SUPER RUGBY – FULL ROUND 12 PREVIEW !

COMPLETE SRP Round 12 teams:

Friday

Chiefs vs Reds, 5.05pm (AEST) – 7.05pm (NZT)

The Chiefs have won six of their last seven matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Queensland Reds (L1); each of their last three meetings in that span have been decided by margins no greater than six points on the day.
The Chiefs have won each of their last two home matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Queensland Reds; they will be aiming for a third consecutive win in such fixtures for the first time in the history of Super Rugby.
The Queensland Reds will be aiming for back-to-back wins outside Queensland in Super Rugby Pacific for the first time since March 2022, following their 40-28 victory against Moana Pasifika in their last such fixture (14 April 2023).
The Chiefs have won 14 of their last 15 matches in Super Rugby Pacific (L1), including all 10 games in 2023 – their longest winning run in the history of Super Rugby competitions; they have scored 37 points per game this year.
The Queensland Reds have lost 13 of their last 14 matches in Super Rugby competitions against New Zealand teams (W1), including their last 10 games in succession; although, their only victory in that span came against the Chiefs (40-34 in Round 3, 2021 Super Rugby Trans-Tasman).
The Chiefs (880) and Queensland Reds (801) have made more metres from kicks per game than any other teams in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Queensland Reds have made 15 successful lineout throws per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other team in the competition and four per game more than the Chiefs (11).
The Chiefs have missed 18 tackles per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the fewest of any team in the competition and four per game fewer than the Queensland Reds (22).
Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds) has crossed the gainline on 11 carries per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the campaign (min. 75 minutes played).
Shaun Stevenson (Chiefs) has made 15 line breaks in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any player in the competition (Caleb Clarke – 18 for Blues).

Chiefs (1-15): Jared Proffit, Bradley Slater, John Ryan, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson.

Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Atunaisa Moli, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Ioane, Alex Nankivell.

Reds (1-15): George Blake, Richie Asiata, Peni Ravai, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Tate McDermott, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.

Replacements: Matt Faessler, Sef Fa’agase, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Tom Lynagh, Paddy James.

Referee: Paul Williams.

Force vs Drua, 7.35pm (AEST) – 9.35pm (NZT)

This will be the second meeting in Super Rugby Pacific between the Western Force and Fijian Drua; the Force defeated the Drua 20-18 in their inaugural fixture (19 March 2022).
The Western Force have won only one of their last seven matches in Super Rugby Pacific (L6); although, that victory did come in their most recent game at HBF Park (30-17 v Highlanders in Round 9, 2023).
The Fijian Drua will be aiming for back-to-back wins in Super Rugby Pacific for the first time, following their 27-24 victory against the Hurricanes last time out.
The Western Force have won their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches at HBF Park; the last time they recorded a longer winning run at the venue in Super Rugby competitions was a five-match span from March to May in 2014.
The Fijian Drua have won only one of their last nine Super Rugby Pacific matches against Australian teams (L8) – a 38-28 victory against the Melbourne Rebels (1 April 2023).
The Fijian Drua have won nine scrums per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other team in the competition and three per game more than the Western Force (6).
The Fijian Drua have made 106 tackles per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the fewest of any team in the competition and 35 per game fewer than the Western Force (141).
The Western Force have scored five tries assisted by kicks in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any team in the competition (Chiefs – 7) and four more than the Fijan Drua (1).
Carlo Tizzano (Western Force) has made 24 tackles per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the campaign (min. 50 minutes played).
The Fijian Drua’s Kemu Valetini (6/6) and Western Force trio Jake Strachan (5/5), Max Burey (3/3) and Gareth Simpson (3/3) are the only players to have logged more than one place kick attempt in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season and maintained a 100% accuracy.

Force (1-15): Angus Warner, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Ryan McCauley, Michael Wells (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Vosayaco, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia.

Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Eroni Sau, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.

Referee: Angus Gardner

Saturday

Hurricanes vs Moana Pasifika 2.35pm (AEST) – 4.35pm (NZT)

The Hurricanes have won two of their three Super Rugby Pacific matches against Moana Pasifika (L1) and have scored 50+ points in each of those two wins.
The Hurricanes will be looking to avoid back-to-back defeats during the regular season in Super Rugby Pacific for the first time since April 2022, following their 27-24 loss to the Fijian Drua last time out.
Moana Pasifika have won only one of their last 21 matches in Super Rugby Pacific (L20) and have lost their last 10 games; they have conceded 43 points per game across those last 10 defeats.
The Hurricanes have won five of their last seven Super Rugby Pacific matches at Sky Stadium (L2); they have scored 46 points per game across those five wins.
Moana Pasifika have won only one of their 13 matches in Super Rugby Pacific against New Zealand opposition (L12) – a 24-19 victory against the Hurricanes in Round 6, 2022.
The Hurricanes (28.6) and Moana Pasifika (28.5) have beaten more defenders per game than any other teams in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Moana Pasifika have made dominant contact on 46 carries per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any team in the competition (Blues – 55 per game).
The Hurricanes (13) and Moana Pasifika (11) have made more offloads per game than any other teams in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) has made 47 box kicks in play this Super Rugby Pacific season, nine more than any other player in the competition and 33 more than any Moana Pasifika player.
Solomone Funaki (Moana Pasifika) has been the first to arrive at 70 defensive rucks in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any player in the competition (Fraser McReight – 80).

Hurricanes (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Tyrel Lomax, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), Jamie Booth, Aidan Morgan, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Salesi Rayasi, Harry Godfrey.

Replacements: Hame Faiva, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Logan Henry, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Josh Moorby.

Moana (1-15): Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Luteru Tolai, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Alex McRobbie, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tuipulotu, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu (c), Danny Toala, Tima Fainga’anuku, Tomasi Alosio.

Replacements: Joe Royal, Tau Koloamatangi, Chris Apoua, Potu Leavasa, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, D’angelio Leuila, Lolagi Visinia.

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

Crusaders vs Blues, 5.05pm (AEST) – 7.05pm (NZT)

The Crusaders have won 16 of their last 17 completed matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Blues (L1), including each of their last two; however, their only defeat in that span came the last time they met at Orangetheory Stadium (27-23 – Round 9, 2022 Super Rugby Pacific).
The Blues defeated the Crusaders 27-23 in their last meeting as the away team in Super Rugby Pacific (15 April 2022), snapping a 14-match losing run in such fixtures in Super Rugby competitions; the Blues will be aiming for back-to-back away wins against the Crusaders for the first time since their first two visits in 1996 and 1998.
The Crusaders have won six of their last seven matches in Super Rugby Pacific (L1), scoring 40+ points in each of their last two wins; although, their only defeat in that span was their most recent fixture against a New Zealand team (34-24 v Chiefs – Round 10, 2023).
The Blues have lost each of their last two Super Rugby Pacific matches against New Zealand opposition, as many as they lost in all their 10 meetings prior in the competition (W8, L2); the last time they lost more consecutive New Zealand derbies in Super Rugby competitions was a four-game span from May 2019 to February 2020.
The Crusaders will be looking to avoid back-to-back defeats against New Zealand opposition in Super Rugby competitions for the first time since March 2018, following their 34-24 loss to the Chiefs in their last such fixture (Round 10, 2023 Super Rugby Pacific).
The Blues have made eight line breaks per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other team in the competition and three per game more than the Crusaders (5).
The Blues (14.3) and Crusaders (11.5) have made the most and third most attacking 22m entries per game of any teams in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season (Queensland Reds – 11.6).
The Crusaders (108) and Blues (103) have made more metres per game from kick returns than any other teams in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Mark Telea (Blues) has made 114 metres per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the campaign (min. 70 minutes played).
Cullen Grace (Crusaders) has made 16 carries per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the competition (min. 75 minutes played).

Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Will Jordan.

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Oliver Jager, Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Fergus Burke, Jack Goodhue.

Blues (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan.

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cam Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.

Referee: Nic Berry

Waratahs vs Rebels, 7.35pm (AEST) – 9.35pm (NZT)

The Melbourne Rebels have won five of their last seven matches in Super Rugby competitions against the NSW Waratahs (L2); the Rebels had won only two of all their 17 meetings against the Waratahs prior to that span (L15).
The NSW Waratahs will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the Melbourne Rebels in New South Wales in Super Rugby competitions for the first time since April 2019, following their 24-19 victory in their most recent meeting in the state (Round 5, 2022 Super Rugby Pacific).
The Melbourne Rebels will be aiming for back-to-back wins outside Victoria in Super Rugby competitions for the first time since April 2021, following their 43-33 victory against Moana Pasifika in their most recent game outside their home state (Round 10, 2023 Super Rugby Pacific).
The NSW Waratahs have won three of their last four matches in Super Rugby Pacific (L1), including each of their last two; the last time the Waratahs won more than two consecutive games in Super Rugby competitions was a three-match span from June to July in 2018.
Each of the Melbourne Rebels’ last seven Super Rugby Pacific matches against Australian teams have been decided by margins no greater than seven points on the day; the Rebels have won only three of those seven games (L4).
The NSW Waratahs have conceded 12.6 turnovers per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the fewest of any team in the competition; only the Hurricanes (16.7) have conceded more per game than the Melbourne Rebels (16.5) in this category.
The NSW Waratahs have made five 50/22 kicks in play this Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other team in the competition; the Melbourne Rebels (3) have logged the joint-second most in this category.
The Melbourne Rebels have won 88% of their lineout throws (135/153) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second-best rate of any team in the competition (Queensland Reds – 92%).
Cabous Eloff (Melbourne Rebels) has conceded 3.7 penalties per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the campaign (min. 80 minutes played).
Jed Holloway (NSW Waratahs) has won 69 lineouts (inc. 7 steals) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, 19 more than any other player in the competition and 30 more than any Melbourne Rebels player.

Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Will Harris, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen.

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Archer Holz, Ola Tauelangi, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson.

Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, David Feliuai, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway.

Replacements: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Tim Cardell, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Joe Pincus.

Referee: Damon Murphy

Sunday

Brumbies vs Highlanders, 2.35pm (AEST) – 4.35pm (NZT)

The ACT Brumbies defeated the Highlanders 28-17 when they last met in Super Rugby Pacific (24 April 2022), snapping a six-match losing run against them in Super Rugby competitions; the Brumbies will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the Highlanders for the first time since April 2015.
The Highlanders have won their last four matches against the ACT Brumbies as the away team in Super Rugby competitions, their longest winning run in such fixtures and more than they won across all their 10 visits prior to that span (W2, L8).
The ACT Brumbies have won eight of their last 10 matches in Super Rugby Pacific (L2); however, their two defeats have come in their last two meetings in that span against New Zealand opposition (28 April 2023 v Hurricanes and 24 March 2023 v Crusaders).
The Highlanders have lost four of their last five Super Rugby Pacific matches against Australian teams (W1), after losing only one of their eight such fixtures prior in Super Rugby competitions (W7).
The ACT Brumbies have won their last two Super Rugby Pacific matches in Australia against New Zealand teams; the last time the Brumbies recorded a longer winning run against such opposition in Super Rugby competitions was a three-game span from June 2018 to May 2019.
Only the NSW Waratahs (420) have carried for fewer metres per game than the Highlanders (425) and ACT Brumbies (450) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Highlanders have crossed the gainline on 59 carries per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the fewest of any team in the competition and five per game fewer than the ACT Brumbies (64).
The Highlanders have made dominant contact on 11 tackles per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other team in the competition and two per game more than the ACT Brumbies (9).
ACT Brumbies’ Tom Wright (515) and Highlanders’ Sam Gilbert (414) have made more metres from kick returns than any other players in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Blake Schoupp (ACT Brumbies) has made three try saver tackles in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other player in the competition; in fact, his Brumbies teammates make up six of the other 10 players to have logged multiple in this category.

Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.

Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.

Highlanders (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Andrew Makalio, Saula Ma’u, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, James Lentjes, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Connor Garden-Bachop.

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe.

Referee: Graham Cooper