The Queensland Reds have snuffed out a spirited Melbourne Rebels fightback to secure a crucial 36-32 win in their Super Rugby Pacific clash at AAMI Park.
A trio of injuries have paved the way for the Queensland Reds captaincy debut of Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to cap a rollercoaster week in which the Wallabies forward confirmed his exit from Australian rugby.
The five Australian Super Rugby Pacific franchises - the Brumbies, Reds, Rebels, Force and Waratahs - and the Fijian Drua have unveiled their squads for next season.
The Melbourne Rebels have rung the changes for Friday night's clash with the Hurricanes in a bid to make up for their round-one flop in the Trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition.
Ex-Wallabies midfielder Tevita Kuridrani will miss this week's Super Rugby AU qualifying final after being suspended for a dangerous tackle.
The NSW Waratahs are seeking an elusive 80-minute performance as they strive desperately to keep their Super Rugby AU finals hopes flickering on Friday night.
Looking to break away from the Brumbies, Joe Powell has found himself in very familiar surrounds so far this Super Rugby AU season.
Harlequins overcame Andre Esterhuizen’s dismissal in the 45th minute to record a superb 34-24 victory over Gloucester in a pulsating game at Kingsholm.
Steve Borthwick got his first full season as Leicester boss off to a great start with an opening-round Premiership win over Gloucester.
On Thursday, Leinster confirmed that Byrne would be leaving the Irish province, as the Pro14 champions announced 28 new contracts.
