COMPLETE SRP Round 14 teams: Noah back for Brumbies, Hoops and Ned for Tahs, Reds also boosted

Dan McKellar has made four changes to his starting side to take on the Blues in the top two clash at GIO Stadium.

There was good news too for the Waratahs as Michael Hooper and Ned Hanigan were cleared for action, while Queensland were boosted by the returns of Fraser McRreight and Harry Wilson.

Round 14 will see all of Super Rugby Pacific celebrating culture round, the Brumbies wearing special First Nations jerseys for their final home game of the regular season. 

Recently re-signed openside Luke Reimer starts alongside Tom Hooper and Pete Samu, with Scott Sio and Folau Fainga’a rotating into the front-row.

Allan Alaalatoa leads the side from tighthead with Darcy Swain and Cadeyrn Neville continuing their partnership in the second row.

Lolesio and Nic White combine in the halves for the Blues matchup, with Irae Simone and Len Ikitau continuing in the centres.

The unchanged back-three of Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright and Tom Banks completes the Brumbies starting selection.

Billy Pollard returns to the Brumbies gameday 23 after scoring the match sealing try against the Chiefs in round 12, with Sefo Kautai also returning from the finishers alongside James Slipper.

Nick Frost continues to play a key role as the finishing lock with local product Rory Scott providing impact to the backrow.

Ryan Lonergan will finish the game at halfback, with Hudson Creighton and Ollie Sapsford completing the Brumbies matchday squad.

McKellar said: “We’re excited to get straight back home this week against a strong Blues side.

“We reviewed the Crusaders game thoroughly and while we were disappointed with our error count, there were plenty of positives out of that game.

“Pleased to have Noah back this week and excited to see Luke Reimer get a start for what should be a cracking game for our loyal members and fans to get out to GIO Stadium and support the team.”

Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman has added five new faces to his starting team and three to his bench that went down 22-18 against the Hurricanes at Leichhardt Oval.

Te Tera Faulkner trades places with Angus Bell, joining Dave Porecki and Archer Holz in the starting front row.

Jed Holloway misses the trip to Dunedin, allowing Geoff Cridge to start in the second row with Hugh Sinclair.

Wallaby captain Hooper makes a welcome return to the back row joining Will Harris and Langi Gleeson, while Rahoni Warren-Vosayco and Hanigan are set to provide plenty of impact from the bench.

Coleman said, “As a coaching staff we feel it’s a good opportunity for Jed Holloway and Charlie Gamble to freshen up this week. They’ve had a heavy workload this season and it’s an arduous travel schedule getting to Dunedin and back, so we’ve decided it’s in our best interests to keep them in Sydney.

“It’s the first time we’ve gone a six-two split on the bench and I really like the idea of having six fresh forwards finishing the game.

“Having Michael Hooper back in the starting team and Ned coming off the bench gives us a real boost and helps offset the loss of Jed and Charlie.”

Jake Gordon continues to develop his partnership in the halves with Tane Edmed, while Alex Newsome has been named at outside centre in place of the injured Izaia Perese (knee).

Ben Donaldson has been named at fullback for the first time this season with Dylan Pietsch and Mark Nawaqanitawase once again named on the wings.

“Donno has been knocking at the door for the last few weeks and has made some good cameos off the bench,” Coleman said.

“Izzy’s injury gives us the chance to get him back into the starting team and he adds an extra dimension to our attack with his kicking game and ball-playing abilities.”

The Queensland Reds have been bolstered by the return of backrow duo Wilson and McReight for Friday night’s Queensland Rugby Union Indigenous Round clash against Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium.

The star pair are two of five changes to the Reds starting XV, with fellow Brothers product Matt Faessler named to make his first Super Rugby start at hooker.

Harry Hoopert also returns to the starting lineup at loosehead prop, while Hamish Stewart comes back into the run-on team in the number-12 jersey as flyhalf James O’Connor celebrates his 50th appearance for Queensland.

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “After a tough trip to Auckland we’re excited to be back home this week in front of our Queensland fans.

“Each week we’ve been in the contest. The Blues were the first time we’ve been down at halftime against the New Zealand sides. Our challenge is to be putting in 80-minute performances if we want to achieve something in this competition.

“Along with the Fijian Drua, it’s been good to have Moana Pasifika involved in Super Rugby Pacific. They play positive Rugby and they’ll be a tough opponent on Friday night,” said Thorn.

Super Rugby Pacific Round 14 teams (ALL TIMES AEST)

Crusaders vs Fijian Drua

Friday, 5:05pm, Orangetheory Stadium

CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, Ricky Jackson, Fletcher Newell, Zach Gallagher, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett (c), Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki.

RESERVES: Shilo Klein, Tamaiti Williams, Oli Jager, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Mitch Drummond, Simon Hickey, George Bridge.

DRUA (1-15): Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Ratu Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Mesulame Dolokoto, Nemani Nagusa (c), Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Vinaya Habosi, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kitione Taliga.

RESERVES: Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Raikabula Momoedonu, Leone Nawai, Ilaisa Droasese, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Queensland Reds vs Moana Pasifika

Friday, 7:45pm, Suncorp Stadium

REDS (1-15): Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Jordan Petaia, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.

RESERVES: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu.

PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Michael Curry, Sam Slade, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Henry Time-Stowers, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Solomone Kata, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili.

RESERVES: Luteru Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe ‘Apiokotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Henry Taefu.

Chiefs vs Western Force

Saturday, 2:35pm, FMG Stadium

CHIEFS: 

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Bryn Gatland, Chase Tiatia, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Pohipi, Emoni Narawa, Kaleb Trask.

RESERVES: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Josh Bartlett, George Dyer, Samipeni Finau, Mitch Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe.

FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu’u (c), Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauley, Izack Rodda, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tim Anstee, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre, Toni Pulu, Reesjan Pasitoa, Kyle Godwin, Byron Ralston, Jake Strachan.

RESERVES: Andrew Ready, Angus Wagner, Bo Abra, Jeremy Thrush, Will Sankey, Michael McDonald, Richard Kahui, Brad Lacey.

Hurricanes vs Melbourne Rebels

Saturday, 5:05pm, Sky Stadium

HURRICANES (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Blake Gibson, Du’Plessis Kirifi, TK Howden, TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Ruben Love.

RESERVES: Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Owen Franks, Scott Scrafton, Caleb Delany, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen.

REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Philip, Rob Leota, Michael Wells (c), Brad Wilkin, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, Matt To’omua, Andrew Kellaway, George Worth, Reece Hodge.

RESERVES: James Hanson, Cameron Orr, Cabous Eloff, Josh Canham, Richard Hardwick, Joe Powell, Lukas Ripley, Nick Jooste.

Brumbies vs Blues

Saturday, 7:45pm, GIO Stadium

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Caderyn Neville, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Andy Muirhead, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Tom Banks

RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Scott Sio, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford

BLUES (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, James Tucker, Sam Darry, Tom Robinson, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Bryce Heem, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta.

RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Tanielu Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan.

Highlanders vs NSW Waratahs

Sunday, 1:35pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Liam Coltman, Jermaine Ainsley, Sam Caird, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes (co-c), Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Aaron Smith (co-c), Sam Gilbert, Scott Gregory, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Denny Solomona, Connor Garden-Bachop.

RESERVES: Andrew Makalio, Luca Inch, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Fetuli Paea.

WARATAHS (1-15): Tetera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Archer Holz, Geoff Cridge, Hugh Sinclair, Langi Gleeson, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Alex Newsome.

RESERVES: Mahe Vailanu, Angus Bell, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Williams, Ned Hanigan, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Jack Grant, Jamie Roberts.

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