The line-ups for Round 10 of Super Rugby AU are in.
The Western Force have been given a big boost with star fullback Rob Kearney cleared to make his return to the side. The former Ireland international hasn’t played since suffering an adductor injury in the first half of the season, but will take his place at the back on Friday night.
Also returning to the Force line-up is winger Toni Pulu, who had been sidelined since Round 4. He comes straight back into the XV, forcing Richard Kahui to the bench, while Greg Holmes starts at tighthead prop in place of Santiago Medrano.
The Reds have been able to call up some big names of their own, with Liam Wright named in the run-on side for the first time this season. He starts at blindside flanker, taking back the captaincy from James O’Connor and pushing Angus Scott-Young to the second row.
Filipo Daugunu has been promoted to the starting XV after an impressive last performance from the bench, and Hunter Paisami has been given the green light to return from the injury which kept him out of the Reds’ last win over the Brumbies.
Jock Campbell is out of the side with a groin niggle.
In Saturday night’s clash between the Rebels and Waratahs, Melbourne will be without the services of the suspended Trevor Hosea, but do welcome big back-rower Isi Naisarani back into the starting forward pack after he came off the bench last week. The last time Naisarani started a match for the Rebels was in last year’s preliminary final loss to the Reds.
Ross Haylett-Petty starts at lock in place of Hosea, while Naisarani’s return has pushed Michael Wells to blindside flanker with Brad Wilkin at openside and Richard Hardwick and Josh Kemeny on the bench.
Youngster Carter Gordon looks set for his first Super Rugby appearance from amongst the reserves, while a reshuffled front row of Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese and Cabous Eloff will lead the Melbourne scrum.
The Waratahs, meanwhile, have retained the same XV which went down in a thriller to the Force last week. There are two changes to the bench for the Tahs: Michael Wood replacing Sam Caird and Joe Cotton coming in for the injured Tom Horton.
Friday, 7:45pm (AEST), HBF Park
Force
1-15: Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu’u, Greg Holmes, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Tomas Cubelli, Domingo Miotti, Jordan Olawofela, Kyle Godwin (c), Tevita Kuridrani, Toni Pulu, Rob Kearney
Bench: Andrew Ready, Angus Wagner, Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauly, Fergus Lee-Warner, Ian Prior, Richard Kahui, Jack McGregor
In: Toni Pulu, Rob Kearney
Out: Grason Makara, Jake Strachan
Reds
1-15: Feao Fotuaika, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright (c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Bryce Hegarty
Bench: Alex Mafi, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Josh Flook, Ilaisa Droasese
In: Hunter Paisami, Ilaisa Droasese
Out: Jock Campbell, Lawson Creighton
Saturday, 7:45pm (AEST), Bankwest Stadium
Waratahs
(1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Max Douglas, Lachlan Swinton, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, James Ramm, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Alex Newsome, Jack Maddocks
Bench: Joe Cotton, Tetera Faulkner, Darcy Breen, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wood, Charlie Gamble, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
In: Joe Cotton, Micahel Wood
Out: Tom Horton, Sam Caird
Rebels
(1-15): Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Rob Leota, Ross Haylett-Petty, Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin, Isi Naisarani, Joe Powell, Matt To’omua (c), Marika Koroibete, Campbell Magnay, Stacey Ili, Frank Lomani, Tom Pincus
Bench: James Hanson, Matt Gibbon, Pone Fa’amausili, Steve Cummins, Richard Hardwick, Josh Kemeny, Carter Gordon, George Worth
In: Carter Gordon, George Worth, Steve Cummins
Out: Trevor Hosea, Lewis Holland, Glen Vaihu
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Ham sandwiches, jez
Double Agent
Guest
Probably be the ubiquitous 'they'.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Yes, Markus. I forgot both Kuenzle and Pasitoa. That’s a pretty promising group coming through. I wonder how many we’ll manage to keep in Oz. Although experience in Europe would be better than coming on for the last 10 minutes – for whoever gets to be considered 2nd best at his club. Just as long as we get them back after a couple of years. And , NO, Red Rob, you can’t have Donaldson.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Murphy is the referee. As for Rennie and selections ; he has no idea.
BuffaloTheorist
Roar Rookie
The longer the season goes, the worse To'omua looks.
BuffaloTheorist
Roar Rookie
Before Hegarty got the start at 15 in the last two games, Thorn/McKay had JOC playing as a FB in defense, which reduced Jock's ability to show off his broken-play running from the back. This approach is more suited to having Hegarty at FB, in which case Jock should be on the bench with specialist wingers to start. If Jock starts, let him play as a traditional fullback.
BuffaloTheorist
Roar Rookie
Woops - missed that. Thanks all for the heads up.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Who will do this telling?
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
We all have an interest in the Rebels losing if it means they can Wessels. Despite all the optimism around him, he’s failed to deliver and it would be good to see if another local coach can step up. And the Tahs need a win to maintain the confidence that is growing after a tough season. After Tony Brown’s reported comments this week I’d like to see all Australian sides in good nick and smashing the Highlanders.
Antony Henrie
Guest
Indeed, i forgot Hooper Hanigan and Simmons are available for selection in 2021 and they will also be recalled.
Matt
Guest
Must be why the Rebels are demolishing teams with that Wells bloke. He is better than only the tahs 8 Dempsey imo.
James GC
Roar Rookie
For his slender frame he hits hard in defence also his defensive timing is much like Petaia.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yes I think Hegarty has been seen as out next best 10 (rightly so) and there’s no doubt JOC has been crucial to the Reds success this year. In that context I dont blame Thorn for not rotating a young 10 through. Will need to in 2022, tho. Would like to see Donaldson up here.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Good to hear, might watch that game tonight.
jeznez
Roar Guru
I hope that yellow calms him a bit, he's been copping a fair bit of heat on these boards but the yellow aside he had a pretty good match. Was the leading carrier for his side in number of runs (11) and equal second in tackles for the match (19 tied with Donaldson and only trailing Tizzano's 27, fourth was Stander on 17).
jeznez
Roar Guru
Definitely just hope on my side. Rebels are rightful favourites. Orr and Naisarani being back is big, both were very strong last week and will be better in their second outing. I'd so love them to get over the line though. Can see the effort they are putting out there and how much they want that win.
soapit
Roar Guru
that would be ideal. being so pumped up a 30min red special may be just as likely
jeznez
Roar Guru
Hopefully 50/60 minutes and then Wood comes on!
Marto
Guest
How very un Queenslander of you. A true Queenslander would never ever cheer for da tahs. Rebels have 6 Queenslanders in their team as well. :thumbdown:
soapit
Roar Guru
agree, eyes on the prize at this stage.