The build to the 2025 Super Rugby season begins as the Test schedule comes to an end for another year.
All four Australian Super Rugby clubs have already played trials and are ramping up their preparation before the opening game on February 14.
Catch every game of the 2025 Super Rugby season LIVE, ad-free and on demand on Stan Sport.
There have been a plethora of movements and new stars emerging since the last Super Rugby season.
On top of this, there will be more scrutiny and attention on how teams line up after the announcement of the official Super Rugby Fantasy competition
With this in mind, Rugby.com.au looks at the teams and gazes into the crystal ball to predict their 23 for their respective opening round fixtures.
Position of depth: Outside backs
The Brumbies have a plethora of explosive outside backs at their disposal as they push for the finals.
Tom Wright is climbing up the ranks as one of the best fullbacks in the world whilst the combo of rapid fast Corey Toole and silky smooth Andy Muirhead is dangerous for any side.
Waiting in the wings are the likes of NPC standout and former Shawn Mackay Medalist Ben O’Donnell, Australia A star Ollie Sapsford and Australia U20s fullback Shane Wilcox
Concern: front-row health
The starting front-row is strong on paper with Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper but the injuries to depth behind them are worrying.
Blake Schoupp hasn’t featured throughout the Test season due to a shoulder season whilst Tevita Alatini and Harry Vella both suffered long-term injuries.
With Alaalatoa (Achilles) only just coming back to full fitness and Slipper dealing with calf injuries in the past, the Brumbies will be sweating on their stars staying fit.
Player to watch: Lachlan Hooper
Hooper is straight out of the mould of his brother Tom and will push his older sibling for a spot in the 23.
The backrower would’ve played a large part in the Australia U20s campaign had it not been for injury after he was by far the player of the match in ACT’s U19s Super Rugby Grand Final win.
The Brumbies have a history of developing star forwards, the most recent example being Charlie Cale in 2024.
Hooper could very much follow in his footsteps.
Predicted 23 for opening round clash v Fijian Drua
(15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Caderyn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
Position of depth: Backs
There are Wallabies aplenty in the Waratahs squad as Dan McKellar has an all-star backline to pick from
New recruits Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have added significant quality to a backline that was already brimming with talent.
Max Jorgensen and Jake Gordon are established Wallabies under Joe Schmidt, whilst Tane Edmed got his debut off the bench against Ireland.
Behind them are the likes of Triston Reilly, Henry O’Donnell and Teddy Wilson ready to push their world-class teammates.
Concern: Second row
The Waratahs need their second-row talent to step in 2025 if they wish to turn around their fortunes.
Miles Amatasero and Hugh Sinclair will lead the line likely next year alongside Fergus-Lee Warner, with Ben Grant and Angelo Smith pushing them for spots in the 23.
If this group can find another level next season, then expect big things for the Waratahs.
Player to watch: Leafi Talataina
Talatiana is a gem of a talent that could rocket into Super Rugby stardom under new coach Dane McKellar.
In an Australia U20s squad full of talent in 2023, the 19-year-old was one of the best as he bulldozed defenders at will.
Like Hooper, Talataina would’ve played a big role in the Australia U20s in 2024 and probably would’ve debuted for the Rebels in 2024 given their injury issues.
Predicted 23 for opening round clash v Highlanders
(15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Max Joregnsen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Lalakai Foketi, Darby Lancaster, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon, Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Taniela Tupou, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell.
Reserves: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Angelo Smith, Fergus Lee-Warner, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly
Position of depth: Second/back row
There are Wallabies and Australia XV stars lathed across these positions, leaving Les Kiss with a selection headache in 2025.
In the second row, there is a quartet of Wallabies along with Ryan Smith contesting for three/four spots in the 23.
Meanwhile, the back row group has two Wallabies captains, Fraser McReight and Australia XV stars Joe Brial and John Bryant.
Great problems to have
Concern: Experienced halves
The departure of James O’Connor leaves Kiss reliant on his young stars to fire.
Tom Lyngah is the most experienced flyhalf in the Reds’ squad, with the 21-year-old playing just 23 Super Rugby games at 21. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Jude Gibbs are quality flyhalves but are relatively untested at Super Rugby level.
Player to watch: Lachlan Anderson
Anderson has flown under the radar as a signing but the former Rebel is a quality player ready to cement a spot in the squad.
The former Sevens star scored a double for Australia XV in the draw to Bristol after a great season for the Melbourne club.
Anderson has been a consistent try-scorer over the past 24 months at all levels of the game and will push the likes of Tim Ryan and Filipo Daugunu heavily
Predicted 23 for opening clash v Moana Pasifika
(15-1): Jock Campbell, Tim Ryan, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Alex Hodgman.
Reserves: Josh Nasser, Matt Gibbon, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Mason Gordon
Position of depth: Backrow
The Force’s back row might not have the names of their Reds counterparts but are stacked with straight killers.
Carlo Tizzano is a menace whilst the combo of Will Harris and Vaiolini Ekuasi is a nightmare one-two combo for opposition.
Reed Prinsep was one of the best mid-season signings of 2024, with new recruit Nick Champion de Crespigny coming back from years of starting at French club Castres.
Concern: Fit centres
The Force need Hamish Stewart to stay fit to start the season.
Bayley Kuenzle is on the Test selectors' radar but copped a long-term injury at the worst possible time.
The issue is compounded by the loss of Sam Spink (England) and Henry O’Donnell (Waratahs).
Player to watch: Kane Koteka
Koteka returns to Rugby and is out to make up for lost time following his drug ban.
The 30-year-old is back with the squad after a reduced 18-month suspension for the unintentional use of a banned substance in December 2022.
Koteka is a fan favourite in the west, one of the first through their academy to make their name in Super Rugby.
Predicted 23 for opening round clash v Moana Pasifika
(15-1): Harry Potter, Mac Grealy, Matt Proctor, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Jeremy Williams, Darcy Swain, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson.
Reserves: Tom Horton, Harry Hoopert, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Sam Carter, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasiota, Max Burey
