The Rebels will host the Reds in a Friday night battle that is sure to pack a punch, while the Waratahs face a massive match after last week’s heartbreak when they host the Blues.
See all the team news as it unfolds below.
(All times AEDT)
All Blacks forward Scott Barrett has served a further blow to the 0-3 Crusaders – with a broken finger set to keep him out for six weeks.
Lock Zach Gallagher returns but the Crusaders have a long injury list including Ethan Blackadder (calf), flyhalf Fergus Burke (Achilles), prop Tamaiti Williams (hamstring), hooker Brodie McAlister (knee), fullback Leigh Halfpenny (shoulder) and flyhalf Rivez Reihana (shoulder).
They’d already lost Will Jordan and Braydon Enner for the season. Meanwhile Joe Moody will miss the match due to a positive test for Covid.
The Hurricanes have stuck with the bulk of the side that beat the Blues last weekend.
Du’Plessis Kirifi is back on the bench after sitting out the past two games through injury while Devan Flanders starts at No. 6 jersey. Loosehead prop Xavier Numia is the other change.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Zach Gallagher, Dominic Gardiner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Riley Hohepa, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki
RESERVES: Ioane Moananu, Finlay Brewis, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Mitchell Drummond, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod
HURRICANES (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
RESERVES: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du’Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
After back-to-back wins, the Rebels have made minor changes to their side for Friday’s Australian derby against the Reds in Melbourne.
Indeed, there’s just one change to the pack, but it’s a big one with Kevin Foote opting to start Taniela Tupou at tight-head prop against his former side.
In a boost, too, captain Rob Leota starts in the back-row despite coming off early in last week’s win over Moana Pasifika.
There’s one change to the backline, with Andrew Kellaway starting at fullback and Glen Vaihu returning to the left-wing. That sees Jake Strachan return to the bench, with Foote opting for a six forwards, two backs split.
Foote’s counterpart Les Kiss has also made minor changes to his side following their important win over the Chiefs.
The main change sees Harry McLaughlin-Phillips start at fly-half, with Tom Lynagh named on the bench.
After missing much of the pre-season, Kiss spoke of wanting to manage his young playmaker on Tuesday.
But it’s also a golden opportunity for McLaughlin-Phillips to show what he can do from the outset in his debut start in the No.10 jersey.
Elsewhere, Peni Ravai comes into the starting side at loose-head prop following Se Fa’agase’s staggering four-week ban for a high shot against the Chiefs.
Jordan Petaia, meanwhile, makes his return from a concussion via the bench. Hunter Paisami is still out which means Isaac Henry gets another opportunity in the No.12 jersey.
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Angelo Smith, Jake Strachan, James Tuttle
REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Mac Grealy, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Jordan Petaia
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, George Myers
Simon Cron has tweaked his side for Friday’s must-win clash against Moana Pasifika on Friday night.
After letting consecutive fixtures slip through their fingers, the Force need to put away an improved Moana Pasifika season if they want to be considered finals contenders.
They haven’t been helped by the loss of Michael Wells, who is out of the match with a knee-injury.
That sees Tim Anstee come into the starting side, with Reed Prinsep, who has joined the Force on injury cover, brought onto the bench.
The biggest change sees Issak Fines-Leleiwasa named to start, with Nic White to bring some experience off the bench.
Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has been able to name his three most experienced players in the starting XV for the first time this season. Julian Savea, Christian Lealifano and Sekope Kepu will all be there at kick off against the Western Force.
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Thomas Franklin, Jeremy Williams (c), Tim Anstee, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Max Burey
RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Ollie Callan, Nic White, George Poolman
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Sama Malolo, Sekope Kepu, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, Christian Lealiifano, Kyren Taumoefolau, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu, Nigel Ah Wong, Danny Toala
RESERVES: Samiuela Moli, Sateki Latu, Sione Mafileo, Ola Tauelangi, Irie Papuni, Melani Matavao, William Havili, Pepesana Patafilo
Referee: Graham Cooper
Assistant Referees: Jordan Kaminski, Ben Jones
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After almost being run over the top at the death against the Force last week, Stephen Larkham will bring some experience off the bench to ensure they finish well against the Highlanders on Saturday.
Indeed, Wallabies James Slipper and Lachlan Lonergan will come off the bench.
That has seen young Wallabies Blake Schoupp and Billy Pollard named to start as two of five changes in the front-row.
The other sees Cadeyrn Neville named to start after coming off the bench in the early rounds.
Larkham has also brought in a bigger body at openside flanker, with Jahrome Brown named in the No.7 jersey. Darcy Swain and Rory Scott will come off the bench.
Highlanders No.10 Cam Millar replaces the rested Rhys Patchell. coach Clarke Dermody has also opted to leave lock Pari Pari Parkinson out of his 23, with Max Hicks and Fabian Holland starting in the second row.
Captain Billy Harmon returns after missing the starting team last week due to a disciplinary issue.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Max Hicks, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon (c), Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogado, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES: Henry Bell, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Connor Garden-Bachop
BRUMBIES (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Billy Pollard, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Rory Scott, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Two Taranaki forwards will make their first feature in the 23 since pre-season; All Black Josh Lord and rookie Tom Florence.
“Josh Lord’s return is timely given an injury to Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tupou Vaa’i on an All Blacks load management week,” said coach Clayton McMillan. “Tom Florence also gets his first opportunity this year after impressing over the pre-season and in training.”
The return of versatile Ilaisa Droasese to the starting 15 headlines this week’s matchday 23. Also making their first starts of the season are Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua and Vilive Miramira.
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tom Florence, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Quinn Tupaea
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Junior Ratuva, Michael Naitokani, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro
Referee: Dan Waenga
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has had to go to the well to find another hooker after losing Mahe Vailanu.
With Dave Porecki and Theo Fourie also out, Coleman got on the blower to send out an SOS to Two Blues rake Jay Fonokalafi.
The 27-year-old is in line to make his debut off the bench, with Julian Heaven to start in the No.2 jersey.
Given the inexperience at hooker, Coleman will call on Test star Angus Bell off the bench with Hayden Thompson-Stringer named to start at loose-head prop.
Fergus Lee-Warner also comes into the starting side, with Hugh Sinclair to come off the bench.
There’s one changes to the back line, with Max Jorgensen ruled out with a hip injury.
That sees Mark Nawaqanitawase shift from the wing to fullback, with Dylan Pietsch returning after suffering a knock to the eye against the Crusaders.
The Waratahs do have some experience to call upon from the bench, with Lachie Swinton to play his first match of the year while halfback Jack Grant comes in for Teddy Wilson.
Number 8 Hoskins Sotutu and wing Caleb Clarke return to the Blues’ starting side with Bryce Heem slotting in for his second start of the season at inside centre.
Prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi also makes a return to the starting side, partnering Kurt Eklund and Marcel Renata in the front row.
“This Super season has already thrown up a mixed bag of results; you get the feeling that anyone can get tipped up on any given day,” said captain Dalton Papali’i.
“These away games are important for us early in the season, we have a run of home games through the middle of the competition, and we don’t want to look back at these early season games and have any regrets,” he said.
WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Fergus Lee-Warner, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase
RESERVES: Jay Fonokalafi, Angus Bell, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Lachlan Swinton, Jack Grant, Harry Wilson
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Laghlan McWhannell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan
RESERVES: Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, James Palmer
East Coast Aces
Roar Rookie
I would have thought Reilly might be worth a try as a fullback?
Jacko
Roar Rookie
following Se Fa’agase’s staggering four-week ban for a high shot against the Chiefs. Whats staggering about it? What was staggering is that they missed it live. I didnt. How that gets missed during a game really does make me question BOK and the TMO. Its a serious issue when they miss such blatant head contact when the HIA people spotted it instantly.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
He was good last week and is still only 20. Good prospect.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Gotts stop walking under ladders and kicking black cats I think.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Agree. Im no White fan but he has been good for the Force this year. They arnt playing off him like the Brumbies did so maybe thats helping.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
The repeat offence stated by Colin above explains it all. Sef had 3 weeks last year with a reduction due to tackle school. No discount this time
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Incorrect. Barrett got 3 weeks. They have said it can be reduced with tackle school options but unsure he qualifies or not. Can only presume Sef will have the opportunity to reduce it down to. Sefs tackle was and is a red. Why the Reds would be told anything like "it will be a yellow" is an intersting statement. Did that come from refs? Ref stuffed up big time by not seeing it. Should be dropped to little league. Chiefs lost the match because they didnt have the 20 min advantage of 14 v 15 the Reds got the week before against the Canes.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
No choice. No more mobile players were omitted. Wilkin and Hough are the options for a small flanker and both are injured
whistleblower (retired)
Roar Rookie
JamesD - I was re-iterating the commentary; but I suspect you are correct.
Colin Fenwick
Roar Rookie
Especially without the quality and experience at 2, 9 & 10 and the game breaker at 15, this was always going to be a tough season for them.
carnivean
Roar Rookie
It's quite the long drop and Penney is going to start copping a lot of unfair heat I suspect. The quality loss in key areas and injury list means that the Crusaders were never going to be able to keep the same standard. It's one thing to bring in 1 or 2 new players into a strong system. It's quite another to bring in this many.
Paul
Roar Rookie
When I heard the Rebels had signed Talakai and Tupou I immediately assumed they’d let one of Faumausili or Eloff go. How many TTs does a squad need? 4 apparently :laughing: I actually think Pone is the most mobile and most impactful in general play, Talakai and Tupou as just so good in the scrum. Eloff probably best at the breakdown. It’s a nice selection headache to have.
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
Paul, Eloff and Pone in the 'A' squad!
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
TWAS, were you a lair as well as a mug? :laughing:
Nick Maguire
Roar Rookie
robbo, Rebs have gone big in the back row, I hope they aren't found out for mobility.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Teddy is better off playing near a full game against the Brumby runners then another few minutes off the bench against the Blues.
Joey
Roar Rookie
You are correct about Jordie being punished in the game, I'm not sure though if the judiciary panel takes any of that into consideration when determining the length of the ban. That is part of the issue as I don't mind if they do consider these things as long as the are consistent and preferably more transparent.
AndyS
Roar Rookie
That is the Australian system, I suppose. Play 'Make a wish' to have a local amateur player as professional for a day, or get a player from outside who has professional experience and an ongoing involvement at semi-pro as a minimum...
Joey
Roar Rookie
My apologies, I thought Barrett was banned for 2 weeks. My point still stands about the lottery in regards to the length of the bans.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I don’t think he’s a 15 either. Not really a good kicker and passer, just wants to run.