Farewells, milestones and debuts headline round 8 of Super Rugby

Round eight of Super Rugby Pacific delivers emotion, milestones, and fresh faces as six teams take to the field over the Easter weekend.

The spotlight falls first on Christchurch, where the Crusaders will play their final game at Apollo Projects Stadium on Good Friday against the Fijian Drua.

The match marks a farewell to a ground that has seen decades of rugby history.

Drua have made key changes for the clash, with wings Manasa Mataele and Joji Nasova returning, replacing the injured Ponipate Loganimasi and Epeli Momo.

Young talent Philip Baselala earns his first selection of the season, while Issak Fines-Leleiwasa takes over at halfback for injured co-captain Frank Lomani.

Up front, Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, and Mesake Doge form the front row, with skipper Isoa Nasilasila and Joseva Tamani in the second row.

Former Crusaders star Manasa Mataele returns to the Drua squad for their Round 8 clash against the Crusaders, adding experience and pace out wide. Photo/Photosport/Iain McGregor

The Drua will be hoping to overcome injuries and challenge one of Super Rugby Pacific’s top sides.

Hooker Codie Taylor will make his 150th appearance for the Crusaders in the historic fixture.

"There are a number of men you'd point to who epitomise what it means to be a Crusader, and Codie's one of those," head coach Rob Penney said.

Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor celebrates 150 games for the franchise in the final match at Apollo Projects Stadium. Photo/Photosport/John Davidson

"150 games for the Crusaders, over 100 Test matches. What a career. And he's still got a wee way to go. It's been such an honour to be part of that journey with him.

"There will definitely be some emotion. The best thing we can do is honour it and honour the fans by playing well. That's our goal."

The Crusaders will move to One New Zealand Stadium for their first game there against the Waratahs on April 24, beginning a new chapter for the franchise.

Meanwhile, cross-code convert Zac Lomax is set for his highly anticipated Western Force debut off the bench against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Force coach Simon Cron told media the former NRL star, who hasn’t played rugby since he was 15, will likely get his first taste of action on the wing.

Lomax’s switch from rugby league to rugby union has generated excitement among fans keen to see how his skills translate on the Super Rugby stage.

Crusaders farewell Apollo Projects Stadium (previously known as Orangetheory Stadium) and welcome debuts and milestones in an action-packed Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific. Photo/austadiums/file

Saturday also features a crucial clash between the Chiefs and the NSW Waratahs in Hamilton.

While the game is early in the season, both teams are looking to build momentum, and for the Chiefs, it’s a chance to make a statement at home.

The Brumbies, Blues, Highlanders, Hurricanes, and Moana Pasifika are all on the bye this round, leaving six teams in action over the shortened Easter weekend slate.

For Pacific players and fans, Round 8 offers both nostalgia and new beginnings - a chance to celebrate Crusaders legends, witness milestones like Taylor’s 150th game, and watch emerging talent like Lomax take their first steps in Super Rugby.

With milestones to mark and fresh faces to cheer, Round 8 promises emotion, excitement and a taste of the next chapter for the region’s top teams.

For more on Super Rugby Pacific, click here.

Drua vs Crusaders, Friday 3 April, at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, kickoff at 7.05pm.

TEAMS:

Crusaders (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan (c). Replacements: George Bell, Jack Sexton, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Louie Chapman, Rivez Reihana, Braydon Ennor.

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila (c), Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Manasa Mataele, Iosefo Namoce, Virimi Vakatawa, Joji Nasova, Iliasia Droasese. Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Tuwai, Phillip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Isikeli Rabitu

Referee: Paul Williams. Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter. TMO: Aaron Paterson.