CHRISTCHURCH: This week, Christchurch welcomes ten teams as it hosts its inaugural Super Round at One New Zealand Stadium.
Constructed at a cost of $560 million, this state-of-the-art facility has been a long-awaited development following the catastrophic earthquake in 2011.
Continue reading for the latest updates on the Super Rugby Pacific teams.
Leicester Fainga’anuku from the Crusaders celebrates an early try at FMG Stadium Waikato. Getty
Crusaders vs NSW Waratahs
FRI 24 APRIL (5.35pm kickoff AEST)
In a surprising move, the Crusaders have named All Blacks outside back Leicester Fainga’anuku to start at openside flanker against the Waratahs on Friday.
While typically playing as a centre or winger, Fainga’anuku has experimented in this position during his stint at Toulon but never in the Super Rugby arena.
“Leicester’s keen to embrace this challenge,” Crusaders coach Rob Penney noted.
“This stadium feels like the perfect environment to do it. He thrives in high-pressure situations, and we believe he will provide significant contributions against this opponent.”
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar also made a notable adjustment, moving Max Jorgensen and Sid Harvey around in the line-up.
Jorgensen will take on the No.15 jersey while Harvey dons No.11.
“Long term, Max is a fullback and I want him to handle the ball more,” McKellar remarked.
“That’s our approach. I continually speak with Max about striving for 15 touches. Unfortunately, that isn’t always feasible, but giving him this chance at No.15, a position he knows well, excites him.”
CRUSADERS (1-15): Finlay Brewis, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Johnny Lee, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Dallas McLeod
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Folau Fainga’a, Siosifa Amone, Matt Philip (c), Miles Amatosero, Angus Scott-Young, Charlie Gamble, Pete Samu, Jake Gordon, Jack Debreczeni, Sid Harvey, Lawson Creighton, Joey Walton, Andrew Kellaway, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, Tom Lambert, Dan Botha, Angus Blyth, Clem Halaholo, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Triston Reilly
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Ben O’Keeffe, Damon Murphy
TMO: Brett Cronan
Josh Gray of Counties Manukau celebrates after scoring a try. Getty
Hurricanes vs ACT Brumbies
SAT 25 APRIL (3.05pm kickoff AEST)
Counties Manukau winger Josh Gray is poised to make his debut for the Hurricanes after being selected on the bench against the Brumbies.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Josh, who has proven himself during pre-season with his professionalism and preparation,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw expressed.
“Due to a few injuries, he now has his chance from the wider training group, but he is more than ready to play. If he takes the field, we trust he will perform excellently.”
Meanwhile, Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has reinstated Andy Muirhead and Rory Scott to the starting side for this highly anticipated match-up.
HURRICANES (1-15): Siale Lauaki, Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Brad Shields, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Jove Rova, Josh Gray
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby MacPherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner, Angus Mabey
TMO: Brett Cronan
Blues vs Queensland Reds
SAT 25 APRIL (5.35pm kickoff AEST)
Blues coach Vern Cotter has awarded a first start to Ben Ake at loosehead prop following his debut off the bench against the Highlanders.
Cotter is set to take the reins of the Reds next season, succeeding Les Kiss who is moving on to coach the Wallabies.
“The Blues are a fantastic team, and our match-ups during the Anzac Day weekend the last two years have been of high quality,” Kiss remarked.
Prop Zane Nonggorr and flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips are the two changes in the Reds’ starting side since their 31-26 victory over the Crusaders.
BLUES (1-15): Ben Ake, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Cole Forbes, Pita Ahki, AJ Lam, Kade Banks, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, Xavi Taele
REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Ben Volavola, Treyvon Pritchard
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Damon Murphy
TMO: Richard Kelly
Highlanders vs Moana Pasifika
SUN 26 APRIL (12pm kickoff AEST)
Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens has returned from an ankle injury to start against Moana Pasifika.
His comeback comes at a crucial time as Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph will be missing both wingers Caleb Tangitau (concussion) and Jona Nareki (ankle) for this match.
Xavier Tito-Harris earns his first start on the left wing, while Jonah Lowe shifts over to the right side.
“This is a different team compared to the one we faced earlier this season, strong and physical, and they showed last week that they are still a determined side capable of testing any opponent,” Joseph noted.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Soane Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Tomas Lavanini, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Xavier Tito-Harris, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Jonah Lowe, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Angus Ta’avao, Te Kamaka Howden, Hugh Renton, Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson
MOANA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Tamateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili
Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Augustine Palu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Israel Leota
Referee: Todd Petrie
Assistant Referee: Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
TMO: Richard Kelly
Chiefs vs Fijian Drua
SUN APRIL 26 (2.30pm kickoff AEST)
Isaac Hutchinson will be making his debut at fullback for the Chiefs after a prolonged absence due to a knee injury.
This will be Hutchinson’s first opportunity to play in front of a home crowd after spending time at St Bede’s College and playing nine games for Canterbury before joining the Chiefs.
Hutchinson’s injury was severe, with his surgeon stating he had torn his ACL, MCL, and both meniscus, leading to a daunting prognosis.
“He said it looked like I’d been involved in a car crash,” Hutchinson shared.
“Hearing that was tough, but I was confident in his skills and knew he could help me recover.”
CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Proffit, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i (c), Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Daniel Sinkinson, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Leroy Carter, Isaac Hutchison
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Benét Kumeroa, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Michael Loft, Xavier Roe, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Lalakai Foketi
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Frank Lomani (co-c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Taniela Rakuro, Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Isoa Nasilasila, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner, Ben O’Keeffe
TMO: Brett Cronan
Sam Worthington travelled to Super Round thanks to ChristchurchNZ and Air New Zealand
Compiled by SportArena.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
