All Blacks and Wallabies Stars Set for High-Profile Super Rugby Pacific Round 10 Returns

All Blacks Patrick Tuipulotu and Hoskins Sotutu return for the Blues, while Tom Wright starts for the Brumbies. Get the full Round 10 preview and teams.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 6:09 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Blues Boosted by International Trio

The Blues have received a significant personnel boost ahead of their Friday night encounter against the Highlanders at Eden Park. Head coach Vern Cotter has named three returning All Blacks to his starting lineup: captain Patrick Tuipulotu, Hoskins Sotutu, and Dalton Papali’i. Tuipulotu will make his first appearance of the 2026 season following off-season shoulder surgery, while Sotutu and Papali’i return from knee and back injuries respectively. Despite the return of these seasoned leaders, Cotter has maintained bench roles for impressive youngsters Torian Barnes and Malachi Wrampling, utilizing a strategic six-two forward split.

Wright Returns for Brumbies After ACL Layoff

In the Australian conference, Wallabies fullback Tom Wright is set to make his competitive return for the Brumbies against the Fijian Drua. Wright has been sidelined for nearly eight months following an ACL injury sustained against the Springboks in August 2025. His return is a vital addition for the fourth-placed Brumbies as they look to consolidate their playoff position. The Brumbies will face a Drua side that has struggled for consistency away from home but remains a dangerous offensive threat.

Top-of-the-Table Duel in Hamilton

The definitive match of the round takes place at FMG Stadium Waikato, where the second-placed Chiefs host the league-leading Hurricanes. This clash features the two most prolific offenses in the competition, with the Hurricanes leading the league with 36 tries and the Chiefs closely following with 31. The Hurricanes enter the match on a five-game winning streak, while the Chiefs look to rebound from recent fluctuations in form. Damian McKenzie and Cam Roigard headline a tactical battle between two squads separated by only three points at the summit of the standings.