Squads have been named for round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific. Photo / Photosport
All you need to know ahead of round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific.
Hnry Stadium, Wellington. Friday, 7.05pm
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw feels their clash against the Crusaders will decide whether they are capable of competing for a championship.
Laidlaw has made four changes to his starting side, rolling out his premier starting front row, while Brayden Iose starts at blindside flanker, and Devon Flanders dropping to the bench which features a 6-2 split.
“It’s really nice to bring the Crusaders up here and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against last year’s champions,” Laidlaw said.
“Last week was an amazing occasion, but we can’t wait to get into another Kiwi derby and play at home for our second-last round-robin home match.
“We’re lucky to pick a really cohesive team from the last couple of weeks. We think that gives us our best chance of success this week.”
For the Crusaders, coach Rob Penney has retained Leicester Faingaʻanuku at openside flanker, and he will link up with Ethan Blackadder, who makes his return from a calf injury.
Penney said having Faingaʻanuku in the No 7 jersey gives his side a good balance to the physical side of the game.
“He allows us to probably put a bit more emphasis on our pack and what we’re doing there,” Penney said. “He’s got another opportunity and we’ve got some quality impact off the bench because of it.
Captain David Havili will also celebrate his 150th match for the Crusaders. Will Jordan and Sevu Reece both remain sidelined.
The Crusaders have won six of their past eight Super Rugby matches against the Hurricanes and five of their past six in New Zealand’s capital.
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Pasilio Tosi, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Brayden Iose, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Callum Harkin.
Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brad Shields, 21. Devan Flanders, 22. Ereatara Enari, 23. Jone Rova.
Crusaders: 1. George Bower, 2. Codie Taylor (vc), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Antonio Shalfoon, 5. Tahlor Cahill, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 8. Christian Lio‑Willie, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Taha Kemara, 11. Macca Springer, 12. David Havili (c), 13. Braydon Ennor, 14. Dallas McLeod, 15. Johnny McNicholl.
Bench: 16. George Bell, 17. Kershawl Sykes-Martin, 18. Seb Calder, 19. Jamie Hannah, 20.Dom Gardiner, 21. Kyle Preston 22. Johnny Lee, 23. Rivez Reihana.
Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Friday 9.35pm
While there isn’t usually much interest in Australian derbies, there is some intrigue in this one due to the battle of former NRL stars and New South Wales State of Origin teammates, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii squaring off against Zac Lomax.
Suaalii returns after two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and he will give the Waratahs a big boost as they look to remain in touch with the top six.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said Suaalii gives his side a point of difference due to his presence and leadership.
While Suaalii returns, the Waratahs have lost prop Daniel Botha for two weeks after he was found guilty of dangerously cleaning out a Crusaders player in a ruck during their defeat.
For the Force, coach Simon Cron has named an unchanged squad for the first time this season as they come off the bye last week.
The Waratahs have won five of their past six Super Rugby Pacific matches against the Force.
Waratahs: 1. Tom Lambert, 2. Ethan Dobbins, 3. Siosifa Amone,4. Matt Philip (c), 5. Angus Blyth, 6. Angus Scott-Young, 7. Charlie Gamble, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Lawson Creighton, 11. Sid Harvey, 12. Joey Walton, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Max Jorgensen.
Bench: 16. Folau Fainga’a, 17. Isaac Kailea, 18. Apolosi Ranawai, 19. Miles Amatosero, 20. Jamie Adamson, 21. Teddy Wilson, 22. Jack Debreczeni, 23. Triston Reilly.
Force: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Misinale Epenisa, 4. Jeremy Williams (c), 5. Darcy Swain, 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7. Carlo Tizzano, 8. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9. Henry Robertson, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. George Bridge, 14. Zac Lomax, 15. Mac Grealy.
Bench: 16. Nic Dolly, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19. Franco Molina, 20. Will Harris, 21. Nathan Hastie, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Kurtley Beale.
Four R Stadium, Ba. Saturday, 4.00pm
The Highlanders will wear a limited edition “Fiji jersey” for their clash against the Drua, which will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Salvation Army to assist with their work in Fiji.
In Fiji, the Salvation Army has 25 locations, delivering church and community programmes nationwide, It has been serving families and individuals for more than five decades, offering care, hope, and practical support without discrimination.
The jersey is a tribute to the players of Fijian heritage who have played for the Highlanders over the years, including current trio Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jona Nareki, who returns after an ankle injury.
Folau Fakatava also returns to the starting lineup to start at halfback.
For the Drua, Frank Lomani will make a rare appearance on the wing as part of numerous changes to their side.
Fullback Ilaisa Droasese has been omitted from the side after his brain explosion play where he attempted a grubber kick in goal which led to a Chiefs try. Coach Glen Jackson says Droasese has been taking part in support sessions with the team psychologist.
No 8 Elia Canakaivata will run on for his 50th appearance for the franchise.
The Highlanders have won their four Super Rugby Pacific matches against the Drua, including their last trip to Fiji.
Fijian Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Joji Nasova, 12. Virimi Vakatawa, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Frank Lomani (co-c), 15. Isikeli Rabitu.
Bench: 16. Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Philip Baselala, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Maika Tuitubou.
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot (co-c), 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Oliver Haig, 5. Mitch Dunshea, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Nikora Broughton, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 13. Tanielu Tele’a, 14. Jonah Lowe, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Bench: 16. Soane Vikena, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Sean Withy, 20. Lucas Casey, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Taine Robinson, 23. Xavier Tito-Harris.
North Harbour Stadium, Albany. Saturday, 7.05pm
The Blues welcome back All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke from injury as part of an overhauled squad to face Moana Pasifika.
Clarke will start on the left wing after recovering from a calf injury, while Stephen Perofeta will start at first five-eighths, having made his return from injury last week.
Dalton Papali’i has been ruled out with concussion, which will see Anton Segner shift to openside flanker and Torian Barnes at blindside.
The bench also features two potential debutants, with forwards Flyn Yates and Terrell Peita both in line for their first appearances in Blues colours.
For Moana Pasifika, William Havili will start in the No 10 jersey with Patrick Pellegrini unavailable due to concussion, while Israel Leota makes his first career start on the right wing.
The Blues have won six of their seven Super Rugby Pacific matches against Moana Pasifika. Their only defeat in that span came in their only previous meeting at North Harbour Stadium.
Moana Pasifika: 1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai,, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Atu Moli, 4. Allan Craig, 5. Jimmy Tupou, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Semisi Paea, 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. William Havili, 11. Tuna Tuitama, 12. Tevita Latu, 13. Solomon Alaimalo, 14. Israel Leota, 15. Glen Vaihu.
Bench: 16. Mamoru Harada, 17. Abraham Pole, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Veikoso Poloniati, 20. Dominic Ropeti, 21. Augustine Pulu, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Tyler Pulini.
Blues: 1. Ben Ake, 2. Kurt Eklund, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Sam Darry, 6. Torian Barnes, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Sam Nock, 10. Stephen Perofeta, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Xavi Taele 14. Kade Banks, 15. Zarn Sullivan.
Bench: 16. James Mullan, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Flyn Yates, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Terrell Peita, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Beauden Barrett, 23. AJ Lam.
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Saturday, 9.35pm
Both sides are desperate to bounce back from defeat in the Super Round last week and solidify their spot inside the top six.
The Brumbies sit fifth on 25 points, with the Reds in sixth on 23 points. Defeat for either side could see them drop outside the playoff spots depending on other results over the weekend.
The Brumbies have made minimal changes to their side with Lachlan Lonergan promoted to start at hooker, while Cadeyrn Neville returns via the bench after missing the past few weeks.
The Reds have named an unchanged squad.
The Reds defeated the Brumbies when they met earlier this season, snapping a five-match losing run against them.
Reds: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Zane Nonggorr, 4. Seru Uru, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Kalani Thomas, 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Josh Flook, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell
Bench: 16. Josh Nasser, 17. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18. Nick Bloomfield, 19. Hamish Muller, 20. Vaiuta Latu, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Treyvon Pritchard
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Rhys van Nek, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Lachie Shaw, 6. Rob Valentini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Toby Macpherson, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright.
Bench: 16. Liam Bowronm, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Darcy Breen, 19. Cadeyrn Neville, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Ollie Sapsford.
Bye: Chiefs