Super Rugby Pacific 2024 hits the home stretch this weekend, with Round 10 providing some huge matches that could prove pivotal in shaping the finals landscape. The playoff race is heating up as ANZAC Round Weekend brings all Australian and New Zealand sides together.
Crusaders vs Rebels
The Crusaders’ title defence is hanging by a thread after a horror run of seven losses from their last eight games. Coach Rob Penney has swung the selection axe, making seven changes to the starting XV in a desperate bid to turn their season around. The return of captain Scott Barrett from a finger injury is massive, as is having vice-captain David Havili’s experience and versatility to call on from the bench.
However, the Rebels have been one of the surprise packets in 2024. They currently sit fourth on a three-game winning streak and have exceeded expectations. Their scrambling defence will need to be at its very best to contain the Crusaders’ all-Test backline if they are to pull off a historic victory in Christchurch for the first time in nearly a decade. Lock Josh Canham gets a big opportunity with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto sidelined.
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Heremaia Murray, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Johnny McNicholl
RESERVES: George Bell, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Chay Fihaki
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai (c), Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Rob Leota, Jack Maunder, Matt Proctor, Nick Jooste
Referee: Angus Mabey
Waratahs vs Chiefs
The Waratahs have shaken up their loose forward combination, with Wallabies Ned Hanigan and Miles Amatosero promoted to add some experience and physicality to the starting pack. In the backs, Mark Nawaqanitawase provides X-factor out wide after being recalled. They’ll need to be at their best to contain the powerful Chiefs outfit.
Despite losing skipper Luke Jacobson to injury, the Chiefs have still been able to name a formidable lineup led by stand-in captain Kaylum Boshier. Landing back in Sydney off the bye, they’ll be hurting after that surprise home loss to the Hurricanes and determined to make amends. With an impressive 7-2 record against NSW, the Waikato men should prove too strong – but the young Waratahs have shown they can be a tough nut to crack at home.
WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Ned Hanigan, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Jay Fonokalafi, Lewis Ponini, Tom Ross, Jed Holloway, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Izaia Perese
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Kalyum Boshier (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Pohipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Quinn Tupaea
Referee: Jordan Way
Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika
There are no changes for Moana Pasifika after their morale-boosting win over the Reds before the bye. Having run the Drua desperately close in Fiji last season, they’ll take huge confidence into this one despite the heat and humidity. However, the Drua were bitterly disappointed with their performance against the Hurricanes, letting themselves down with ill discipline and poor handling in the Suva humidity. You can expect vastly improved accuracy and physicality in Lautoka.
The home side simply cannot afford to drop these types of matches at home if they are to remain in the playoffs hunt, particularly with a tough two-week road trip to Australia coming up. Their flair and firepower should ultimately prove too much if they can hold onto the ball.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waga, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Mesu Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Michael Naitokani
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Irie Papuni, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, Danny Toala
RESERVES: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Neria Fomai
Referee: Graham Cooper
Brumbies vs Hurricanes
The return of Wallabies stars Len Ikitau and Allan Alaalatoa is huge for the Brumbies as they look to get their spluttering title charge back on track. Alaalatoa’s physical presence up front will be a significant boost. However, they face a monumental task against the Hurricanes, who have started the season in blistering fashion with their free-flowing style.
The visiting Wellingtonians will need their big names to step up in the pack, with hooker Asafo Aumua potentially ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury. Veteran James O’Reilly has big boots to fill. Canberra has been a notorious hoodoo ground for the ‘Canes, with just one win there in their last nine visits – including last year’s heartbreaking playoff loss.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Sefo Kautai, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Andy Muirhead
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, James O’Reilly, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Ruben Love
RESERVES: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, Ben Grant, Peter Lakai, Richard Judd, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee: Angus Gardner
Highlanders vs Force
Significant changes for the Highlanders as they look to rebound from that demoralizing 0-35 defeat at the hands of the Reds. Playmakers Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Folau Fakatava and Rhys Patchell return to the starting XV to provide some much-needed X-factor and leadership after that insipid display.
However, the Western Force are riding a massive wave of momentum and confidence after downing the Crusaders in one of their finest performances. With Kurtley Beale pulling the strings and Izack Rodda leading the way up front, they’ll fancy their chances of causing a boilover in Dunedin if the Highlanders aren’t on their game. An away win could put serious pressure on the New Zealand sides above them on the table.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Henry Bell, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Folau Fakatava, Rhys Patchell, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
RESERVES: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Hugh Renton, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogodo
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Sam Carter, Izack Rodda, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Nic White (c), Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Bayley Kuenzle, Kurtley Beale
RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Josh Bartlett, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell
Referee: Dan Waenga
Reds vs Blues
A genuine top-of-the-table blockbuster between two legitimate title contenders – and two vastly contrasting game styles. On one side, you have the skilled, attacking flair of the Reds backline, headlined by the likes of Tate McDermott, Hunter Paisami and Suliasi Vunivalu. On the other hand, there is the brutal forward physicality of the Blues pack, who have clearly bought into Vern Cotter’s abrasive game plan.
With Patrick Tuipulotu leading the charge upfront, the Blues’ forward power proved too much for the Brumbies last round. Expect more of the same at a humid Suncorp Stadium, with a massive battle in the tight exchanges on the cards. If the Reds are ill-disciplined and give up easy territory and possession, it could prove very costly against this Auckland outfit.
However, the confidence from that shutout win over the Highlanders should give the home side plenty of belief they can match fire with fire and prevail. With their home crowd driving them forward, it promises to be an epic trans-Tasman showdown.
REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Liam Wright (c), John Bryant, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Sef Fa’agase, Connor Vest, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Lawson Creighton, Floyd Aubrey
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Soane Vikena, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Mark Tele’a, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes
RESERVES: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, James Thompson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke
Referee: James Doleman
Super Rugby Pacific – round 10
Crusaders v Melbourne Rebels; Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Waratahs v Chiefs; Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika; Churchill Park, Lautoka
Brumbies v Hurricanes; GIO Stadium, Canberra
Highlanders v Western Force; Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Reds v Blues; Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
