Trans-Tasman rivalry will come into the spotlight with the Super Rugby Pacific teams coming together to compete in a series of double headers in Melbourne this weekend.
This will the first time that the Australian teams will go head to head against their Kiwi counterparts in the 2022 season due to the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 controls. Teams have so far been competing against their home rivals except for the two new teams Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika.
Despite being their debut season, Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika have been in impressive form and have shown signs of becoming interesting contenders in the coming years.
While six games were on the cards this weekend, the Moana Pasifika vs Western Force game which was scheduled as the second game on the 22nd April, has been postponed due to covid cases in the Force camp.
The Super Round and the upcoming games will be crucial for all the teams with a spot at the play offs depending on how they perform in the coming weeks. The top 8 teams will go through to the quarterfinals and the teams who are at the bottom of the standings will be desperate for a win to keep their hopes alive. Teams at the top half of the ladder will want to continue their good work as the top ranked team will get the benefit of playing the play off game at home.
Friday 22nd April
Chiefs v Waratahs – 22nd April @ 2.30pm
Ideal clash to open proceedings as the 5th ranked Waratahs take on the sixth ranked Chiefs in Melbourne. The Waratahs will fancy their chances against the travelling counterparts with Chiefs missing All Blacks Brodie Retallcik, Anton Lienert Brown and Josh Ioane. Chiefs might also miss the services of half back Brad Webber who is nursing an injury.
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (c), Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Pohipi, Alex Nankivell, Jonah Lowe, Chase Tiatia
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe Rivez Reihana, Inga Finau
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Alex Newsome, Jamie Roberts, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Will Harrison
RESERVES: Tom Horton, Tetera Faulkner, Archer Holz, Geoff Cridge, Rahboni Warren-Yosayaco, Jack Grant, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referee: Jordan Way, Graham Cooper
POSTPONED – Moana Pasifika v Western Force
Saturday 23rd April
Blues v Fijian Drua – 23 rd April @ 12.35pm
High riding Blues will want to continue their good form when they meet the new kids on the block, Fijian Drua for the first time in the competition. Blues have so far won 7 out of their 8 games and managed to end a drought of winning in Christchurch against the Crusaders last week. Fijian Drua only have a solitary win in their maiden campaign so far but will want to start winning to move up from the 11th spot on the points table.
BLUES (1-15): Jorday Lay, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, James Tucker, Sam Darry, Tom Robinson, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett (c), AJ Lam, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES: Soane Vikena, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Marcel Renata, Luke Romano, Anton Segner, Lisati Milo Harris, Tanielu Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan/Jock McKenzie
DRUA (1-15): Meli Tuni, Mesulame Dolokoto, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Viliame Rarasea, Meli Derenalagi (c), Rusiate Nasove, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Peni Matawalu, Simione Kuruvoli, Onisi Ratave, Caleb Muntz, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Kitione Taliga
RESERVES: Zuriel Togiatama, Timoci Sauvoli, Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Leone Nawai, Jona Mataiciwa, Frank Lomani
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referee: Nic Berry, Angus Mabey
Hurricanes v Reds – 23rd April @ 3.15 pm
Reds who have had better fortune so far this season having lost only one game in the 8 games they’ve played will look to get the better of the Hurricanes who have had mixed fortunes winning only 4 of the 8 games they have played. Hurricanes skipper, Number 8 Ardie Savea will be up against the young reds Number 8 Harry Wilson, who has been in sublime form in the competition so far.
HURRICANES (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Reed Prinsep, Blake Gibson, Ardie Savea (c), TJ Perenara, Aidan Morgan, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Julian Savea, Jordie Barrett
RESERVES: Leni Apisai, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Justin Sangster, TK Howden, Jamie Booth, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Billy Proctor
REDS (1-15): Harry Hoopert, Richie Asiata, Taniela Tupou, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Lawson Creighton, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Matt Faessler, Dane Zander, Feao Fotuaika, Lopeti Faifua, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Josh Flook, Mac Grealy
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referee: James Doleman, Graham Cooper
Sunday 24th April
Highlanders v Brumbies – 24th April @9.30am
Brumbies have been in top form throughout the competition so far and is the leading Australian team on the points table. The Highlanders however have not have the best of fortunes so far as they are the bottom ranked Kiwi side in the competition with only one win under their belt. Highlanders, who boast of a number of All Blacks in their ranks, will want to turn their season around against an opposition who likes to play a similar style of rugby.
RESERVES: Andrew Makailo, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Johneck, Max Hicks, Billy Harmon, Kayne Hemmington, Sam Gilbert, Christian Lio Willie
BRUMBIES (1-15): Scott Sio, Lachlan Lonergan, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Caderyn Neville, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White (c), Noah Lolesio, Andy Muirhead, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Cam Clark, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper, Tom Ross, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Rod Iona, Hudson Creighton
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referee: Graham Cooper, Reuben Keane
Crusaders v Rebels –24th April @ 12.00pm
Fourth place Crusaders will want to get pass the disappointment of surrendering the home turf domination to Blues last week and will be eager to put in a dominant performance against the lowly ranked Rebels side who are placed 9th in the standings. All eyes will be on returning All Black Jack Goodhue who will be back in the number 12 jersey after a lengthy lay off from the game due to a knee injury. He will be crucial to the composition of the All Blacks in the upcoming international encounters.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor (c), Olie Jager, Zach Gallagher, Sam Whitelock, Pablo Matera, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Mitch Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, George Bridge
RESERVES: Ricky Jackson, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Dominic Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki
REBELS (1-15): Cameron Orr, James Hanson, Cabous Eloff, Matt Philip, Josh Hill, Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Michael Wells (c), James Tuttle, Matt To’omua, Glen Vaihu, Stacey Ili, Andrew Kellaway, George Worth, Reece Hodge
RESERVES: Efi Ma’afu, Matt Gibbon, Rhys Van Nek, Josh Canham, Tamati Ioane, Sam Wallis, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Jordan Way
