The Queensland Reds will be without James O’Connor once again for their final Super Rugby match of the year, and Suliasi Vunivalu has joined him in the casualty ward.
O’Connor was a gameday withdrawal from the Reds’ loss to the Blues with a neck complaint, while Vunivalu sustained a hamstring injury during the match.
In some positive news for the Reds, Bryce Hegarty has been given the all-clear to start in place of O’Connor at flyhalf after also missing last week’s defeat, and flanker Fraser McReight has been added to the bench following his surprise omission in Round 4.
With Hegarty back in the side, Hamish Stewart drops out of the 23, and Josh Flook comes onto the wing for Vunivalu. Angus Blyth starts at lock with Ryan Smith moving to the pine, and all of Richie Asiata, Harry Hoopert, Kalani Thomas and potential debutant Hudson Creighton have been added to the bench.
The Brumbies, meanwhile, welcome back some international experience to their starting XV for their Friday-night encounter with the Highlanders. Scrumhalf Nic White, winger Tom Wright and centre Irae Simone are back in the run-on side, with Ryan Lonergan and Solomone Kata moving to the reserves.
Nic White. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
There’s some bad news for the Canberrans though, with flyhalf Noah Lolesio unavailable due to a “minor injury” sustained in last week’s win over the Hurricanes. Bayley Kuenzle moves to number ten in Lolesio’s place.
On the bench, there’s a chance for hooker Billy Pollard to make his Brumbies debut as he comes in for Folau Fainga’a.
The Western Force will be without scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli, who is out with a toe complaint, meaning club captain Ian Prior gets a start in the XV. However they do welcome back fullback Rob Kearney to the matchday squad via the bench for their final game of the season.
As for the Waratahs, their horrid run with injury has continued, with Jake Gordon (knee – MCL), Dave Porecki (calf), Jack Maddocks (hand) and Darcy Breen (neck) joining Angus Bell and Harry Johnson-Holmes on the sidelines.
Pek Cowan comes into the side, and Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco gets his first start at number eight following his mid-year move from Japan. Tom Horton, James Ramm and Hugh Sinclair have all been recalled after injury lay-offs.
The tough injury toll in Australia extends to the Rebels, as captain Matt To’omua has been ruled out of their clash against the Crusaders with a neck injury. Glen Vaihu replaces him in the centres, while Young Tonumaipea and Ilikena Vudogo in line for their Super Rugby debuts off the bench.
The Highlanders get a boost with Aaron Smith returning to the starting side at scrumhalf as they look to qualify for the Trans-Tasman final.
For the Hurricanes, Ngani Laumape will play his final game for the club against the Reds, and all of Reed Prinsep, Peter Umaga-Jensen and Asafo Aumua have been added to the side.
The Blues have announced their line-up for Saturday’s encounter with the Force, welcoming back Josh Goodhue, Marcel Renata and Ray Niula for the must-win match.
Prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi is the biggest name to be missing from the Aucklanders’ side as he rests to take care of a lingering knee issue.
The Crusaders are almost at full strength as they attempt to snag a spot in the final. Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock, Sevu Reece and Ethan Blackadder are amongst the inclusions for the Aotearoa champions, although they will be without hooker Codie Taylor.
Richie Mo’unga. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
Brad Weber comes back into the Chiefs’ starting XV for their game against the Tahs, as does winger Sean Wainui. Anton Lienert-Brown gets a bit of a breather on the bench as Quinn Tupaea partners Alex Nankivell in the centres.
Super Rugby Trans-Tasman Round 5 teams
Hurricanes vs Queensland Reds
Friday, 5:05pm (AEST), Sky Stadium
Hurricanes
(1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Scott Scrafton, Reed Prinsep, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Wes Goosen, Ngani Laumape, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett
Bench: Dane Coles, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Alex Fidow, Liam Mitchell, Devan Flanders, Luke Campbell, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayesi
Reds
(1-15): Feao Fotuaika, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Angus Blyth, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Scott-Young, Liam Wright (c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Bryce Hegarty, Filipo Daugunu, Isaac Henry, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Mac Grealy
Bench: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Fraser McReight, Kalani Thomas, Hudson Creighton, Moses Sorovi
ACT Brumbies vs Highlanders
Friday, 7:45pm (AEST), GIO Stadium
Brumbies
(1-15): Scott Sio, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Henry Stowers, Nic White, Bayley Kuenzle, Mack Hansen, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Tom Banks
Bench: Billy Pollard, Harry Lloyd, Tom Ross, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Reesjan Pasitoa, Solomone Kata
Highlanders
(1-15): Ethan De Groot, Ash Dixon (c), Siate Tokolahi, Bryn Evans, Pari Pari Parkinson, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, Kazuki Himeno, Aaron Smith (c), Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki, Scott Gregory, Michael Collins, Sio Tomkinson, Josh Ioane
Bench: Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Hohneck, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Kayne Hammington, Sam Gilbert, Teariki Ben-Nicholas
Melbourne Rebels vs Crusaders
Saturday, 2:35pm (AEST), Leichhardt Oval
Rebels
(1-15): Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Rob Leota, Trevor Hosea, Michael Wells (c), Richard Hardwick, Isi Naisarani, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon, Marika Koroibete, Glen Vaihu, Andrew Kellaway, Frank Lomani, George Worth
Bench: James Hanson, Matt Gibbon, Rhys Van Neck, Steve Cummins, Ross Haylett-Petty, James Tuttle, Young Tonumaipea, Ilikena Vudogo
Crusaders
(1-15): George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Michael Alaalatoa, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Ethan Blackadder, Sione Havili Talitui, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Bench: Nathan Vella, Tamaiti Williams, Oliver Jager, Mitchell Dunshea, Tom Sanders, Bryn Hall, Dallas McLeod, Manasa Mataele
Blues vs Western Force
Saturday, 5:05pm (AEST), Eden Park
Blues
(1-15): Alex Hodgman, Kurt Eklund, Nepo Laulala, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Tom Robinson, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Otere Black, Mark Telea, TJ Faiane, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan
Bench: Ray Niula, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Josh Goodhue, Akira Ioane, Jonathan Ruru, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam
Force
Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu’u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Fergus Lee-Warner, Kane Koteka, Ollie Callan, Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre, Jordan Olowofela, Kyle Godwin (c), Tevita Kuridrani, Richard Kahui, Jake Strachan
Bench: Andrew Ready, Angus Warner, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Brynard Stander, Michael McDonald, Domingo Miotti, Rob Kearney
NSW Waratahs vs Chiefs
Saturday, 7:45pm (AEST), Brookvale Oval
Waratahs
(1-15): Andrew Tuala, Tom Horton, Tetera Faulkner, Hugh Sinclair, Jack Whetton, Lachie Swinton, Jack Dempsey, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, James Ramm, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Alex Newsome (c), Mark Nawaqanitawase
Bench: Robbie Abel, Pek Cowan, Chris Talakai, Sam Caird, Jeremy Williams, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed
Chiefs
(1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, Angus Ta’avao, Zane Kapeli, Tupou Vaa’i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (c), Bryn Gatland, Sean Wainui, Quinn Tupaea, Alex Nankivell, Shaun Stevenson, Kaleb Trask
Bench: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Viliami Taulani, Tom Florence, Xavier Roe, Anton Lienert-Brown, Chase Tiatia
CO)))DA
Roar Rookie
I thought a bit more about your replies to my comment @Obes. – Personally i like a 10 who creates tries and scores them. – To clarify, my initial comment about liking a “10 who defends well” essentially was an allusion to the problems Australian rugby has had defensively in that position over the last decade, particularly in the Cheika era – Bernhard Foley and Quade Cooper et al. They were both great attacking players, but were too often found wanting in defence. I personally like the complete package at first-five, with an emphasis on ball in hand rugby – for example my personal favourites in the modern era are Stephen Larkham, Elton Flatley, Christian Lealiifano, Rod Kafer, Matt Giteau and Matt Toomua (the latter 3 mainly 12s of course, but they did a decent job when they moved 1 in). James O’Connor is probably the best 10 in the country currently and is has a good balance of attacking flair and sound defence. – Stewart has had 5 years at the reds and still cant ignite a backline – To be fair, Stewart has been used at inside centre the majority of his time at the Reds, and his job has mainly been as a defensive 12, organising the backline defence. (This Nicholas Bishop article discusses Stewart’s role in detail: https://www.theroar.com.au/2021/04/07/why-picking-the-best-players-does-not-always-make-the-best-team/.) If you watched last night’s game against the Hurricanes, the midfield D struggled to contain Ngani Laumape – see Laumape’s first try of the game of the set piece. I would suggest that Stewart would have done a better job of shutting that down, but that’s conjecture of course. (Having said that, I like the look of Isaac Henry and I’m sure his defensive reads will get better with experience. He looks to be the kind of try creator/scorer you are talking about). – The other thing I wanted to point out, is that the Reds backline has looked good in the last two seasons with Hamish Stewart mainly the first choice at 12. They have competed well in 2020 against both Australian and NZ teams, getting the ball out to the wide men regularly and with ease. Prior to that, Samu Kerevi was the starting inside centre (correct me if I’m wrong). So I reckon that, whilst not being the most gifted attacking player, Stewart has been a pretty important player in the balance of a star laden Reds backline in 2020/21. – Stick to commenting and watching your kiwi teams mate – You make a strange assumption there. What in my comment makes you think I’m a NZ rugby fan? And if I was, why shouldn’t I air my opinion in this forum? One of the things I personally value about the Roar is the variety of views and perspectives from people across the globe. It’d be pretty boring if everyone just agreed with each other.
andrewM
Roar Rookie
I think Nudgee offered him a scholarship after seeing him play in the WA U15's from memory
Phil
Guest
If you continue to write rubbish I will continue to respond,even if it is a waste of time.Do you know it is possible to play well in a poorly performing team?No doubt the Tahs are having a shocking season,but at least Gordon and Bell are showing some form. As for that list of Tahs players who didn't deserve their places in the Wallabies,OK there are a couple there who I would agree with but I think Hooper(how many John Eales medals??),TPN and AAC(you don't play 100 tests by being a mug) have been pretty reasonable selections.Skelton is now showing the potential that was obviously there but never came to the fore while he was playing here.Phipps and Foley were selected because there wasn't many alternatives(Cooper anyone?),Hanigan definitely selected too soon.Not worth commenting on the others.
Beefa
Guest
If you think those blokes you mention are in form you must be reading Chekers book. " How to pick a dud amongst the other duds for the Wallabies from the tahs and how i got away with it " 0-11 YES 0-11 . Waratahs have not won a game in 2021. Do you understand the term "perreniel losers ". That is what the tahs are in 2021.
JP
Guest
Jono Lance, Bryce Hegarty, Hamish Stewart, Ben Lucas, Duncan P, Isaac Lucas, Quade Cooper. There are 7 for starters. Thorn cannot coach.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
I read military history not sportsmen’s books. Decided to give one of my favourites ; Joe Marler a donation and buy his book . It’s bloody funny and a good incite into the naughty bits of Rugby.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
All three . He’s a myth.
Beefa
Guest
Well now i know Rennie is either on the take or Scott Johnson is really selecting the team. As someone else suggested players from the worst team in Super Rugby history will have Gordon (if fit) Swinton Bell Porecki in the 2021 Wallaby 23. Nothing has changed. First we had to put up with continual failures Robertson Douglas Skelton AAC Mumm Hooper Foley Phipps TPN Dempsey Hanigan now the next lot of tahs get their Wallaby jerseys gifted unfairly.
Obes
Guest
Maybe stick to your Kiwi forums as all you seem to do is come on here and lay the boot into anything Australian. You always seem to pop up when someone critiques your idol Thorn. Time to grow up mate.
Ex force fan
Guest
The Tahs may play with an all ex-Spirit 2014 front row with Pek, Robbie and Tetera....great to see them still playing.
Phil
Guest
Beefa or whatever alias you are using today,another post which shows you have no idea.Gordon has been one of the few highlights for the Tahs and,judging by what Rennie thought of him last year,will be in the Wallaby squad for sure.Along side you best mate,Hooper!
CO)))DA
Roar Rookie
I don't claim to know everything about rugby, but I have as much right as anyone to have an opinion about anything that's posted on this site. That's what these forums are for - healthy debate. And generally the Roar is a pretty respectful place for it. And if not, it's a pretty entertaining read anyway.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Joe Cotton coming on as well. Got dropped the other week and promptly scored four tries for Southo’s. It’s Abel’s spot that would be under threat.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Think Tahs are better with P0recki and H0rt0n ..... FF d0es nt excite me
Malo
Guest
Another 5-0 to NZ. It’s not they are exceptional teams as many European club sides could beat them, it’s just we cannot compete. We have to cull the teams from 5 to 3. Look at the tahs and rebel sides, they would be lucky to beat Sydney Uni
Who are these 10 flyhalves JP? I say you are full of it...But you expose your total ignorance by failing to know what the guy's name is that you are trying to rubbish... Sack the winning coach eh???
Says the guy who thinks Rennie was silly for announcing that Vunivalu is out of the French series due to injury....Perhaps you should learn a
bitlot more before you rubbish others...Obes
Guest
Stewart has had 5 years at the reds and still cant ignite a backline and is slow as a prop.Stick to commenting and watching your kiwi teams mate as you have no idea.
Beedy Eyes
Guest
I see Captain Loser has bottled it again for the Waratahs.He is a disgrace.
Dean
Guest
Gordon - check. Hooper - check. I note you haven't written any comments slagging off Bell or Perese yet? Must be on another article. Poor old Nick Bishop doesn't seem to comprehend that much of the commentary by Australian rugby "fans" is driven by small minded parochial grudges rather than form or reason.