Friday
Hurricanes vs Waratahs
Darren Coleman has changed up his playmaking stocks with Ben Donaldson getting a first start of the season at No.10 and young gun Max Jorgensen getting his first start in the No.15 jersey having begun his Tahs career on the wing.
Tane Edmed goes to the bench as one of six changes to the starting XV.
Both locks are missing from last week, with Hugh Sinclair ruled out for the next 4-6 weeks with a shoulder injury and Jed Holloway on leave to be with his wife and the imminent arrival of their second child.
Ned Hanigan will play his first match of the 2023 season in the second row alongside Taleni Seu who secured a valuable bonus point for the Waratahs in Melbourne with his try after the siren.
Charlie Gamble, who re-signed with the team this week, returns to the starting backrow at blindside flanker with Michael Hooper and one of the form players in the competition, Langi Gleeson.
Test hooker Dave Porecki is ruled out with an infection.
“We’ve had some forced changes in the second row which opens positions in the starting team for Ned Hanigan and Taleni Seu who has been dynamic for us off the bench.
“Swinton has played in the past three games as well as two trial matches, and to give him a break, he will be rotated out this week. Charlie Gamble will be starting at six and we’re expecting him to be fired up in his first start since round one.”
Jake Gordon partners Wallaby teammate Donaldson in the halves, while Lalakai Foketi and Izaia Perese again link up in the midfield.
“Max Jorgensen’s return enables us to look at a change at number ten,” Coleman said.
“We’re comfortable with Tane’s performances this season, he’s performed solidly, we’re just looking to see if Ben Donaldson in his more natural position at ten can add another dimension to our attack.”
Jorgensen has made a big impact since coming into the team and leads the competition in line breaks per carry. He has six linebreaks from 13 carries, making his success rate of one for every 2.2 carries the best in SRP this season.
Ardie Savea is straight back in for the Hurricanes after the captain’s suspnsion for his throat-slitting guesture against the Rebels.
Asafo Aumua returns to the run-on side at hooker, with last week’s captain, Dane Coles, back to the bench.
In the backs, Kini Naholo earns a debut on the wing.
“Kini has got himself into good shape and is looking sharp. He’s a big threat with ball in hand, and has earned this opportunity to start,” said coach Jason Holland.
Midfielder Bailyn Sulivan makes a return from injury off the bench while Hawke’s Bay lock Dominic Bird is set for a Hurricanes debut.
Replacements: Dane Coles, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Dominic Bird, Braydon Iose, Jamie Booth, Aidan Morgan, Bailyn Sulivan.
Waratahs (1-15): Tom Lambert, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ned Hanigan, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Ben Donaldson, Nemani Nadolo, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Sateki Latu, Daniel Botha, Lachlan Swinton, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Mosese Tuipulotu.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill.
Key facts: The Hurricanes have won their last five Super Rugby matches against the Tahs, the longest winning
run by either team in their head to head history.
The Hurricanes have won 29 turnovers so far this season, the most of any team in the competition. The Tahs lead the competition in execution of gain line carries, with a competition high 63 percent success rate. The Canes lead the head-to-head 15-10.
Saturday
Chiefs vs Rebels
The Chiefs will rest four All Blacks for their match against the Rebels as they aim to keep extend their winning start to the season to four games.
Co-captains Sam Cane and Brad Weber, star playmaker Damian McKenzie and lock Brodie Retallick will all miss the game in what can only be a boost for the Melbourne team. They are stood down because of All Blacks rotation protocols.
McKenzie is replaced by Bryn Gatland at No.10 with Cortez Ratima in at No.9.
Luke Jacobson will replace Cane as captain and openside flanker.
Tyrone Thompson starts for the first time ahead of All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, who is named on the bench, with Aidan Ross and John Ryan retained as the starting props.
Rebels coach Kevin Foote welcomes back Wallabies prop Sam Talakai as one of two changes in his starting team this week. Talakai will team up in the front row with fellow internationals Pone Fa’amuasili and Matt Gibbon.
Tuaina Taii Tualima replaces Josh Canham, who is unavailable through concussion, while Anaru Rangi is named for his first appearance since returning to the club last June.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Laghlan McWhannell, Kaylum Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Ioane, Peniasi Malimali.
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Trevor Hosea, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Stacey Ili, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Nick Jooste.
Replacements: Anaru Rangi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Angelo Smith, James Tuttle, David Feliuai, Lukas Ripley.
Key facts: The Chiefs have won eight of their nine games against the Rebels including the last five by an average margin of 20 points per game. The Rebels have won just once in their last seven isits to NZ and conceded an average of 48.2 points per game in the six losses. The Chiefs, who are 3-0 and top of the table, have won 21 of their past 25 games against Australian opposition.
Blues vs Crusaders
The Blues have opted to use No.7 Adrian Choat at No.6 for the grand final re-match against the Crusaders with injuries starting to bite.
Former All Black Alex Hodgman comes in to start at loosehead prop and James Tucker will join Cameron Suafoa in the second row.
The backline has one change from the side that beat the Hurricanes last week with Mark Telea returning after a week off. Beuden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga will ine up against each other in a virtual All Blacks No.10 shootout.
”It was a bruising encounter against the Hurricanes with a few sore bodies around Blues HQ at the start of the week,” said Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
The Crusaders will be without vice-captain David Havili, who has a shoulder injury. Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Codie Taylor and Joe Moody are all back in the starting side after a week off, while halfback Mitchell Drummond and hooker Brodie McAlister also return to the 23.
The Crusaders were stunned by Fijian Drua last week to go to a 1-2 record to start the season.
Blues (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Ricky Riccitelli, James Lay, James Tucker, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta.
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Jordan Lay, Nepo Laulala, Tom Robinson, Taine Plumtree, Taufa Funaki, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan.
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Sione Havili Talitui, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeaod, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Fergus Burke.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, George Bower, Zach Gallagher, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Pepesana Patafilo, Macca Springer.
Key facts: The Blues have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby Pacific games against teams from NZ including their last two on the bounce by a combined margin of 46 points. The only loss in that stretch was to the Crusaders in last year’s final.
Brumbies vs Moana Pasifika
Stephen Larkham has made two changes to his starting XV for the game against Moana Pasifika at GIO Stadium in Canberra.
Connal McInerney returns to the run-on side at hooker with Luke Reimer earning his first starting jersey at openside flanker this season.
Ryan Lonergan is set to earn his 50th Super Rugby cap off the bench, where he’s joined by pathways graduates and potential debutants Jack Wright and Charlie Cale.
“We’ve built a good base for the season over the last couple of weeks and we’re excited to get another chance to improve this Saturday,” said Larkham. “Moana are an excellent side and will test any team in this competition, obviously led by one of our own in Christian Lealiifano.”
Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Connal McInerney, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Luke Reimer, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Tom Ross, Jack Wright, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell.
Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Ray Niula, Suetena Asomua, Potu Leavasa, Mike McKee, Miracle Faiilagi, Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali’ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Levi Aumua, Fine Inisi, William Havili.
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Alex McRobbie, Solomone Funaki, Manu Paea, Henry Taefu, Anzelo Tuitavuki.
Key facts: Moana Pasifika won the only match up between these teams so far. While unbeaten the Brumbies are yet to hit their straps in an attacking sense. Their eight tries is the second lowest return in the comp this season.
Sunday
Highlanders vs Force
Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a has passed HIA protocols and is fit to start for the Force on Sunday, as Michael Wells also returns after a concussion.
Wells replaces Tim Anstee, who starts on the bench, in one of five changes to the XV.
Lock Ryan McCauley starts, pairing up with Jeremy Williams. Gareth Simpson will make his Super Rugby debut on Sunday, starting at No.9. The 25-year-old has been training with the Force for the past two months havng previously played for Worcester Warriors and Saracens. He is on loan to the Force and will return to Saracens at the end of this season. Fellow English recruit Zach Kibirige returns to the wing after resting his hamstring last match.
Highlanders (1-15): TBC
Replacements:
Force (1-15): Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Williams, Ryan McCauley, Michael Wells, Ollie Callan, Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Bryce Hegarty, Toni Pulu, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia.
Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u/Tom Horton, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman, Manasa Mataele.
Referee: Angus Mabey.
Key facts: The Highlanders have won their last five Super Rugby matches against the Western Force, their longest winning run against them; they’ve scored 39 points per game across those five wins.
Reds vs Fijian Drua
The Reds have made three changes to their starting XV to face the Drua in their first game at Suncorp this season.
James O’Connor is back in the No.10 jersey after a successful comeback from injury via the bench behind Tom Lynagh, while Taj Annan will make his first Super Rugby start at inside centre.
Jock Campbell is named at fullback, with Jordie Petaia going to the wing and Suli Vunivalu to the bench.
Annan will pair with Josh Flook in the centres after Hunter Paisami was ruled out with concussion.
Co-captain Tate McDermott and James O’Connor will reprise their partnership in the halves, while fellow skipper Liam Wright, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson make for a settled backrow trio.
Dane Zander, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr start in the front row.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase, Peni Ravai, Jake Upfield, Connor Vest, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Suliasi Vunivalu.
Drua (1-15): TBC
Replacements:
Referee: Reuben Keane.
Key facts: The Reds have won just once in their last four home games – more than they lost in 19 home games before that. They have scored fewer than 20 points in four of their last five games – as many times as they failed to reach that mark in 17 previous games.
TIPPING LEADERBOARD
