Zac Lomax is set to make his long-awaited debut for the Western Force in Lautoka, after an unfortunate setback in Brisbane over the previous weekend.
Named on the bench for the clash against the Fijian Drua, the former NRL star had to withdraw from the game against the Queensland Reds due to tightness in his hamstring.
Keep reading for all the latest team news ahead of Round Nine of Super Rugby Pacific.
Allan Alaalatoa of the Brumbies leads the team out. Getty
Highlanders vs ACT Brumbies
FRIDAY, 10 APRIL: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
The Brumbies are delighted to announce the returns of Test front-rowers Allan Alaalatoa and Lachlan Lonergan, both of whom have been sidelined with long-term injuries.
It’s the duo’s first appearance of the year, with Alaalatoa (back) named to start as tighthead prop in Dunedin, while Lonergan (knee) takes a spot on the bench.
“Al is more than ready to go,” said Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham.
“He was probably itching to get on the field before the bye, but we decided to hold him back a bit…”
“He’s one of those players, similar to James Slipper and others with experience, who wants to be in the team week in and week out. However, managing his return has been easier this season because he seems to have learned from his past experiences about maintaining his fitness over the span of a longer season. We hope he’s eager to play for the Wallabies after this, and he’ll need to pace himself to avoid overextending himself in every match.”
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kemaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Nic Shearer, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson
Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Hugh Renton, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Taniela Tele’a
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Declan Meredith, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Kadin Pritchard, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Darcy Breen, Toby MacPherson, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Tane Edmed, Hudson Creighton
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Richard Kelly
Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs
SATURDAY, 11 APRIL: Rotorua International Stadium (12.05pm kickoff AEST)
Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes has brought Damian McKenzie back to the No.10 jersey after the All Blacks star missed the last match against the Waratahs due to concussion.
Previously playing at fullback, McKenzie will take over the key playmaking duties in Rotorua, with Josh Jacomb shifting to the bench.
Reon Paul is set to make his debut for the Chiefs from the bench. The nephew of All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara, Paul was educated at Rongotai College in Wellington and spent last year with the Blues, but didn’t get any game time.
He has played 19 matches for Bay of Plenty in the NPC.
MOANA (1-15): Malaki Hala-Ngatai, Millenium Sanerivi, Paula Latu, Tom Savage, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Niko Jones, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Glen Vaihu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Atu Moli, Jimmy Tupou, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Tyler Pulini
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Tyrone Thompson, Reuben O’Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i (c), Samipeni Finau, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Sione Ahio, Fiti Sa, Luke Jacobson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Reon Paul
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Glenn Newman
Zac Lomax of the Force is seen ahead of the round eight Super Rugby match. Getty
Fijian Drua vs Western Force
SATURDAY, 11 APRIL: Churchill Park, Lautoka (2.35pm kickoff AEST)
Force fullback Mac Grealy is buzzing about teaming up with Zac Lomax in Fiji, following his last-minute withdrawal during the upset victory over the Reds last week.
“It’s a thrilling prospect for all of us… it’s like getting a shiny new toy as a kid; you can’t wait to play with it in hopes of getting him into some advantageous positions,” Grealy commented.
“He’s looking incredibly sharp and has certainly put in the effort since arriving here. It was disappointing for me last week when he had to sit out because of his family planned to come up, but he’s handled the situation like a true professional.”
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila (co-c), Joseva Tamani, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ilaisa Droasese, Iosefo Namoce, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (co-c), Isikeli Basiyalo, Isikeli Rabitu
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Manasa Mataele
FORCE (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams (c), Nick Champion de Crespigny, Jack Daly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Kurtley Beale, Zac Lomax
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey
TMO: James Leckie
Hurricanes vs Blues
SATURDAY, 11 APRIL: Hnry Stadium, Wellington (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has chosen Callum Harkin to start at fullback for the highly anticipated top-of-the-table match against the Blues.
Harkin missed out on last week’s victory against the Reds due to concussion and takes over the No.15 shirt, with Josh Moorby moving to the wing to fill in for the injured Bailyn Sullivan.
“We’ve got a refreshed squad after the bye, and we are eager to take on a formidable opponent in the Blues. It’s a significant challenge as we head into another Kiwi derby,” Laidlaw stated.
“We’ve largely maintained a stable team. While we’ve picked up a couple of injuries, our cohesion and understanding on the field will be key to our performance.”
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Laukai, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry (c), Che Clark, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Tristyn Cook, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Pita Ahki, Payton Spencer
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley
TMO: Brett Cronan
Harry Wilson of the Reds reacts after a Force try. Getty
Queensland Reds vs Crusaders
SATURDAY, 11 APRIL: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (7.35pm kickoff AEST)
Reds coach Les Kiss has made two adjustments to his starting lineup, with hooker Matt Faessler and winger Tim Ryan taking the places of Josh Nasser and Treyvon Pritchard, both of whom are out due to concussion.
The Crusaders will miss the key contributions of Will Jordan (calf) and Codie Taylor (hamstring), with Johnny McNicholl and George Bell stepping in at fullback and hooker, respectively.
Both the Reds and Crusaders hold a record of 4-3, but the defending champions are fresh off two impressive victories, each by a margin of 50 points.
“We’re facing one of the strongest teams in the competition. Super Rugby Pacific is an unforgiving environment, offering a great challenge this week,” Kiss remarked.
REDS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Matt Faessler, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Isaac Henry
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Corey Kellow, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Leciester Fainga’anuku, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Johnny Lee, Louie Chapman, Rivez Reihana, Dallas McLeod
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Aaron Paterson
BYE: NSW Waratahs
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