COMPLETE SRP Round 9 teams: Tahs Test stars sidelined, Force skipper returns, Rebels big guns are back

It’s another shortened bye week round of games this weekend with just four fixtures on offer and three of the Australian teams in action.

The Reds and Brumbies have a week off with the other three Aussie outfits facing Kiwi opposition. Teams are named two days out from kick off – check back here for the latest updates.

All times are AEST

Friday

Chiefs vs Fijian Drua, 5.05pm

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has made several changes to the side to take on the Fiji Drua, including resting captain Sam Cane.

But the Chiefs are hardly taking the Drua for granted.

All Blacks starters Samisoni Taukei’aho and Brodie Retallick have been included in an imposing tight-five, while Pita Gus Sowakula has been named at No.8.

Brodie Retallick has been named as captain with Brad Weber and Sam Cane rested. Photo Michael Bradley/Getty Images

The backline, as it has all year, has speed and threats across the field with Cortez Ratima promoted at halfback. He will partner Bryn Gatland in the halves, with Damian McKenzie shifting to fullback.

Josh Lord meanwhile makes a welcomed return via the bench and McMillan has Tupou Vaa’i to bring on too.

“The Fijian Drua have shown rapid improvement in their second season and have our full respect and attention,” McMillan said.

“We know they have the athletes and skills to hurt you, particularly through the middle of the park where their power and athleticism can bend defensive lines and allow them to offload in contact. 
 
“For us, there is some rotation, in part because of injury to regular starters, but also to reward those who have been working hard and demanding their opportunity. 
 
“It is particularly pleasing to see Josh Lord and Gideon Wrampling back after long absences. Their return, and the expected return of others in the coming weeks, will trend us closer to a full squad to select from, and that’s exactly what we want heading into the back half of the season.”

Drua coach Mick Byrne has made some subtle tweaks to his side from the one that fell away against the Brumbies last week in the final 10 minutes.

Captain Tevita Ikanivere returns at hooker while Tevita Ikanivere shifts to openside flanker with Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta named at No.8.

A new midfield combination sees Michael Naitokani start at inside centre, with blockbusting centre Apisalome Vota outside him. Ilaisa Droasese comes into the starting side on the right-wing.

Chiefs (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick (c), Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson, Damian McKenzie

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Solomone Tukuafu, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Gideon Wrampling 

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakaivata, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Michael Naitokani, Apisalome Vota, Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada

Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Kalione Nasoko, Kitione Taliga

Rebels vs Crusaders, 7.35pm

The Rebels were the walking-wounded at half-time against the Blues on the Easter weekend, but Kevin Foote has been able to name his big guns for their tough match-up against the Crusaders in Melbourne on Friday night.

Alex Mafi, who suffered a fractured hand, has been named to start at hooker and the return of his No.1 lineout target Trevor Hosea (concussion) will help the Rebels’ set-piece immensely.

Test utility back Andrew Kellaway has been named on the right-wing while Lachie Anderson shifts to fullback, with Joe Pincus named on the bench.

The Rebels have some heavy hitters to bring on too, with hooker Jordan Uelese and tight-head prop Pone Fa’amausili named as replacements.

Having slipped outside the top eight, the Rebels can ill-afford to drop another home match but they’ll be tested by the Crusaders who are bolstered by the return of Sam Whitelock for the first time since round three.

Veteran All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock is back for the Crusaders. Photo: AP, David Rowland

The veteran All Blacks lock headlines the Crusaders’ changes, which also see Test back David Havili return to the midfield to partner the exciting Braydon Ennor.

Codie Taylor starts up front in the No.2 jersey alongside his All Blacks front-row partner Joe Moody. Tamaiti Williams is the tight-head prop.

Rebels (1-15): Cabous Eloff, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Stacey Ili, Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Anderson 

Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Lukas Ripley, Joe Pincus 

Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Sam Whitelock, Dom Gardner, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Macca Springer, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Pepesana Patafilo, Fergus Burke

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod

Saturday

Blues vs Waratahs, 5.05pm

The Waratahs have rested Wallabies Michael Hooper, Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawase under national team protocols for the trip to Eden Park on Saturday.

Coach Darren Coleman is clearly targeting coming fixtures with the Tahs already distant outsiders for this one even before the absence of those three key men.

Former Leicester Tigers giant Nephi Leatigaga comes straight into the 23 on the bench after being signed this week, while there is also a return from the replacements for Charlie Gamble after his shoulder injury.

Coleman has added six new faces to his starting XV that defeated the Western Force in Sydney while adding three potential debutants on the bench.

Mahe Vailanu replaces Dave Porecki at hooker, while Tom Lambert and Harry Johnson-Holmes remain in the front row. 

Jed Holloway, who leads the competition in lineout steals (6), is joined by Zac Von Appen in the second row, with the latter set to make his Waratahs starting debut.

Hunter Ward will also make his starting debut at openside flanker in place of the Wallaby rested Michael Hooper, while Auckland born Taleni Seu returns to blindside and Will Harris promoted to number 8.

Jake Gordon, fresh off a dominant performance against the Force where he scored a try and set up another, partners Ben Donaldson in the halves.

Joey Walton starts at inside-centre, in place of the Wallaby rested Lalakai Foketi, joining Izaia Perese in the midfield who was back to his dominant best against the Force last week, scoring two tries and making three linebreaks.

Harry Wilson gets his first crack in a starting jersey at fullback, with Max Jorgensen named on the wing in a shortened prep week due to Wallabies commitments, alongside Dylan Pietsch.

Samoan Test prop Leatigaga, who joined the side on an injury cover contract from the Leicester Tigers, will add plenty of size for the Waratahs set piece off the bench.

Gamble makes a welcome return from a shoulder injury suffered against the Hurricanes in round 4, while Eastwood product Michael Icely, who trained with the team all throughout the pre-season, is set to make his Waratahs debut off the bench.

NSW Waratahs Academy graduate Jack Bowen, who was named in the Australian U20s squad, will also get the chance to make his Super Rugby debut.

Coleman said: “It’s a massive challenge for us this weekend playing the Blues in Auckland, we haven’t won there since 2009, so we’re cognisant of that fact.”

“It’s great to see Zac Von Appen, Harry Wilson, and Hunter Ward get their starting debuts.  All three have had a great summer and put in a lot of work to be in this position.

“We also welcome Nephi Leatigaga, Michael Icely, and Jack Bowen all to potentially play their first game for the Waratahs and there’s no better place to do it, than against the Blues at one of the most iconic venues in World Rugby.

“It’s going to be a fight we’re well up for.”

Meanwhile,

Beauden Barrett and Harry Plummer will bring up a pair of milestones this weekend with Barrett clocking his 150^th Super Rugby match while Plummer notches his 50^th appearance for the Blues.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side with regular skipper Dalton Papalii out, while Akira Ioane and Bryce Heem return from injury and will look to stamp their mark from the bench.

Blues Head Coach, Leon MacDonald, said his side are rejuvenated and ready to rip in against the Waratahs.

“The bye week came at a good time for the boys, and it’s been pleasing to see them return to work this week exuding energy and focus.”

“There’s no easy games in this competition and the Waratahs pose threats across the park, we’ve had a good look at the video and have a few ideas on where we want to attack them on Saturday night.”

Blues (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta.

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan.

Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Zac Von Appen, Taleni Seu, Hunter Ward, Will Harris, Jake Gordon, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Max Jorgensen, Harry Wilson.

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Michael Icely, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Mosese Tuipulpotu.

Force vs Highlanders, 7.35pm

Western Force head coach Simon Cron has made four changes to his starting XV to take on the Highlanders at HBF Park on Saturday night. 

Captain Michael Wells returns after three weeks on the sideline with an Achilles tendon strain.

Bryce Hegarty is fit and back in the mix, named at flyhalf for his third match at home. Consistent back pain ruled him out for the last three matches. 

Toni Pulu is back after a knee injury but after his try-of-the-year contender in last week’s match against the Waratahs, Zack Kibirige is ruled out with hamstring soreness. 

Felix Kalapu returns to the starting XV at lock, linking up with Jeremy Williams.

Meanwhile, the bye break has allowed Freddie Burns, Fabian Holland, Connor Garden-Bachop, Will Tucker, Mitch Hunt and Josh Timu vital time to overcome injuries and they will bolster a Highlanders side beaten  by the Hurricanes last time out.

“It’s great to get a few players coming back but unfortunate that we had to leave Aaron Smith and Josh Dickson at home for personal reasons and also Folau Fakatava for illness,” said coach Clarke Dermody.

It’s a rare starting berth for James Arscott at nine and a home coming of sorts for young halfback Nathan Hastie named on the bench. He spent his formative years playing in Perth before his family moved to New Zealand when he was a teenager.

Force (1-15): Tom Robertson, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Lelewasa, Bryce Hegarty, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Toni Pulu, Chase Tiatia.

Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Ian Prior, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman. 

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Will Tucker, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, James Arscott, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert.

Replacements: Leni Apisai, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Freddie Burns, Josh Timu.