugby Show on youtube previewing the Australian and Fijian teams HERE.

In the meantime check out our New Hot Shit podcast discussion all the gun young players coming into super rugby HERE. Or if you like your bite sized videos you can watch each team individually HERE.

Blues

Full squad:
Props: Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, PJ Sheck, Ben Ake
Hookers: Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, James Mullan
Locks: Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Christie, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Tristan Cook (injury cover)
Loose forwards: Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Che Clark
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki
First five-eighths: Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Beauden Barrett
Midfielders: Xavi Taele, Corey Evans, Meihana Grindlay, Rieko Ioane
Outside backs: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Payton Spencer, Reon Paul, Cole Forbes

New Faces:
Beauden Barrett (Toyota Verblitz), Payton Spencer (Auckland), Che Clark (NZ Sevens), Reon Paul (BOP), Xavi Tael (Wider squad), James Mullan (Hooker), Cameron Christie

Losses:
Soane Vikena (Highlanders), Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders), Akira Ioane (Japan TBC), Rob Rush, James Thompson, Lucas Cashmore (Hurricanes), Bryce Heem, Kade Banks (Highlanders)

Best 15:
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao,
Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry,
Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu,
Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett,
Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane,
Caleb Clarke, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta

Stocks are rising:
Anton Segner - Akira leaves a big gap to fill, Segner is poised to take the jersey.
Cameron Suafoa - Last year he beat cancer, this year he will finally become a regular in the 23, rotating through the 4,5,6 and the 19 jersey.

Stocks are falling:
Harry Plummer - Beauden Barret is back, Plummer is signing overseas. With so much competition in the playmaker jersey, he may lose some game time to the likes of Lam, Sullivan and Perofeta.

Smokie:
Payton Spencer - The Prince is here! The son of King Carlos prefers Fullback and has spent some time in NZ 7s, contracted for the last 2 seasons. Apparently 191cm tall (and 95kg) as well.
Che Clark - 21yrs old, won bronze at the Comm Games in 2022 for NZ 7s. The Lock/ Back Rower is 1.94m and 101kgs and could well feature in the 6 jersey this year if the Blues want a big athletic body.

Chiefs

Full squad:
Props: Sione Ahio, George Dyer, Ollie Norris, Reuben O'Neill, Jared Proffit, Aidan Ross
Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Bradley Slater, Samisoni Taukei'aho
Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Lord, Fiti Sa, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa'i
Loose forwards: Kaylum Boshier, Jahrome Brown, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (captain), Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Malachi Wrampling
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Xavier Roe, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
First five-eighths: Josh Jacomb, Damian McKenzie, Kaleb Trask
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling
Outside backs: Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

New Faces:
Brodie McAlister (Crusaders), Fiti SA (Taranaki), Jahrome Brown (Brumbies), Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Waikato), Leroy Carter (NZ Sevens), Josh Jacomb (promoted)

Losses:
Kauvaka Kaivelata (Counties Manukau), Tyrone Thompson (Newcastle Knights joining brother Leo), Hamilton Burr (Waikato), Tom Florence (Nola USA), Josh Ioane (Connacht), Peniasi Malimali (Coounties Manukau)

Best 15:
Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer,
Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i,
Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker,
Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie,
Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown,
Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson

Stocks are rising:
Simon Parker - Hugely effective in 2024 when he took the field. Wallace Sititi’s injury opens up a spot in the back row. Expect him to get plenty of game time.

Stocks are falling:
Shaun Stevenson - Big call I know. He was just released to play for Kuboto Spears until Feb. He will be back in rd 4. It might be a quieter year for him given the insane depth in the outside backs but you could equally easily see him storm back into form.
Rameka Poihipi - A standout last year, we just can’t see him holding Quinn Tupaea back consistently this season.

Smokie:
Leroy Carter - A NZ 7s gun, nominee for player of the year last year, he killed it for BOP in 2024. If given an opportunity amongst the stacked outside backs he could be anything.

Crusaders

Full squad:
Props: Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Finlay Brewis, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Seb Calder.
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Ioane Moananu, George Bell
Locks: Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon.
Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Corey Kellow, Dominic Gardiner, Fletcher Anderson, Xavier Saifoloi.
Halfbacks: Mitchell Drummond, Kyle Preston, Noah Hotham.
First five-eighths: Rivez Riehana, James O'Connor, Taha Kemara.
Midfielders: Dallas McLeod, David Havili, Levui Aumua, Brayden Ennor.
Outside backs: Aki Tuivailala, Johnny McNicholl, Macca Springer, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan.

New Faces:
Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Xavier Saifoloi (Waikato), Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Kyle Preston (Wellington), James O’Connor (Reds), Brayden Ennor, Johnny McNicholl, Aki Tuivailala (NZ U20s)

Losses:
Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Brodie McAlister, Zach Gallagher (Hurricanes), Willie Heinz, Fergus Burke (Saracens), Riley Hohepa (Hurricanes), Ryan Crotty, Jone Rova (Canterbury), Heremaia Murray (Force), Manasa Mataele, Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins)

Best 15:
Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell,
Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange,
Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie,
Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara,
David Havili, Levi Aumua,
Johnny McNicoll, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan

Stocks are rising:
Noah Hotham - Another ridiculously talented NZ scrum half, he announced himself in 2024. We expect him to become the little general of the side this year, steering the team around the pitch.
Jamie Hannah - Showed his immense talent with every opportunity in 2024. If he can jump Strange in the pecking order, he could be an unbelievable player this season.

Stocks are falling:
Quinten Strange - For all the reasons Jamie Hannah could rise this season we think Quinten Strange could start to fall. No doubt he will still get plenty of starts, but his minutes will start to decrease.

Smokies:
Kyle Preston - 25yrs old, Wellings NPC starting 9 apparently killed it this year and has been argued as being one of, if not the best 9 in the competition. He will start behind the incredibly exciting Noah Hotham, but he could well get alot of game time. Preseason he clocked a new Bronco PB of 4:13 which is absolutely rapid, the fastest in the ABs is Beauden Barrett and Cam Roigard at 4:12, so you know he is going to be super quick, and keep running for days.
Rivez Riehana/ Taha Kemara - If James O’Connor plays the mentor rather than the playmaker then one of these young flyhalves could really own the jersey this season. My money would be on Kemara.

Highlanders

Full squad:
Props: Ethan de Groot, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma'u, Rohan Wingham, Sosefo Kautai
Hookers: Soane Vikena, Jack Taylor, Henry Bell
Locks: Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig
Loose forwards: Will Stodart, Sean Withy, TK Howden, Hayden Michaels, Nikora Broughton, Hugh Renton, Lui Naeata, Veveni Lasaqa
Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, James Arscott, Nathan Hastie
First five-eighths: Cameron Millar, Ajay Faleafaga, Taine Robinson
Midfielders: Jake Te Hiwi, Josh Whaanga, Tanielu Tele'a, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Sam Gilbert
Outside backs: Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Michael Manson, Finn Hurley, Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau

New Faces:
Jamie Joseph (Coach), Sefo Kautai (Brumbies), Josh Bartlett (Force), Soane Vikena (Blues), Lui Naeata (Otago), TK Howden (Hurricanes), Veveni Lasaqa (Hurricanes), Veveni Lasaqa, Finn Hurley (promoted), Caleb Tangitau (Blues), Taine Robinson (Crusaders), Michael Manson (Southland), Josh Whaanga (promoted)

Losses:
Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Ayden Johnstone, Ricky Jackson, Will Tucker, Pari Pari Parkinson (Green Rockets), Max Hicks, Billy Harmon (Canon Eagles), Tom Sanders, Rhys Patchell (Green Rockets), Josh Timu (Otago), Martin Bodago (Oyonnax), Connor Garden-Bachop (deceased)

Best 15:
Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma'u
Fabian Holland, Mitchell Dunshea,
TK Howden, Sean Withy, Hugh Renton,
Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar
Tanielu Tele’a, Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Sam Gilbert

Stocks are rising:
Soane Vikena - Someone’s gotta play hooker this year. My pick is Vikena to take control of the jersey.
Fabian Holland - We started to see what he could do in 2024. I expect him to go to a whole other level this year.

Stocks are falling:
Henry Bell - Played 14 games last year for the Highlanders and started plenty fo those. We expect his minutes to take a solid hit with the arrival of Vikena.

Smokie:
Caleb Tangitau - Believe it or not he is still only 21 despite his name having being around for what seems like years. He played NZ U20s in 2023 and then has been signed and played with NzL 7s, the Blues and Auckland over the last couple of years. The Winger will need an opportunity with player rotation or injury, but this could be the year he announces himself.
Vevini Lasaqa - Could well take the Landers openside jersey as a young player in the mold of an Ardie Savea. He also started in the final trial against the Crusaders which what looked to be a first choice side.

Hurricanes

Full squad:
Props: Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, Raymond Tuputupu
Locks: Tom Allen, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Josh Taula, Will Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere
Loose forwards: Devon Flanders, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Arese Poliko, Brad Shields
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Ereatara Enari, Jordi Viljoen
First five-eighths: Brett Cameron, Lucas Cashmore, Riley Hohepa, Callum Harkin (injury cover)
Midfielders: Billy Proctor, Riley Higgins, Ngane Punivae, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen
Outside backs: Kade Banks, Tjay Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Harry Godfrey, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Daniel Sinkinson

New Faces:
Tom Allen (development), Jordi VIljoen (development) Kade Banks (North Habour), Lucas Cashmore (BOP), Tjay Clarke (Wellington), Ereatara Enari (Moana), Fehi Fineanganofo (BOP & NZ 7s), Zach Gallagher (Crusaders), Riley Hohepa (Crusaders), Arese Poliko (Taranaki), Will Tucker (Highlanders)

Losses:
James O’Reilly, Justin Sangster, Ben Grant (Waratahs), James Tucker, Ardie Savea (Moana), TK Howden (Highlanders), Veveni Lasaqa (Highlanders), Richard Judd, TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Jordie Barrett (Ireland) Josh Moorby, Salesi Rayasi,

Best 15:
Pouri Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax,
Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany,
Brad Shields, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose,
Cam Roigard, Ruben Love,
Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor,
Kini Naholo, Bailyn Sullivan, Harry Godfrey

Stocks are rising:
Riley Higgins - Tipped to replace Jordie Barrett by many after being selected for the AB XVs last year. We just couldn’t bring ourselves to put him in our starting side.
Harry Godfrey - With the injuries to Brett Cameron and Ruben Love a lot of responsibility is going to come onto the shoulders of young Harry Godfrey. He has the flare, we are going to find out if he can be consistent.
Zach Gallagher - Came over from the Crusaders for game time. He is a gun, it might not take long for him to own one of the lock jerseys. Was also the fittest forward in the squad in the pre-christmas testing.

Stocks are falling:
Devan Flanders - Just got picked in the ABs 15, but I can’t see him starting consistently over Brad Shields now that he is fit.
Du Plessis Kirifi - Last year he started to fade with the rise of Lakai and Iose, It will get worse this year.

Smokie:
Kade Banks - Top try scorer in Bunnings NPC last year (10 tries), Also 2nd in Defenders beaten (47) behind only Tavatavanawai
Fehi Fineanganofo - Made a big impact for NZ 7s and then moved into the outside backs for Bay of Plenty in last year’s ITM cup. A big and powerful young man, he may be the one to take one of the back three jerseys.

Moana Pasifika

Full Squad
Props: Chris Apoua, Pone Fa'amausili, James Lay, Sione Mafileo, Abraham Pole, Tito Tuipulotu
Hookers: Tomasi Maka, Sama Malolo, Samiuela Moli
Locks: Allan Craig, Michael Curry, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Tauelangi
Loose forwards: Miracle Faiilagi, Sione Havili Talitui, Lotu Inisi, Alamanda Motuga, Semisi Paea, Irie Papuni, Ardie Savea
Halfbacks: Aisea Halo, Melani Matavao, Jonathan Taumateine
First five-eighths: Jackson Garden-Bachop, William Havili, Patrick Pellegrini
Midfielders: Solomon Alaimalo, Fine Inisi, Laomilo Laomilo, Julian Savea
Outside backs: Losi Filipo, Neria Fomai, Pepesana Patafilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Tuna Tuitama

New Faces:

Chris Apoua (Northland), Pone Fa’amausili (Rebels), Tito Tuipulotu (Auckland), Ardie Savea (Kobe Steelers), Melani Matavao (promoted), Patrick Pellegrini (Coventry ), Jackson Garden-Bachop (CA Brive), Losi Filipo (Samoa, Wellington), Solomon Alaimalo (Wests Tigers), Tuna Tuitama (promoted),

Losses:

Donald Brighthouse, Sekope Kepu (retired), Tevita Langi (North Harbour), Ivan Fepuleai, Suetena Asomua (Counties), Sateki Latu (Countie Manukau), Solomone Funaki (Dragons RFC), Jacob Norris (BOP), Niko Jones (Auckland), Viliami Napa'a (Tasman), Ereatara Enari (Hurricanes), D'Angelo Leuila (USA), Christian Lealiifano, Otumaka Mausia, Henry Taefu (Red Hurricanes), Viliami Fine (Southland), Anzelo Tuitavuki (Colomiers), Nigel Ah Wong (Auckland),

Best 15:
Abraham Pole, Sam Moli, Pone Fa’amausili,
Tom Savage, Craig Allan,
Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili-Talitui, Ardie Savea,
Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop,
Julian Savea, Danny Toala,
Neria Fomai, Kyren Taumoefolau, William Havili

Stocks are rising:
Jackson Garden-Bachop - There is a big whole left by Christian Lealiifano that needs to be filled. JGB is the most likely to run the show unless Havili stays at 10. Given the experience of both men I think they will play the dual playmaker tactic.
Kyren Taumoefolau - The 21 year old announced himself last season with lightning pace and a great finishing ability, he also played for Tonga at the RWC at only 20 years old. Also featured for Tasman through the Bunnings NPC where he switched between wing and fullback.

Stocks are falling:
Lotu Inisi - Exceptional last year, he will be fantastic again. But the arrival of Ardie Savea will surely lift some of the workload off of him which will reduce his impact.

Smokie:
Aisea Halo - Played out of his skin when given the opportunity last year. With Enari moving on he is sure to get more opportunities.

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Written by Harrison Dale