It’s round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific and the run home towards the finals is in full swing. The Reds travel to table-topping Chiefs while the Tahs face the Rebels in what is shaping as an exciting clash.
The teams will be added here as they’re announced.
(All times AEST)
Reds coach Brad Thorn has opted to rest several of his key men, making seven changes as his seventh placed team travels to meet the top of the table Chiefs.
George Blake set to make his starting debut in the front row, while Seru Uru also returns to the starting side at No.8. There are potential debuts for utility back Paddy James and scrumhalf Louis Werchon.
“The Chiefs provide a tough assignment on Friday night being the completion’s front runner,”said Thorn. “They have threats across the field and we will need to be at our best.
That’s especially true considering the distinctly second XV feel to Thorn’s selection – which resembles similarly weakened selections by the Brumbies and Waratahs for games in New Zealand this season.
Blake starts at loosehead prop in a new-look front row, with both Richie Asiata and Peni Ravai named to start after featuring on the bench last week.
After notching his 50th Queensland cap last round, Angus Blyth returns to the run-on team and will start at lock alongside Connor Vest.
Uru will start in the backrow, with Harry Wilson rested on the bench after starting in every match so far this season.
Co-captain Liam Wright and Fraser McReight retain their positions, as do halves combination Tate McDermott and Lawson Creighton.
Filipo Daugunu will start at outside centre for the first time, with both Taj Annan (concussion) and Josh Flook (cork) unavailable.
Jordan Petaia has been ruled out with a wrist injury, which will see Jock Campbell shift to fullback and Mac Grealy come into the starting side for the first time this season.
Werchon and James are both set for milestone games off the bench, with the likes of Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler and Ryan Smith to provide impact as finishers.
The Chiefs return to Taranaki and there is a strong local flavour with four local players named – Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater, and All Black locks Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord.
Chiefs head coach Clayton McMillan is looking forward to getting down to Taranaki to play the Reds.
“It is home to a number of our players, and it will be a proud moment for those who were fit and available to play in front of friends and family.
“That played a part in our squad selection; alongside All Blacks rest protocols, increasing squad readiness for upcoming games, and respecting the huge challenge the Reds will bring.
“At this stage of the season, every point counts and I have no doubt both teams will come eager to lock horns in the bullring.”
Chiefs (1-15): Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater, John Ryan, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson.
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Atunaisa Moli, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Ioane, Alex Nankivell.
Reds (1-15): George Blake, Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.
Replacements: Matt Faessler, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Tom Lynagh, Paddy James.
Referee: Paul Williams.
Force coach Simon Cron has made five changes to his starting XV for the game against Fijian Drua at HBF Park.
Wallaby Tom Robertson returns at tighthead prop while Folau Fainga’a is also back
After the birth of his son, Rahbni Vosayaco is back in the West and will run on in the backrow along with Captain Michael Wells and local product Carlo Tizzano. Tizzano will play his first match at HBF Park on Friday night since his departure in 2019.
The backs remain unchanged. With flyhalf Max Burey stepping onto HBF Park for the first time in the blue jersey.
Siosifa Amone and Tim Anstee return to the match day 23, having recovered from injury.
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta returns for Fiji having missed the past two matches while captain Meli Derenalagi, Eroni Sau and Jone Koroiduadua are also back in the run-on side.
All three came off the bench in last week’s historic win against the Hurricanes. Caleb Muntz returns from an 8-week injury layoff as cover for the inside halves.
Force (1-15): Angus Warner, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Ryan McCauley, Michael Wells (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Vosayaco, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia.
Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman
Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Eroni Sau, Ilaisa Droasese.
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
Referee: Angus Gardner
Hurricanes (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Tyrel Lomax, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), Jamie Booth, Aidan Morgan, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Salesi Rayasi, Harry Godfrey.
Replacements: Hame Faiva, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Logan Henry, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Josh Moorby.
Moana (1-15): Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Luteru Tolai, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Alex McRobbie, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tuipulotu, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu (c), Danny Toala, Tima Fainga’anuku, Tomasi Alosio.
Replacements: Joe Royal, Tau Koloamatangi, Chris Apoua, Potu Leavasa, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, D’angelio Leuila, Lolagi Visinia.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock and Blues double code hopper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are the big absentees in the rematch of last year’s final.
Whitelock hasn’t recovered from the Achilles injury suffered against the Chiefs last month while RTS is fit but can’t even get a place on the bench.
Jack Goodhue returns to the Crusaders 23 and will come off the bench after missing last week’s game with a knee injury.
Akira Ioane will make his 100th appearance for the Blues from the bench.
Leon MacDonald has continued his preference for Harry Plummer at No.12 in a midfield partnership with All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane ignoring the claims of RTS who played at 12 against Moana Pasifika last week.
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Oliver Jager, Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue.
Blues (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi,Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan.
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cam Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.
Referee: Nic Berry
Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman has made just one change to the starting team that defeated the Reds last week in Townsville.
The front-row remains the same with David Porecki joining Harry Johnson-Holmes and Te Tera Faulkner in an all-Wallaby front row.
Hugh Sinclair, who led the team in tackles against the Reds (20), partners the competitions leading lineout winner Jed Holloway (69) in the second row.
Will Harris is the only change to the XV, replacing Taleni Seu at blindside flanker and joining Langi Gleeson and Michael Hooper in the backrow. Seu came off the field at half-time against the Reds with a minor shoulder complaint and was ruled out late in the week.
Gleeson was again impressive for the Waratahs, leading the team for carries against the Reds (12), and is averaging the 3rd most run metres per 80 minutes in the competition (115.6) – the most by any forward.
Jake Gordon continues his all-Wallaby partnership with Ben Donaldson in the halves, while Lalakai Foketi, fresh off scoring one of the tries of the season, partners Izaia Perese in the midfield.
Mark Nawaqanitawase who leads the team in carries (76), run metres (640), offloads (13) and defenders beaten (32) is joined in the back three by Dylan Pietsch and Max Jorgensen.
Coleman has made two changes to his bench with Teddy Wilson and Ola Tauelangi joining the match day 23.
Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Will Harris, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen.
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Archer Holz, Ola Tauelangi, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson.
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, David Feliuai, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway.
Replacements: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Tim Cardell, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Joe Pincus.
Referee: Damon Murphy
Stephen Larkham has made just one change to his starting side for Sunday afternoon’s game at GIO Stadium.
Centre Ollie Sapsford comes into the midfield with Hudson Creighton being included in the Brumbies matchday squad for the first time this season.
James Slipper starts at loosehead prop with Lachlan Lonergan at hooker and captain Allan Alaalatoa at tighthead, the Wallaby leading the team for the 46th time.
Darcy Swain and Nick Frost combine at lock with the backrow of Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown and Pete Samu remaining unchanged from round 11.
Nic White and Noah Lolesio continue their partnership in the halves with Sapsford forming the midfield with Len Ikitau.
The Brumbies back-three of Corey Toole, Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright start for the ninth time this season, Wright having been at his electric best against the Rebels.
Connal McInerney also returns to the Brumbies matchday selection, the hooker joining Blake Schoupp and Rhys Van Nek as the finishing front row.
Tom Hooper and Luke Reimer will bring bags of energy to the forwards, with Ryan Lonergan and Jack Debreczeni having important roles to play as the finishing halves.
Creighton completes the Brumbies gameday squad.
“We’re excited to be home this week against a really good Highlanders side who have been far better than their record this season,” said Larkham.
“It’s great to have Hudson back fit. He’s been in exception form for the Queanbeyan Whites on his return from injury having been one of our best young players last year and we’re looking forward to seeing him get a crack this Sunday.
“Sunday afternoon games are rare and our focus is performing well for our community and building towards the finals.”
Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.
Highlanders (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Andrew Makalio, Saula Ma’u, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Connor Garden-Bachop.
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe.
TBC
Referee: Graham Cooper
piru
Roar Rookie
Thorn knew what he was doing all along!
Guess
Roar Rookie
Still think so? :laughing:
Guess
Roar Rookie
Turns out it wasn't dumb :laughing:
Colin Fenwick
Roar Rookie
Bugga. Should have put my money where my mouth is.
DJ
Roar Rookie
A bunch of the players talked about in this thread, could have stayed at Qld/NSW, and could have ended up only developing to the level that some of the players in those teams are at now? That's the thing with development, relies on the coaches etc. As the supporter of a team that has young players move here from elsewhere, it doesn't seem like the first picks players are coming here - probably second and down. Slipper is different and so was Pocock. It seems where the issue is, that Qld/NSW generally get their first choice and a half players - then there's a big drop to the backup squads that stay in that state. If we didn't have 5 teams, what is to stop those players going OS anyway, and the nearly there's would have even less chance of playing/developing?
piru
Roar Rookie
Would be in the spirit of the game though
piru
Roar Rookie
Absolutely, but no one wants to give it time to work. The original ARC would be 15 odd years old by now, ARU have spent all that time looking for a quick fix
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Ken in the NPC they have 26 teams. If you just consider the top 10 of those 26 teams in the last 10 years they have bought thru 800+ players ( New players ) probably 30 new coaches, 100 new assistant coaches, many volunteers and family now associated with the clubs. All these NPC sides have feeder clubs too. An NPC equivalent is critical to Aus rugby for those very simple reasons.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
If our vision for the future is just Qld and NSW, then we should pack up now. We have to believe we can get pathways in places other than Sydney and Brisbane. I think you’ll find the percentages are already a lot better than your quoted numbers. There are at least a team of SR players not sourced from NSW/QLD right now. So closer to 20%
PeterK
Roar Guru
very good post I too agree with james and you re the backline. Perese starves Mark N of the ball and Mark has been the most effective back the tahs have. Also Latu not even getting a shot at helping the scrum and ruck where both need help is another example of poor selection.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Having valid criticisms with reasonable suggestions for improvements is not putting the boot into the team or coach. That is being in touch with reality rather than blind bias due to support. Having said that I do agree most are just putting the boot in.
PeterK
Roar Guru
who is being rested though? very few wallaby regulars are at qld. Only Petaia would have been required to be rested in any game this season and he is out injured. None of Tupou, McDermott, Paisami, McReight played many tests last year to require resting.
PeterK
Roar Guru
brumbies have graham cooper, tahs - rebels have murphy
PeterK
Roar Guru
Philip at lock is test quality as well. Sio has improved o/s and if selected is test quality. To be seen if Wright has improved enough to be test quality at f/b. IMO he does have the makings. That leaves blindside and hooker, and the bench which is a big issue. Also only a good test side within test windows and if o/s players are released.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Interesting to see Highlanders prediction that RTS probably won't make the match day 23 for the Blues in important games later in the year come true. This is probably one of the most important round robin games of the year for the Blues and RTS can't make the 23. How can people still think he should be selected for the ABs is beyond me, Would be very interesting to hear JK's comments on this.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
A really good Highlanders side? Where have they found that because it's not the team that's been losing to everybody this year
Guess
Roar Rookie
I think Thorn cares I don't doubt his integrity but it just feels he's out of ideas
Guess
Roar Rookie
Have I actually read it right? You blame force for reds poor performance?
Guess
Roar Rookie
No way Coleman doing it. He has no clue about playing off 10 it seems. He's built defensive team grrrr. Don't even compare Gordon to Donaldson. Donaldson passes stat is always pretty low and it's more on par with lolesio than Gordon
Guess
Roar Rookie
wasting energy on chiefs would be dumb at this point