Super Rugby Pacific 2025: Early Season Shocks and Emerging Talent
The opening weeks of Super Rugby Pacific in 2025 have delivered exactly what fans crave: a thrilling cocktail of unexpected results, nail-biting finishes decided in the dying minutes, and the emergence of previously unheralded stars. This year’s competition is already shaping up to be a classic, with early rounds proving that no team is invincible and that upsets are very much on the cards.
Sunday’s dramatic upset in Christchurch, where the ACT Brumbies secured a stunning 50-24 victory over the Crusaders, stands out as one of the biggest shocks of the season so far. This win was particularly significant for the Brumbies, marking an end to a staggering 26-year winless drought in Christchurch. The last time the Brumbies tasted victory in the Garden City, Sydney was preparing to host the Olympic Games – a testament to the magnitude of this achievement. With just a couple of rounds completed, the early sample size is certainly enough to generate both excitement and concern, depending on your allegiances.
Let’s take a look at how the Australian teams are positioned after the initial rounds, with some mouth-watering matchups on the horizon this weekend.
Brumbies: Larkham’s Masterclass and New Blood
ACT Brumbies coach Stephen ‘Bernie’ Larkham is currently enjoying a purple patch, orchestrating a series of impressive performances. In the opening week, he guided his team to Perth, a notoriously challenging trip given the oppressive heat and significant time zone difference, which often proves a stumbling block for visiting teams. However, Larkham’s Brumbies were undeterred, showcasing exceptional fitness and tactical nous to rack up 50 points. This impressive feat was immediately followed by another dominant display in Christchurch, where the team again surpassed the half-century mark. This marks the first time in the club’s history that they have achieved back-to-back scores of 50 points or more.
Beyond the impressive results, Larkham has cleverly integrated a couple of exciting new talents at precisely the right moment.
- Emerging Stars:
- Lachie Shaw has been a revelation in the second row, proving to be a significant find for the Brumbies.
- Kadin Pritchard, an outside centre, has drawn comparisons to the formidable Tevita Kuridrani from rugby luminaries Michael Hooper and Morgan Turinui. Statistics guru Kate Lorimer highlights Pritchard’s dominance in the competition for carries (26), run metres (140), and post-contact metres (40). He also leads the league in line breaks and has only missed a single tackle in his first 160 minutes of professional rugby, generating considerable hype.
Brumbies’ Key Performers
- Surprise Packet: Fly-half Declan Meredith, a product of the Brumbies’ development pathway, is now making a substantial impact for the ACT outfit. Despite having fewer than 20 professional games to his name, the 26-year-old is dictating play with decisive game control and impressive pace, ensuring his backline is functioning like a well-oiled machine.
- Wallabies Frame: While Charlie Cale and Ryan Lonergan may have limited Wallabies caps to date, their current form suggests this number is set to explode if they maintain their high standards throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season. Lonergan’s consistent service, accurate kicking, and leadership, combined with Cale’s potent running threat, are instrumental in the Brumbies’ flying start.
RECORD: 2-0
NEXT UP: Blues at GIO Stadium, Canberra.
NSW Waratahs: A Resurgent Force
Last year, the NSW Waratahs finished a disappointing eighth despite a strong start to the season. Injuries and a squad that didn’t quite align with Dan McKellar’s coaching philosophy ultimately led to their downfall. However, the 2025 iteration of the Waratahs appears to be an entirely different proposition.
Their campaign kicked off with a significant victory over Queensland, their first against the Reds at the SFS in a decade, followed by a hard-fought win against the dangerous Fijian Drua. These results have propelled them to the top of the ladder, level with the Brumbies. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect for Waratahs supporters is the team’s own admission that they have squandered numerous try-scoring opportunities. The scorelines in both their matches could have been far more emphatic, with a few loose passes and unforced errors hindering their ability to truly blow their opponents away. The forward pack, in particular, looks lean and formidable, while the backs appear to have added a noticeable extra yard of pace.
Waratahs’ Key Performers
- Surprise Packet: Clem Halaholo announced his arrival in spectacular fashion, scoring the team’s opening try of the year on debut and looking completely at home among the seasoned professionals. The rookie, standing at an imposing 193cm and weighing over 110kg, has demonstrated a phenomenal work rate. His burgeoning combination with experienced forwards Charlie Gamble and Pete Samu is a significant factor in the Waratahs’ unbeaten run.
- Wallabies Frame: ‘Pistol’ Pete Samu, at 34 years old, is playing with the verve and intensity of a player straight out of junior rugby. Although he was part of the Wallabies squad late last year, he saw limited game time. Samu, who previously played under McKellar at the Brumbies, clearly possesses the skill set and form to be a Test-level player once again.
RECORD: 2-0
NEXT UP: Bye in round three, then Hurricanes at Allianz Stadium, Sydney.
Western Force: A Call to Arms
Despite being handed a seemingly manageable draw to commence the season, the Western Force find themselves with an 0-2 record and in urgent need of a turnaround. They have shown glimpses of their potential, leading both the Brumbies and the Blues at various stages of their respective matches. However, costly fade-outs in the second half have proven to be their undoing. If these lapses can be minimised, the Force undoubtedly possess a squad capable of threatening their opponents.
Their lineup for Friday’s clash against Moana Pasifika is arguably their strongest of 2026 and needs to deliver. The Force have a dismal record in New Zealand, having won just one of their last 21 games there, and have lost their last eight matches overall.
Crucially, they must produce a performance that re-engages their fiercely loyal supporter base, the ‘Sea of Blue’. While they have weathered storms in the past, expectations were high coming into this season, and an 0-3 start would be incredibly difficult to recover from. This is a must-win game against Moana Pasifika, a team they defeated in dramatic fashion late last year.
Western Force’s Key Performers
- Surprise Packet: Vaiolini Ekuasi, a former Blues and Rebels backrower, is a known quantity in Super Rugby. However, his performances have elevated him to become the Force’s go-to player for impact in attack. While always a strong performer, he is truly shining in the west this season.
- Wallabies Frame: There’s a strong argument to be made for Mac Grealy to be given an opportunity in the Wallabies squad, and potentially even some Test experience. Max Jorgensen has demonstrated that speed and smarts can overcome any opponent, and Grealy possesses a similar skillset.
RECORD: 0-2
Queensland Reds: Time to Rebound
The Queensland Reds had a bye last week following their opening-round loss to the NSW Waratahs. That match offered limited insight into their true capabilities, largely due to an extensive injury list that could have almost filled a starting XV. This week, however, there are no excuses for Les Kiss’s men. Back in Brisbane, they welcome the return of Wallabies captain Harry Wilson and fly-half Carter Gordon, who is set to make his Reds debut. The Reds’ tight five is considered among the best in the competition, and there were enough positive signs in their opening match to suggest they can spark a victory.
Queensland Reds’ Key Performers
Surprise Packet: With a small sample size of just 80 minutes, Louis Werchon, the Reds’ scrumhalf, was one of the standout players on the park in their opening fixture. He displayed toughness, notably bringing down the rampaging Miles Amatosero, and was involved in several crucial physical exchanges. His time gaining professional experience in Europe with Italian giants Benetton appears to be paying dividends.
Wallabies Frame: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto found it incredibly difficult to break into Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies squad last year. However, he made a strong statement in his return against NSW, throwing himself into the contest. He has to be a strong contender for more minutes in the gold jersey come July.
RECORD: 0-1
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