Super Rugby Rd 11 teams: Wallabies bolter makes return, key All Blacks duo back from lengthy injuries
It’s crunch time for Australia’s sides that want to make a run for the Super Rugby finals.
With just five rounds left in the regular season, time is running out to make a genuine push at going deep in this year’s competition.
It’s also time for Eddie Jones’ hopefuls to stand up if they want to catch the new Wallabies coach’s eye.
Friday
Highlanders vs Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium
A week after missing touch a couple of times in the second half against the Waratahs, Freddie Burns has been named at fly-half to take on the Chiefs in their key clash at home.
He will partner Aaron Smith in the halves while Thomas Umaga-Jensen returns at inside centre.
“Freddie is obviously coming back from injury, and he hasn’t actually played that much for us because of that,” Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said.
“But these are the games we got him over for. He’s hugely experienced, he can control a game, and hopefully he can unlock our backline.
“The good players look forward to these games. I know he’s looking forward to playing with Aaron [Smith]. It’ll be the first time he’s played with him.”
Josh Dickson provides some forward cover from the bench.
Star All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown is back for the Chiefs. Photo: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images
The Chiefs are missing Brodie Retallick, who suffered a groin injury during their important win over the Crusaders, but regain Anton Lienert-Brown in a huge boost to their backline.
“Anton sets the bar in our team in terms of work rate, passion and competitiveness, and we hope we can put in a team performance befitting of the man and occasion,” said coach Clayton McMillan.
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Scott Gregory, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Josh Dickson, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Mitch Hunt, Jona Nareki
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Alex Nankivell
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Saturday
Fiji Drua vs Hurricanes at HFC Bank Stadium
The Hurricanes have been forced to rush back Justin Sangster in the second-row after losing three of their locks.
Dom Bird (illness), James Blackwell (concussion) and Caleb Delany (concussion) were each ruled out for the Hurricanes’ tough trip to Suva.
Their powerful back-row trio Devan Flankers, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Ardie Savea will play crucial roles against a growing Drua side under Mick Byrne.
Byrne has made just two changes to his side, with Joseva Tamani coming in for Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta in the second-row.
The other change is in the backline with Taniela Rakuro starting on the left-wing ahead of Eroni Sau.
Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefi Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements: Mesulane Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Koroi, Etonia Waqa, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Eroni Sau
Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flankers, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c) Cam Roigard, Aidan Morgan, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea Josh Moorby
Referee: Jordan Way
Crusaders vs Western Force at Orangetheory Stadium
The Crusaders celebrate the long-awaited return of Will Jordan, who will play for the first time in 2023 after a long battle with concussion symptoms.
His return headlines the Crusaders’ team to take on the Force on Saturday afternoon, with former captain Sam Whitelock ruled out.
As such, Quinten Strange partners Scott Barrett in the second-row.
2019 World Cup member Isi Naisarani is back in the Force’s side. Photo: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images
The Force welcome back Santiago Medrano up front, while 2019 World Cup Wallaby Isi Naisarani makes his return to the franchise after being a mid-season recruit from Japan.
Naisarani’s starts at No.8, which sees captain Michael Wells shift to blindside flanker following Tim Anstee’s injury.
Former Australian sevens player Max Burey starts at fly-half, with Bryce Hegarty ruled out.
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Dominic Gardner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Noah Hotham, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Macca Springer, Will Jordan
Replacements: Codie Taylor, Finaly Brewis, Oliver Jager, Zach Gallagher, Mitchell Drummond, Fergus Blake, Jack Goodhue
Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Bowen Abra, Ryan McCauley, Jackson Pugh, Ian Prior, Nikolai Foliaki, George Poolman
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Blues vs Moana Pasifika at Eden Park
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is back for the Blues but Leon MacDonald has made seven personnel changes and a further three positional tweaks to his side to take on Moana Pasifika.
After coming through their difficult assignment in Fiji in flying colours, MacDonald has been forced into juggling beating the lowly Moana Pasifika and preparing for next week’s tough trip to take on the Crusaders.
Warriors-bound back Roger Tuivasa-Scheck has been named at inside centre. Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
Nonetheless, MacDonald has named a strong side that sees Akira Ioane return at blindside flanker and Harry Plummer shift to the playmaking position. That sees Beauden Barrett return to fullback.
Tuivasa-Sheck makes his return from a hand injury to partner Bryce Heem in the midfield.
There’s some strike power to bring off the bench, with All Blacks Finlay Christie and Rieko Ioane to inject some pace into the game.
Moana Pasifika head coach Aaron Mauger has made just three changes to his side that produced a late comeback but suffered their ninth straight defeat against the Rebels last week.
D’Angelo Leuila replaces Danny Toala at inside centre, while up front Chris Apoua slots in at tight-head prop for Isi Tu’ungafasi. Alamanda Motuga returns from his hamstring strain to replace Jonah Mau’u in the back-row.
Blues (1-1-5): Ofa Tuungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Cameron Suafoa, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clark, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Beauden Barrett
Moana (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Miracle Failagi, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone, Funaki (c), Ereatara Enari, Christian Lealiifano, Neria Fomai, D’Angelo Leuila, Levi Aumua, Timoci Tavatavanawai, William Havili
Replacements: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Tau Koloamatangi, Alex McRobbie, Jonah Mau’u, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi
Referee: Graham Cooper
Reds vs Waratahs at Queensland Country Bank Stadium
The Reds have named a relatively settled side from the one that beat the Force, with Ryan Smith starting in the second row and Angus Blyth making a timely return via the bench.
Blyth was suspended for an ugly hit on Brumbies flyer Corey Toole, which saw the big second-rower suspended just weeks after returning from a lengthy injury.
Angus Blyth has returned from his suspension for the Reds. Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
But his return, as well as Smith’s to the starting side, sees utility forward Seru Uru return to the bench.
The Reds are still missing Hunter Paisami due to injury, but have otherwise named a strong backline with James O’Connor still wearing the No.12 jersey.
Hovering one point above the Waratahs in sixth spot, the local derby represents a crucial match in their chances of a top six finish.
The Waratahs are still without loose-head prop Tom Lambert and tight-head Archer Holz, with Te Tera Faulkner once again starting alongside Dave Porecki and Harry Johnson-Holmes in the front-row.
It’s a relatively settled side, however, with Ned Hanigan another week away from returning after his recent concussion.
Replacements: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Peni Ravai, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu
Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Taleni Seu, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniela Botha, Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson
Referee: Angus Gardner
Sunday
Rebels vs Brumbies at AAMI Park
Hardwick was one of the competition’s best in the opening month, but makes a welcomed return from injury to start at No.8. His return sees Vaiolini Ekuasi drop back to the bench.
Re-signed forward Angelo Smith starts alongside Trevor Hosea in the second-row.
Richard Hardwick makes a welcomed return for the Rebels. Photo: Kelly Defina/Getty Images
The Brumbies, who came off a narrow defeat to the Hurricanes last week in Wellington have named a strong side, with Test forwards Lachie Lonergan, Darcy Swain and Pete Samu returning to the starting side.
Jahrome Brown meanwhile comes in for Rory Scott at openside flanker.
In the backline, star Wallabies centre Len Ikitau also returns to partner Tamati Tua in the midfield.
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Angelo Smith, Trevor Hosea, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (C), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Stacey Ili, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Tim Cardall, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, David Feliuai, Joe Pincus
Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachie Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: James Doleman
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