Key Team News for Super Rugby Pacific Round 15
The upcoming round of the Super Rugby Pacific has brought several key team updates and notable absences. Here’s a detailed look at the teams and their lineups for the matches scheduled this weekend.
Crusaders vs Chiefs – A Grand Final Rematch
In a highly anticipated clash between the Crusaders and the Chiefs, the Crusaders have announced that Will Jordan will return from injury to play at fullback. This comes after a calf injury had kept him out of action. The Crusaders’ coach, Rob Penney, praised Jordan as one of the world’s best players and expressed excitement about his return.
On the other hand, the Chiefs will be without their star playmaker, Damian McKenzie, who suffered a concussion in their recent win over the Highlanders. Isaac Hutchinson will step in at fullback. The Chiefs’ chief executive, Simon Graafhuis, made a humorous statement about encouraging fans to smuggle banned cowbells into the stadium. He offered prizes for creative smuggling efforts, including hiding them in jackets or lunchboxes.
Crusaders Lineup (1-15):
George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Faing’anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Chiefs Lineup (1-15):
Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Isaac Hutchinson
NSW Waratahs vs ACT Brumbies – A Crucial Derby
The NSW Waratahs will be missing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii due to a hamstring issue. Coach Dan McKellar mentioned that the travel and previous match in Dunedin may have contributed to Suaalii’s condition. Triston Reilly will take over the No.13 jersey, while young halves Teddy Wilson and Jack Bowen remain in the lineup.
McKellar emphasized the importance of the derby and the need for strong performance from the squad. The Waratahs are looking to maintain their current form and secure a victory against the Brumbies.
Waratahs Lineup (1-15):
Jack Barrett, Ioane Moananu, Dan Botha, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Clem Halaholo, Charlie Gamble, Angus Scott-Young, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Harry Potter, Max Jorgensen
Brumbies Lineup (1-15):
James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Cadeyrn Neville, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Toby Macpherson, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright
Moana Pasifika vs Queensland Reds – A Return for Tate McDermott
The Queensland Reds have welcomed back Tate McDermott, who has been out for eight months due to a hamstring injury. McDermott replaces Louis Werchon in the starting lineup and is expected to bring energy and leadership to the team. Fraser McReight is also back as captain, with Josh Canham returning to lock.
Moana Pasifika Lineup (1-15):
Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Allan Craig, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota, William Havili
Queensland Reds Lineup (1-15):
George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Treyvon Pritchard, Jock Campbell
Hurricanes vs Highlanders – Changes and New Faces
The Hurricanes have made six changes and a positional switch for their match against the Highlanders. Co-captain Jordie Barrett starts at inside centre, pairing with Bailyn Sullivan. Tom Allen, a 21-year-old Hawke’s Bay lock, is set to make his debut on the bench alongside co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, who returns from a minor knee injury.
For the Highlanders, Xavier Tito-Harris has replaced the injured Caleb Tangitau on the right wing. The coaches of both teams expressed confidence in their respective squads and highlighted the importance of the game.
Hurricanes Lineup (1-15):
Siale Lauaki, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Eretara Enari, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (c), Bailyn Sullivan, Ngane Punivai, Josh Moorby
Highlanders Lineup (1-15):
Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Tomás Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nic Shearer, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jona Nareki, Xavier Tito-Harris, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Western Force vs Fijian Drua – Must-Win Game
The Western Force have added Bayley Kuenzle to their starting XV and Boston Fakafanua is set for his debut in the match against the Fijian Drua. George Bridge is out due to soreness, having played the most minutes of any Force player this season. The Force captain, Jeremy Williams, emphasized the importance of this must-win game for the club.
Western Force Lineup (1-15):
Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vailoni Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy
Fijian Drua Lineup (1-15):
Meli Tuni, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Kemu Valetini, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu
