Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman has made five changes to his forward pack including a start for Ned Hanigan, and named an unchanged backline to the side for the top four chase against the Blues.
Archer Holz returns to the side after being ruled out late last week due to illness ahead of the win over the Highlanders, joining Angus Bell and Dave Porecki in the front row.
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Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed continue their partnership in the halves while Lalakai Foketi and Alex Newsome have again been named in the centres.
Ben Donaldson retains the fullback jersey with Mark Nawaqanitawase and Dylan Pietsch rounding out the team on the wings.
Coleman lauded the depth side has built this season.
“Jed and Charlie come back into the starting team and that’s based on their outstanding performances throughout the year. They were both rested last week against the Highlanders so we’re excited to see the energy they’ll inject into the team,” Coleman said.
“Ned comes into the starting team, as his performance last week off the bench was just too good to leave out, and that pushes Sinclair to the bench who has been super reliable for us all year long.
“We’re disappointed to lose Langi Gleeson who suffered a minor knee injury, but it also enables us to bring back Rahboni and it’s a good sign of the depth of the squad that when we do lose guys to minor injuries, we can seamlessly bring in players of equal quality.”
Queensland co-captain Liam Wright will make his return from injury via the bench against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night.
The backrower, who injured his ankle in Round 7, is one of five changes to the Queensland side after last round’s 34-22 win over Moana Pasifika at Suncorp Stadium.
Lawson Creighton comes into the run-on team at flyhalf following James O’Connor’s hamstring injury, with Jordan Petaia shifting infield to outside-centre to accommodate Josh Flook’s injury.
Filipo Daugunu starts on the wing, while Seru Uru will feature at lock, seeing Angus Scott-Young start at blindside flanker.
Dane Zander also returns to the starting frontrow as Queensland look to break an 11-year, eight-game drought against the Crusaders.
Reds head coach Brad Thorn said: “We’re looking forward to getting back over to New Zealand this week.
“The Crusaders are a tough opponent and they’ll be looking forward to playing in front of their home crowd. Once again they’re at the top-end of the competition and this is an important game for both teams.”
Liam Wright of the Reds (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)
Jock Campbell starts at fullback alongside Daugunu and Suliasi Vunivalu on the wings, with Petaia running-on in the number-13 jersey for the first time this season.
Hamish Stewart will start at inside-centre, as co-captain Tate McDermott and Lawson Creighton again combine in the halves.
Scott-Young returns to the starting side in the backrow alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson, while Uru will partner Ryan Smith in a dynamic secondrow.
In the frontrow, Zander starts alongside Matt Faessler and Feao Fotuaika.
Wright makes his return as a finisher to co-captain the side, with Angus Blyth, Connor Vest and Mac Grealy set to add punch from the bench.
Darcy Swain and Tom Wright will reach 50 games for the Brumbies in the club’s historic first meeting with Moana Pasifika this Saturday at Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland.
Swain will start in the second row with Wright selected on the right wing against a Moana Pasifika side which will include a number of former Brumbies, including club legend Christian Lealiifano.
Scott Sio continues at loosehead prop with Connal McInerney coming into the starting side at hooker. Allan Alaalatoa will lead the team from tighthead.
Nick Frost rotates with Cadeyrn Neville in the second row to partner Swain, with Jahrome Brown back at openside flanker alongside Tom Hooper and Pete Samu in the backrow.
Nic White and Noah Lolesio continue their partnership in the halves, with Irae Simone combining with Len Ikitau in the centres.
The unchanged back-three of Wright, Andy Muirhead and Tom Banks completes the Brumbies starting side.
Lachlan Lonergan will finish the game at hooker, with James Slipper and recently re-signed Sefo Kautai bringing impact at prop.
Neville and Rory Scott will look to bring energy to the forwards with Ryan Lonergan playing an important role as the finishing halfback.
Rodney Iona and Hudson Creighton round out the Brumbies gameday selection, providing fresh impact in the backline.
Super Rugby Pacific Round 15 teams (ALL TIMES AEST)
Crusaders vs Queensland Reds
Friday, 5:35pm, Orangetheory Stadium
Crusaders (1-15): George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Oli Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Pablo Matera, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Leicester Faninga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan.
Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Finlay Brewis, Tamaiti Williams, Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Chay Fihaki, George Bridge.
Reds (1-15): Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Jordan Petaua, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Harry Hoopert, Sef Fa’agase, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright (co-c), Kalani Thomas, Mac Grealy.
Fijian Drua vs Chiefs
Saturday, 1:00pm, Churchill Park
Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Isoa Nasilasila, Viliame Rarasea, Joseva Tamani, Rusiate Nasove, Nemani Nagusa (c), Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Vinaya Habosi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Apisalome Vota, Ilaisa Droasese, Kitione Taliga
Reserves: Tevita Ikanivere, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Onisi Ratave
Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Angus Ta’avao, Brodie Retallick Tupou Vaa’i, Samnipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (c), Bryn Gatland, Alex Nankivell, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Pohipi, Emoni Narawa, Kaleb Trask
Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Atu Moli, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Jonah Lowe
Moana Pasifika vs Brumbies
Saturday, 5:05pm, Mt Smart Stadium
Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Sekope Kepu (c), Michael Curry, Sam Slade, Solomone Funaki, Alamanda Motuga, Henry Time-Stowers, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Levi Aumua, Solomone Kata, William Havili
Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe ‘Apiokotoa, Sione Tuipolotu, Lotu Inisi, Manu Paea, Fine Inisi, Anzelo Tuitavuki
Brumbies (1-15): Scott Sio, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Andy Muirhead, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Tom Banks.
Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Sefo Kautai, Cadeyrn Neville, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Rod Iona, Hudson Creighton.
NSW Waratahs vs Blues
Saturday, 7:45pm, Leichhardt Oval
Waratahs (1-15): Tetera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Newsome, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson.
Reserves: Mahe Vailanu, Tetera Faulkner, Paddy Ryan, Hugh Sinclair, Jeremy Williams, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Jack Grant, Jamie Roberts.
Blues (1-15): Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Josh Goodhue, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Taine Plumtree, Sam Nock, Jock McKenzie, AJ Lam, Corey Evans, Tamati Tua, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan.
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Taufa Funaki, Nigel Ah-Wong.
Western Force vs Hurricanes
Saturday, 10:00pm, HBF Park
Force (1-15): Tom Robertson, Andrew Ready, Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauley, Jeremy Thrush, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tim Anstee, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Manasa Mataele, Richard Kahui, Bryon Ralston, Toni Pulu, Jake McIntyre
Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Wagner, Bo Abra, Izack Rodda, Jack Winchester, Michael McDonald, Kyle Godwin, Brad Lacey
Hurricanes (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, James Blackwell, Justin Sangster, Caleb Delany, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara (c), Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Wes Goosen, Josh Moorby.
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Blake Gibson, Ardie Savea, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Teihorangi Walden.
Melbourne Rebels vs Highlanders
Sunday, 2:00pm, AAMI Park
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Philip, Josh Canham, Michael Wells (c), Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota, James Tuttle, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, Matt To’omua, Andrew Kellaway, Lukas Ripley, Reece Hodge.
Reserves: James Hanson, Cameron Orr, Cabous Eloff, Ross Haylett-Petty, Richard Hardwick, Joe Powell, Nick Jooste, George Worth.
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Bryn Evans, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes (co-c), Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Aaron Smith (co-c), Marty Banks, Rory Van Vugt, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Scott Gregory, Liam Coombes-Fabling.
Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Sam Caird, Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Vilimoni Koroi, Denny Solomona
scubasteve
Guest
Here we go. Role out the QLD red die hards. How could Wright be considered ahead of Gamble or any other 7 (or 6 or any number) when he hasn't played. Fraser is playing great footy and is the heir apparent today. Though Gamble is giving him a nudge he isn't Australian so really a mute point.
jimmytheqlder
Guest
yes
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Is Lukan Salakaia-Loto injured? Otherwise his exclusion is disappointing, there is no doubt all other things being normal he should be in the Reds 23 at least. One of the less pleasing aspects of Thorn's time as Queensland coach has been how players have seemingly fallen out of favour with Brad and then shunned, despite their undoubted abilities. I get the need for harmony and commitment, and developing younger players, but it means the Reds aren't making best use of their limited resources. I guess its not as bad as 2019 where the Reds literally paid good players to turn out for other sides and beat us (Quade at the Rebels, Slipper at the Brums, Hunt at the Tahs). This remains the most spectacular piece of incompetence I have ever seen in rugby administration.
Bluesfan
As a Blues fan I expect them to put out their best team (though acknowledge players have to be rested at times) and this Saturday's team is plain disrespectful to a Tah's side that has had a great season and the Blues combo looks very green and inexperienced - so do have to wonder if their success has gone to their head? Does bring to mind early 2000's when the Tahs rested all their players prior to a Semi Final vs Crusaders and Crusaders promptly put on 90 odd points and destroyed Tahs confidence.
Geoff
Guest
The NSWRATAH media also talked up Carlo Tizzano in 2021 as Bloopers heir apparent. Now it`s Gamble. It never ends. Fraser and Liam are better off going overseas at end of this year because once an openside gets their grip on the Wallaby jersey they are hard to shift even when they lose more than half their tests ie Captain Blooper.
Frankly
Roar Rookie
A bit harsh. I see it as Brad putting a positive front. It is better than saying, "We're really up against it, I hope we don't get flogged".
Keggy
Guest
Rhys being smart doesn`t get you a Wallaby jersey unfortunately, Swinton for example is the total opposite of Liam. Has Liam ever been capped?
Chris
Guest
Brad Thorn said: “We’re looking forward to getting back over to New Zealand this week." Of course you would Goon, you are playing in your wonderful country two weeks in a row and playing your favourite super team . When does this Goons contract run out. Enough is Enough !!!!!!!
Ace
Guest
Great to see Ned back, we need him in the Wallabies for his lineout ability. We missed him last year.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
BLUES (1-15): Jordan Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Josh Goodhue, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Taine Plumtree, Sam Nock, Jock McKenzie, AJ Lam, Corey Evans, Tamati Tua, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Zarn Sullivan RESERVES: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Taufa Funaki, Nigel Ah-Wong
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Rennie said they were interested in him last year, I think they wanted him to build muscle though so left hom out. It is a bit hard to get selected without playing this year, though with Australia A coming back perhaps that is a way back in.
Double Agent
Guest
The Tah Media!!! Those short once a week columns buried at the back end of the sport section!! :laughing: :laughing:
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Yes they do. Caslick would do alright. Just her defence might be a problem against the guys.
Short Arm
Roar Rookie
Yep, he'll go the way of Liam Gill. Now that the Tah media are talking up Gamble to be heir apparent to Hopper. FMR will stick around for a bit to try his luck but I don't think Rennie likes him so much either.
Bluesfan
Wonder given the lack of interest by the Wallabies, how long before Wright disappears to greener off-shore pastures.
Diesel 2.0
Roar Rookie
The C word = the N word. Refrain from using that in the future Ducky, especially around islanders. Its a sure way of receiving a bunch of 5's.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
Rhys you are obviously more aware of the vagaries of the editorial policy than I have been. A few days ago I tried to call out someone’s similar comment , but I made the mistake of spelling out raci$t properly and my comment was blocked. I find it disappointing that such a comment can be allowed but calling it out is blocked for calling a $pade a spade.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Talk is cheap but cash buys booze at the bar.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
He ran some excellent lines on the weekend.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Can he coach?