Hunter Paisami has been named in the Queensland Reds starting XV with Brad Thorn making eight changes to his 23 when the side plays the Western Force in Perth.
In the absence of the injured Liam Wright and Tate McDermott, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will captain his state for the first time.
“It’s been a big week with the floods up here in Brisbane,” Coach Brad Thorn said.
“We’ve had two tough games so far and we look forward to another one against the Force on Friday night.
“They’ve got good experience and they’re playing in front of their home fans for the first time this year, so they’ll be a tough opposition.”
The Western Force have made two changes as they make a welcome return home to play at HBF Park in Perth.
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa makes his first Super Rugby start for the Force while Western Australian homegrown talent Ollie Callan moves into the starting side.
Join experts Brett McKay and Harry Jones and special guest Jamie Wall as they look at Super Rugby week 2, that debut by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and tip what four teams will miss the finals this year.
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika will make its long awaited debut in Super Rugby Pacific after two aborted starts. Several members of the team were struck down with COVID in week 1 and the recovery from the virus meant that it was not feasible to play in Round 2.
The team has been named for their Friday night clash against the Crusaders.
“This has been 26 years in the making and after recent challenges, it’s good to finally be here. For many it will be their debut and significantly they are getting the opportunity to take to the field and compete, when perhaps an opportunity wouldn’t be available. It will be a very special occasion for them, their families and wider Pacific community,” Head Coach Aaron Mauger said.
International powerhouse and Wallaby Test centurion Sekope Kepu will Captain the team in his preferred position of tighthead prop.
A strategic substitute bench has been selected to provide impact in the latter stages of the match with 35-Test Manu Samoa flanker Jack Lam and 26-Test Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano both primed for a Super Rugby return.
With two games of match practice up their sleeve the Crusaders have taken the opportunity to revamp their team for the clash with four debutants and three returning All Blacks.
The Melbourne Rebels have named Victorian lock Josh Canham in their starting XV to make his Super Rugby debut.
Joe Powell and Matt To’omua will combine for a second consecutive match, while Carter Gordon has been recalled replacing the suspended Reece Hodge at full-back.
Friday, 5:05pm, Mt Smart Stadium
Moana Pasifika
1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Luteru Tolai, 3. Sekope Kepu (c), 4. Mike McKee, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Solomone Funaki, 7. Alamanda Motuga, 8. Henry Time-Stowers, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Lincoln McClutchie, 11. Neria Fomai, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Levi Aumua, 14. Tima Fainga’anuku, 15. William Havili
Reserves: 16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi, 18. Joe Apikotoa, 19. Alex McRobbie, 20. Jack Lam 21. Jonathan Taumateine, 22. Christian Leali’ifano, 23. Fine Inisi.
Crusaders
1. George Bower, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. Oliver Jager, 4. Mitchell Dunshea, 5. Quinten Strange (c), 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Pablo Matera, 9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 10. Simon Hickey, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Dallas McLeod, 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14. George Bridge, 15. Chay Fihaki.
Reserves: 16. Cody Taylor, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Dominic Gardiner, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Bryn Hall, 22. Richie Mo’unga, 23. Isaiah Punivai.
Friday, 7:45pm, Sunshine Coast Stadium
Fijian Drua
1. Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Samu Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Ratu Rotuisolia, 6. Meli Derenalagi (c), 7. Vilive Miramira, 8. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Vinaya Habosi, 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13. Apisalome Vota, 14. Selesitino Ravutaumada, 15. Baden Kerr.
Reserves: 16. Mesulame Dolokto, 17. Timoci Sauvoli, 18. Manasa Saulo, 19. Viliame Rarasea , 20. Rusiate Nasove , 21. Joshua Vuta, 22. Teti Tela , 23. Jona Mataiciwa.
Rebels
1. Cameron Orr, 2. James Hanson, 3. Cabous Eboff, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Josh Canham, 6. Michael Wells (c), 7. Brad Wilkin, 8. Tamati Ioane, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Matt To’omua, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Raymond Nu’u, 13. Lukas Ripley, 14. Young Tonumaipea, 15. Carter Gordon.
Reserves: 16. Efi Ma’afu, 17. Isaac Aedo Kailea, 18. Rhys Van Nek, 19. Josh Hill, 20. Sam Wallis, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Nick Jooste, 23. Ilikena Vudogo.
Friday, 10pm, HBF Park, Perth
Force
1. Tom Robertson, 2. Feleti Kaitu’u (c), 3. Santiago Medrano, 4. Fergus Lee-Warner, 5. Izack Rodda, 6. Brynard Stander, 7. Ollie Callan, 8. Tim Anstee, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Reesjan Pasitoa, 11. Manasa Mataele, 12. Richard Kahui, 13. Kyle Godwin, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Jake Strachan.
Reserves: 16. Jack Winchester, 17. Harrison Lloyd, 18. Greg Holmes, 19. Ryan McCauley, 20. Kane Koteka, 21. Ian Prior, 22. Jake McIntyre, 23. Grason Makara.
Reds
1. Dane Zander, 2. Josh Nasser, 3. Feao Fotuaika, 4. Angus Blyth, 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (c), 6. Seru Uru, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson, 9. Kalani Thomas, 10. James O’Connor, 11. Josh Flook, 12. Hamish Stewart, 13. Hunter Paisami, 14. Jordan Petaia, 15. Jock Campbell.
Reserves: 16. Matt Faessler, 17. Harry Hoopert, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Ryan Smith, 20. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 21. Spencer Jeans, 22. Lawson Creighton, 23. Mac Grealy.
Saturday, 2:35pm, Eden Park
Blues
1. Alex Hodgman, 2. Kurt Eklund, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Josh Goodhue, 6. Tom Robinson, 7. Dalton Papalii, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Finlay Christie, 10. Harry Plummer, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Mark Telea, 15. Stephen Perofeta.
Reserves: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Ofa Tuungafasi, 18. Marcel Renata, 19. Sam Darry, 20. Adrian Choat, 21. Sam Nock, 22. Beauden Barrett/Zarn Sullivan, 23. AJ Lam.
Chiefs
1. Aidan Ross, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Sione Mafileo, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Brodie Retallick, 6.Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Sam Cane (co-c), 8. Pita Gus Sowakula, 9. Brad Weber (co-c), 10. Josh Ioane, 11. Etene Nani-Seturo, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Alex Nankivell, 14. Shaun Stevenson, 15. Chase Tiatia
Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Angus Ta’avao, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Kaylum Boshier, 21. Xavier Roe, 22. Bryn Gatland, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.
Saturday, 5:05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Hurricanes
1. Pouri Rakete-Stones, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. James Blackwell, 5. Caleb Delany, 6. Reed Prinsep, 7. Du Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea (c), 9. Jamie Booth, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Salesi Rayasi, 12. Billy Proctor, 13. Bailyn Sullivan, 14. Julian Savea, 15. Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: 16. Siua Maile, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Tevita Mafileo, 19. Devan Flanders, 20. Brayden Iose, 21. Richard Judd, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Peter Umaga-Jensen.
Highlanders
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Liam Coltman, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 4. Bryn Evans, 5. Josh Dickson, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. James Lentjes (cc), 8. Gareth Evans, 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Mitch Hunt (cc), 11. Liam Coombes-Fabling, 12. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 13. Fetuli Paea, 14. Sam Gilbert, 15. Connor Garden-Bachop.
Reserves: 16. Rhys Marshall, 17. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18. Saula Ma’u, 19. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 20. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Marty Banks, 23. Scott Gregory
Saturday, 7:45pm, GIO Stadium, Canberra
Brumbies
1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (c), 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Nick Frost, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Jahrome Brown, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Nic White, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Andy Muirhead, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Tom Wright, 15. Tom Banks.
Reserves: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Ed Kennedy, 20. Luke Reimer, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Chris Feauai-Sautia, 23. Jesse Mogg.
Waratahs
1. Angus Bell, 2. Davie Porecki, 3. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 4. Jed Holloway, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Hugh Sinclair, 7. Charles Gamble, 8. Will Harris, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. James Turner, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Izaia Perese, 14. Dylan Pietsch, 15. Alex Newsome
Reserves: 16. Tom Horton, 17. Te Tera Faulkner, 18. Ruan Smith, 19. Max Douglas, 20. Langi Gleeson, 21. Carlo Tizzano, 22. Will Harrison, 23. Tevita Funa.
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Paul D
Roar Rookie
Call it a pet peeve (and yes not directed at you, Brett. You are just quoting), but I hate it when people misuse the word decimated. I think the Rebels would be happy if it were only 10% of their squad.
Paul
Roar Rookie
I've decided that despite the clearly inexperienced combinations ( and the 0-2 start to the season) that I'm supremely excited to see this Rebels side play tonight.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
The experiment is over before it began. Williams has a groin infection and as such since we've run out of backrowers, Coleman has gone back to a 5/3 bench (with Douglas starting).
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Another clear case of why we need the NPC.
Mike
Guest
Whatever happened to Vunivali and Danganu this week for the Reds? I'm over Thorn - his midfield of Flook and Stewart killed us last year and he persisted again this year. No go forward at all. They are flyweights. Petaia should have been at 13 all year. Thank goodness Hunter is back this week but Flook to the wing? omg
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Brighton Grammar boy. Also a very talented basketballer.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
He was a 9 at the Force, went to the Brumbies and couldn’t make it as a 9 in their side when Nic White came back from England, but with his raw speed and hands Mckeller used him on the sting.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
This is an interesting concept. A mid-season transfer window I think could benefit players and teams.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
No doubt but Fiji is probably an NRC level team at this stage so it’s the best game for them to blood him in.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
It was Robertson I liked. Got to rucks and passed accurately. Decent size (looked + 80kg and 6 foot) so presents as a reasonable attacking and defensive option
jeznez
Roar Guru
Think they used Henry Robertson and Teddy Wilson in that game. Jack Grant who’s been the regular bench 9 did not play, from memory. Harrison has a great pass on him, keen to see how it goes from the base of a ruck.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
He is number 9 but played wing for the Brums a bunch last year when they had injuries.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
MO
Guest
Fines was a good Brumby winger. If we aren't careful we'll find out that he has an Irish grandparent.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
12 weeks. Good to see local products come though. Hopefully I’m wrong but I think Canham is a year away. He finished the 2021 season with Bond Uni in QPR and by all reports performed very well, but his last game was July 2021 and he missed the Drua trial with injury. No NRC means it’s a big step up in standard for Josh.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Yes I think Kuenzle starting at 12 in round 1 even after an injury disrupted pre-season indicated the preference. Hope to see him back soon as while he does not have Kahui's experience, after two years together with the Brumbies there would be a lot of cohesion in a Fines-Pasitoa-Kuenzle combination.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah definitely partially crazy for that reason.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Risky though given that Gordon has a fairly extensive injury history, particularly for a scrumhalf.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Terrific talent and ability. No way ready for Super Rugby however, classic example of a player who would benefit from an NRC.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
I see Josh Canham (debuting for the rebels at second row) is a Melbourne product, so thats good. When is Hosea back?