All you need to know ahead of round six of Super Rugby Pacific.
North Harbour Stadium, Albany. Friday, 7.05pm
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is hoping to see some spark from his side as they prepare to face Moana Pasifika in Auckland.
Coming off a 50-7 drubbing at the hands of the Hurricanes, Joseph has resisted the temptation to overhaul his squad, making minimal changes, although co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai has dropped to the bench, Folau Fakatava misses out altogether and Nic Shearer has been named for his Super Rugby debut.
“It was such an indifferent performance from the previous games we’ve played,” Joseph said.
“The most important thing now is just getting things right as well as we can. There’s been injuries, there’s been some form, but it’s our ninth game in a row, so there’s also lacking a bit of spark, so we’ve got to get that back.
“Moana is a tough physical side, very big men, very different to the fast game that the Hurricanes play. So each game that we play each week has different kinds of challenges.”
Joseph admits two-test All Black Fakatava hasn’t been performing to the high standards he knows he’s capable of.
“Sometimes that is just because there’s a lot of pressure that he feels he’s been put under from the opposition that he’s playing against,” Joseph said. “But a break away from the game, I think, will do wonders for Folau.”
For Moana, they welcome back veteran duo Jackson Garden-Bachop and Solomon Alaimalo to the starting side while prop Paula Latu is in line to make his debut off the bench.
Julian Savea is back in the casualty ward after a shoulder injury sustained against the Crusaders in the opening minutes of their clash.
Moana Pasifika claimed their first win over the Highlanders in six attempts when the two sides last met.
Moana Pasifika: 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 4. Veikoso Poloniati, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Miracle Faiilagi (c), 7. Niko Jones, 8. Dominic Ropeti, 9. Joel Lam, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop , 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 13. Tevita Latu, 14. Solomon Alaimalo, 15. William Havili.
Bench: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai, 18. Paula Latu, 19. Alefosio Aho, 20. Ola Tauelangi, 21. Siaosi Nginingini, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Tevita Ofa.
Highlanders: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Jack Taylor, 3. Angus Ta’avao, 4. Oliver Haig, 5. Tomas Lavanini, 6. Te Kamaka Howden, 7. Veveni Lasaqa, 8. Hugh Renton (cc), 9. Nic Shearer, 10. Reesjan Pasitoa, 11. Jona Nareki, 12. Tanielu Tele’a, 13. Jonah Lowe, 14. Caleb Tangitau, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Bench: 16. Henry Bell, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Will Stodart, 20. Sean Withy, 21. Adam Lennox, 22. Andrew Knewstubb, 23. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc).
GIO Stadium, Canberra. Friday, 9.35pm
A week after becoming the most-capped Super Rugby player in history, James Slipper will celebrate another milestone by becoming a Brumbies centurion when they face the Waratahs in Canberra.
Slipper will start at prop again and the Brumbies will be boosted by the return of Ollie Sapsford, who has been cleared to play after overcoming a hamstring injury. Lock Lachie Shaw also returns after missing last week because of illness, and centre David Feliuai returns after sitting out last week under HIA protocols.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has labelled the clash as the biggest game of their season.
“It’s the biggest game of the year for us traditionally, so we’re certainly looking forward to it,” Larkham said.
The Brumbies are full of confidence after a stunning come-from-behind win over the Chiefs last weekend.
The Waratahs have made one change to their starting side, with Andrew Kellaway replacing Harry Potter on the wing.
The Brumbies have won their last eight games against the Waratahs, and 14 of their last 15.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Darcy Breen, 4. Lachie Shaw, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Charlie Calei, 9. Ryan Lonergan (c), 10. Declan Meredith, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Ollie Sapsford, 15. Andy Muirhead.
Bench: 16. Liam Bowrn, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Tevita Alatini, 19. Toby MacPherson, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Klayton Thorn, 22. Tane Edmed, 23. Hudson Creighton.
Waratahs: 1. Tom Lambert, 2. Ethan Dobbins, 3. Daniel Botha, 4. Matt Philip (c), 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Clem Halaholo, 7. Jamie Adamson, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Max Jorgensen, 12. Lawson Creighton, 13. Joey Walton, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Sid Harvey.
Bench: 16. Folau Fainga’a, 17. Jack Barrett, 18. Siosifa Amone, 19. Angus Blyth, 20. Charlie Gamble, 21. Angus Scott-Young, 22. Teddy Wilson, 23. Triston Reilly.
Hnry Stadium, Wellington. Saturday, 4.35pm
The Hurricanes welcome back All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax from injury as they prepare for their first match in the capital since their season opener against Moana Pasifika.
Lomax made his return to the field from multiple injuries against the Western Force, but an ankle injury meant he left the field after 30 minutes.
Co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi returns to the starting side, while Ruben Love has been retained at first five-eighths and Josh Moorby shifts to fullback to cover Callum Harkin’s absence because of concussion.
The Hurricanes are top of the table, but assistant coach Jamie Mackintosh knows that with a tight table they can’t afford to take their foot off the pedal.
“We’re under no illusions that it’s going to be a physical game and we don’t have to look too far through their loose forward trio to know they’re pretty skilful and good over the ball,” Mackintosh said.
“It’s a top-of-the-table clash really when you look at it as far as games played.
“It’s going to be a massive last eight weeks down to the playoffs and having our two byes early, we’re going to have to win lots of games of rugby in a row.”
For the Reds, captain Fraser McReight returns to the starting side, while playmaker Tom Lynagh has been selected for his first match of the season and will enter the game from the bench.
Reds coach Les Kiss said this will be their toughest test of the season.
“This presents the toughest game in the competition to date – playing the Hurricanes at the ‘Cake Tin’ in Wellington,” Kiss said.
“The Hurricanes’ form has been imperious with their blend of forward power and backline skills run by their halves Cam Roigard and Ruben Love.
“We’ve built confidence over our last four matches, for sure. It has shown the results of playing our game and building on what we do well.”
The Hurricanes have won their last 10 consecutive Super Rugby Pacific games against the Queensland Reds.
Hurricanes: 1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Warner Dearns, 6. Devan Flanders, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Fehi Fineanganofo, 12. Jordie Barrett (cc), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Bailyn Sullivan, 15. Josh Moorby.
Bench: 16. Vernon Bason, 17. Siale Lauaki, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Lucas Cashmore, 23. Jone Rova.
Reds: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Nick Bloomfield, 4. Seru Uru, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 6. Joe Brial, 7. Fraser McReight (c), 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Louis Werchon, 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Tim Ryan, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Isaac Henry, 14. Filipo Daugunu, 15. Jock Campbell
Bench: 16. Richie Asiata, 17. George Blake, 18. Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19. Hamish Muller, 20. Vaiuta Latu, 21. Louis Werchon, 22. Ben Volavola, 23. Treyvon Pritchard.
Eden Park, Auckland. Saturday, 7.05pm
Payton Spencer, son of All Blacks and Blues legend Carlos, will get his first start in Super Rugby Pacific after being named at fullback to face the Fijian Drua,
Spencer made his debut last week off the bench and he will get his chance in the starting side with Zarn Sullivan missing through injury.
Departing All Blacks duo Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Soututu are both out injured, which means Anton Segner shifts to openside flanker and Torian Barnes starts at blindside, while Jed Melvin is in line to debut off the bench.
Sam Darry will captain the side in Papali’i’s absence.
“We’ve had a few changes after the win over Waratahs, particularly losing Dalton and Zarn this week, but it’s a chance for others to make the most of their opportunity,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.
“The Drua are a dangerous side when you give them space. They play with a lot of flair and confidence, so for us it’s about being accurate, controlling the tempo and making good decisions under pressure.”
The Blues have never lost to the Drua and Saturday’s game will be a big occasion with the inaugural Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy to be contested.
The trophy honours the legacy of the late Vidiri, one of the most iconic wingers to represent Fiji and the Blues.
Blues: 1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Josh Beehre, 5. Sam Darry (c), 6. Torian Barnes, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Malachi Wrampling, 9. Taufa Funaki, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Pita Akhi, 13, AJ Lam, 14. Cole Forbes, 15. Payton Spencer.
Bench: 16. James Mullan, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Sam Matenga, 19. Che Clark, 20. Jed Melvin, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Xavi Taele, 23.Codemeru Vai.
Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Mesake Vocevoce, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Frank Lomani (c), 10. Kemu Valetini, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Iosefo Namoce, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Epeli Momo, 15. Iliasia Droasese.
Bench: 16. Mesulame Dolokolo, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Isoa Tuwai, 21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Virimi Vakatawa.
HBF Park, Perth. Saturday, 9.35pm
All Blacks winger Leroy Carter will make his first Super Rugby Pacific start at centre when the Chiefs face the Western Force in Perth.
With Daniel Rona and Lalakai Foketi sidelined through injury, Carter shifts to the midfield, a position he’s only played twice during his career with Bay of Plenty in the NPC.
Emoni Narawa, who announced he had re-signed with the Chiefs on Wednesday, will start on the right wing, with Damian McKenzie moving to fullback and Josh Jacomb taking his place at first five-eighths.
Brodie McAlister is set to start for the first time this year after being sidelined with a broken hand.
Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said while there was a revamped look to the team, many of the changes were injury enforced and it remained a quality 23.
“This is still a very experienced and strong side that reflects the depth we have in the squad,” Gibbes said.
“We don’t take the Force lightly, especially on their home patch and after the loss to the Brumbies last week it’s important we get the little things right on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, Zac Lomax’s wait for a Super Rugby Pacific debut goes on after being left out of the matchday squad.
Coach Simon Cron has made one change to his side with backrower Vaiolini Ekuasi joining the loose forward trio.
The Chiefs are on an eight-game winning streak against the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific.
Force: 1. Tom Robertson, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 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. Bayley Kuenzle, 12. Kurtley Beale, 13. George Bridge, 14. Darby Lancaster, 15. Max Burey.
Bench: 16. Leonel Oviedo, 17. Sef Fa’agase, 18. Misinale Epenisa, 19. Lopeti Faifua, 20. Will Harris, 21. Nathan Hastie, 22. Hamish Stewart, 23. Divad Palu.
Chiefs: 1. Jared Profitt, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. George Dyer, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Luke Jacobson (c), 8. Simon Parker, 9. Xavier Roe, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Quinn Tupaea (vc), 13. Leroy Carter, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Sione Ahio, 19. Fiti Sa, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Kyle Brown, 23. Kyren Taumoefolau.