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It’s finals time in Super Rugby Pacific!
Whatever you think about the merits of an eight-team finals series in a 12-team competition (and there’s been plenty of debate this week on The Roar), it will all go out the window when finals footy actually gets underway.
The Queensland Reds face a David vs Goliath battle against the Crusaders. No one is expecting them to win and the Reds are hoping that works in their favour.
Co-captain Liam Wright returns as does Hunter Paisimi who has overcome a shoulder injury and will start on the bench.
Harry Hoopert and Angus Blyth are the other inclusions for the Reds.
“It’s great to be here together in Christchurch for the week,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.
“We get the chance to bond as a team and get a feel for the conditions we’ll play in this Friday night.
“It’s unique to play the Crusaders back-to-back at their home. We’ll embrace the challenge ahead come Friday night.”
Meanwhile, Harry Johnson-Holmes is the big inclusion for the NSW Waratahs who take on the Chiefs on Saturday afternoon.
Ned Hanigan, fresh off his first start of the season, partners Jed Holloway in the second row.
Charlie Gamble forms a hard-working and exciting backrow alongside Wallabies captain Michael Hooper and Will Harris.
“It’s great to have Harry back in the team, he was one of our strongest and consistent performers prior to his injury and adds a significant work rate on the field,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.
The Brumbies had three straight losses to end the regular season and they’ll have to beat the Hurricanes without Rob Valetini whose hamstring still isn’t quite right.
Friday, Orangetheory Stadium, 5:05pm
Crusaders
(1-15) George Bower, Codie Taylor, Oli Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Pablo Matera, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Faninga’anuku, David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Finlay Brewis, Fletcher Newell, Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge
Reds
(1-15) Harry Hoopert, Matt Faessler, Feao Fotuaika, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (co-c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Jordan Petaia, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Angus Scott-Young, Fraser McReight, Kalani Thomas, Hunter Paisami
Saturday, FMG Stadium, 2:35pm
Chiefs
(1-15) Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Angus Ta’avao, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Va’ai, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (co-c), Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (co-c), Bryn Gatland, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Quinn Tupaea, Alex Nankivell, Jonah Lowe, Emoni Narawa
Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, Atu Moli, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Xaiver Roe, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi
Waratahs
(1-15) Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, 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: Tom Horton, Paddy Ryan, Archer Holz, Hugh Sinclair, Jeremy Williams, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Jamie Roberts
Saturday, Eden Park, 5:05pm
Blues
(1-15) Alex Hodgman, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Mark Telea, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Nepo Laulala, Luke Romano, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, AJ Lam, Zarn Sullivan
Highlanders
(1-15) Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Bryn Evans, Josh Dickson, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Aaron Smith (c), Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai, Scott Gregory, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Connor Garden Bachop
Reserves: Leni Apisai, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Folau Fakatava, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Denny Solomona
Saturday, GIO Stadium, 7:45pm
Brumbies
(1-15) James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Andy Muirhead, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Tom Banks
Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Scott Sio, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Jahrome Brown, Ryan Lonergan, Ollie Sapsford
Hurricanes
(1-15) Tevita Mafileo, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Blake Gibson, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby
Reserves: Asago Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Ruben Love, Wes Goosen
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.