Team News for Round Nine of Super Rugby Pacific
This weekend, rugby fans will witness a unique display of solidarity as the Blues players take the field with shaved heads and bleached hair. This gesture is in support of their teammate Cam Suafoa, who has been battling cancer since 2023. Recently, Suafoa announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 27, marking the end of his playing career as he prepares to face a terminal diagnosis.
Blues coach Vern Cotter expressed the team’s deep empathy for Suafoa, highlighting the strength and unity they have drawn from his journey. The team shared footage on social media showing several players, including Beauden Barrett, sporting the bleached blond look as a tribute.
Highlands v ACT Brumbies
On Friday, April 10, the Highlanders will host the ACT Brumbies at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. The Brumbies are set to benefit from the return of key players Allan Alaalatoa and Lachlan Lonergan, both of whom have recovered from long-term injuries. Alaalatoa is expected to start at tighthead prop, while Lonergan will be on the bench. Coach Stephen Larkham praised Alaalatoa’s readiness, stating that he is eager to play but was held back due to the team’s strategy.
Highlanders (1-15):
Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kemaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Nic Shearer, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson
Brumbies (1-15):
James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead
Moana Pasifika v Chiefs
On Saturday, April 11, Moana Pasifika will face the Chiefs at Rotorua International Stadium. Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes has named Damian McKenzie at No.10 after the All Blacks star missed the previous game due to concussion. McKenzie will revert to his playmaking position, with Josh Jacomb dropping to the bench. Reon Paul is set to make his Chiefs debut from the bench. Paul is the nephew of All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara and has played 19 games for Bay of Plenty in the NPC.
Moana (1-15):
Malaki Hala-Ngatai, Millenium Sanerivi, Paula Latu, Tom Savage, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Niko Jones, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Glen Vaihu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili
Chiefs (1-15):
Ollie Norris, Tyrone Thompson, Reuben O’Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i (c), Samipeni Finau, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Fijian Drua v Western Force
On Saturday, April 11, the Fijian Drua will host the Western Force at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Fullback Mac Grealy is excited about the opportunity to link up with Zac Lomax in Fiji. Lomax was a late scratching in the previous match, but Grealy believes he will bring a fresh dynamic to the team.
Drua (1-15):
Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila (co-c), Joseva Tamani, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ilaisa Droasese, Iosefo Namoce, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (co-c), Isikeli Basiyalo, Isikeli Rabitu
Force (1-15):
Sef Fa’agase, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams (c), Nick Champion de Crespigny, Jack Daly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Mac Grealy
Hurricanes v Blues
Also on Saturday, the Hurricanes will face the Blues at Westpac Stadium in Wellington. Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has named Callum Harkin at fullback for the top-of-the-table clash. Harkin replaces Josh Moorby, who moves to the wing for the injured Bailyn Sullivan.
The Blues, in a show of solidarity, will take the field with shaved heads and bleached hair in support of Cam Suafoa, who has decided to retire from rugby following a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Hurricanes (1-15):
Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Blues (1-15):
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry (c), Che Clark, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai, Zarn Sullivan
Queensland Reds v Crusaders
On Saturday, the Queensland Reds will host the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Reds coach Les Kiss has made two changes to his starting side, with hooker Matt Faessler and winger Tim Ryan coming in for Josh Nasser and Treyvon Pritchard, both of whom suffered concussions. The Crusaders will be without Will Jordan and Codie Taylor, with Johnny McNicholl and George Bell stepping in at fullback and hooker respectively.
Reds (1-15):
Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell
Crusaders (1-15):
George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Leciester Fainga’anuku, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
BYE: NSW Waratahs
