SUPER RUGBY – FULL ROUND 14 PREVIEW !

COMPLETE SRP Round 14 teams:

Friday

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

The Highlanders have won their last five matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Queensland Reds by an average margin of 12 points per game; indeed, it’s the longest winning run by either team in the history of this fixture.
The Highlanders will be aiming for back-to-back wins at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Super Rugby competitions for the first time since June 2021, following their 20-17 victory against the Melbourne Rebels in their last game at the venue (Round 13, 2023 Super Rugby Pacific).
The Queensland Reds have won each of their last two Super Rugby Pacific matches outside Queensland; the last time they recorded a longer winning run outside their home state in Super Rugby competitions was a three-match span from March to April in 2021 (Super Rugby AU).
The Highlanders will be aiming for back-to-back wins against Australian teams in Super Rugby Pacific for just the second time (May 2022) since the beginning of the 2022 campaign, following their 20-17 victory against the Melbourne Rebels in their last such fixture (20 May 2023).
The Queensland Reds won their most recent Super Rugby Pacific match in New Zealand (25-22 v Chiefs – 12 May 2023), snapping a 19-match losing run in the country in Super Rugby competitions; the Reds will be aiming for back-to-back wins in such fixtures for the first time since April 2013.
The Queensland Reds have an accuracy of 89% on lineout throws (184/206) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the best rate of any team in the competition; the Highlanders (87% – 154/178) have logged the best rate of any New Zealand team in the campaign and the fourth highest overall.
The Highlanders have a maul success rate of 93% (40/43) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season – the best of any team in the competition and 11 percentage points higher than the Queensland Reds (82% – 65/79).
The Queensland Reds have scored 31 tries starting possession from a lineout (inc. steals) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any team in the competition (ACT Brumbies – 37) and six more than the Highlanders (25).
Harry Wilson (Queensland Reds) has crossed the gainline on 11 carries per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby season, the most of any player in the campaign (min. 75 minutes played).
Pari Pari Parkinson (Highlanders) has received three yellow cards in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other player in the competition – despite conceding only nine penalties in the campaign so far.

Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Matt Whaanga, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt.

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Connor Garden-Bachop, Scott Gregory.

Reds (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Mac Grealy, James O’Connor, Josh Flook, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell.

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Jake Upfield, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Hunter Paisami.

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

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

The Western Force have won three of their last four matches against the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby competitions (L1), as many as they won across their 14 meetings prior to that span (W3, L11).
The Western Force have won each of their last two matches against the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park in Super Rugby competitions, conceding just 18 points across those two meetings; indeed, it’s the first time the Force have won consecutive games against the Rebels at the venue in the history of the competition.
The Melbourne Rebels have won only one of their last seven Super Rugby Pacific matches (L6) and lost their last three in succession; the last time they recorded a longer losing run in Super Rugby competitions was a 10-match span from May 2021 to March 2022.
The Western Force have won only one of their last 10 Super Rugby Pacific matches away from HBF Park (L9) – a 48-28 victory against Moana Pasifika (24 May 2022); the Force have conceded 47 points per game across their nine defeats in that span.
Each of the Melbourne Rebels’ last four Super Rugby Pacific matches against Australian teams at AAMI Park have been decided by margins no greater than seven points on the day; the Rebels have won two of those four games (L2).
The Melbourne Rebels have scored 10 tries starting possession from a turnover won in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season; they are one of only three teams to have logged double figures in this category (Hurricanes – 11, Chiefs – 11).
The Western Force have made dominant contact on 47 carries per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any team (Blues – 54 per game) and nine per game more than the Melbourne Rebels (38).
The Melbourne Rebels have carried for 532 metres per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any Australian team in the competition and the third most per game overall (Blues – 611 and Hurricanes – 547).
Richard Hardwick (Melbourne Rebels) has won 2.3 turnovers per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any player (min. 30 minutes played) in the campaign (Ethan Blackadder – 2.7 for Crusaders).
Max Burey (Western Force) has made 453 kick metres per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most of any player in the competition (Damian McKenzie – 463 for Chiefs).

Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Matt Philip, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Reece Hodge, Lukas Ripley Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway.

Replacements: Theo Fourie, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Pone Fa’amausili, Trevor Hosea, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste, Joe Pincus.

Force (1-15): Angus Warner, Folau Fainga’a, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, 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, Bo Abra, Izack Rodda, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman.

Referee: Dan Waenga

Saturday

Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika, 12.05pm (AEST) – 2.05pm (NZT) – 2.05pm (FJT)

This will be the third meeting in Super Rugby Pacific between Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika; the Drua have won each of their two previous fixtures, scoring 30+ points in each of those two games.
Fijian Drua have won only one of their last six Super Rugby Pacific matches (L5); although, that one victory did come in their most recent fixture as the home team on the day (27-24 v Hurricanes – 6 May 2023).
Moana Pasifika have won only one of their last 23 Super Rugby Pacific matches (L22) and have lost their last 12 games in succession; they have conceded 45 points per game across those last 12 defeats.
Fijian Drua have won three of their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches in Fiji; in fact, four of their six games in Fiji have been decided by a margin of three points or fewer on the day.
Moana Pasifika have lost all seven of their Super Rugby Pacific matches away from New Zealand; they have conceded 38 points per game across that span.
Moana Pasifika have scored a try on 32% of their attacking 22m entries (38/120) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the lowest rate of any team in the competition; the Fijian Drua (39% – 41/104) have logged the third best rate of any team in this category (Hurricanes – 47%, ACT Brumbies – 45%).
Fijian Drua have made 54% of their total kicks in play in their own 22m territory (93/173) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, nine percentage points higher than any other team in the campaign and 15 percentage points more than Moana Pasifika (39% – 86/223).
Moana Pasifika have made 15 lineout throws of 15+ metres in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, four more than any other team in the competition and five times as many as Fijian Drua (3).
Only the Blues’ Mark Telea (7.2) has beaten more defenders per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season (min. 60 minutes played) than Moana Pasifika duo Levi Aumua (6.5) and Timoci Tavatavanawai (6.2).
Peni Matawalu (Fijian Drua) has made seven long passes per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the second most (min. 50 minutes played) of any player in the campaign (Ian Prior – 8.5 for Western Force).

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Tela Tela, Eroni Sau, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Michael Naitokani.

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Luteru Tolai, Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Penitoa Finau, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga’anuku, William Havili

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Mahonri Ngakuru, Miracle Faiilagi, Ereatara Enari, Fine Inisi. Jonah Mau’u.

Referee: Jordan Way

Crusaders vs NSW Waratahs, 2.35pm (AEST) – 4.35pm (NZT)

The NSW Waratahs defeated the Crusaders 24-21 in their previous meeting in Super Rugby Pacific (Round 11, 2022); they will be aiming for back-to-back wins against them in Super Rugby competitions for the first time since May 2015.
The Crusaders have won 14 of their 15 home matches against the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby competitions (L1), including their last 10 on the bounce; their only defeat in that span was a 43-19 loss in Round 1, 2004.
The NSW Waratahs have won their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches on the bounce; the last time they recorded a longer winning run in Super Rugby competitions was a nine-match span from May to August in 2014.
The Crusaders have won 33 of their last 35 matches in Super Rugby competitions against Australian teams (L2); each of their two defeats in that span have come against the NSW Waratahs (24-21 – Round 11, 2022 and 20-12 – Round 6, 2019).
The NSW Waratahs will be aiming for back-to-back wins against New Zealand teams in Super Rugby competitions for the first time since May 2015, following their 21-20 victory against the Highlanders in their last such fixture (28 April 2023).
The NSW Waratahs have made six 50/22 kicks in play in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, double the tally of any other team in the competition; the Crusaders (0) are one of three teams yet to register in this category (also Western Force and Queensland Reds).
The Crusaders have gained more metres from mauls (227) and scored more tries from mauls (9) than any other team in either category in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season; the NSW Waratahs’ five tries scored from mauls is the third most of any team in the campaign (ACT Brumbies – 8).
The NSW Waratahs have made 17 tackle breaks per game in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the fewest of any team in the competition and 10 per game fewer than the Crusaders (27).
Will Jordan (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).
Mahe Vailanu (NSW Waratahs) has an accuracy of 90% from 62 lineout throws this Super Rugby Pacific season, the best rate of any player in the competition (min. 15 throws).

Crusaders (1-15): Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Codie Taylor (c), Tamaiti Williams, Quinten Strange, Sam Whitelock, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Dallan McLeod, Fergus Blake

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Seb Cader. Reuben O’Neill, Zach Gallagher, Sione Havili Talitui, Noah Hotham, Chay Fiahki, Will Gualter.

Waratahs (1-15): Te Tera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Mosese Tuipulotu, Joey Walton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen.

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Nephi Leatigaga, Tom Lambert, Ned Hanigan, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson.

Referee: James Doleman.

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

The Blues have won five of their last seven matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Hurricanes (L2), after losing nine consecutive meetings against them prior to that span.
The Blues have won each of their last two matches against the Hurricanes at Eden Park in Super Rugby competitions, as many wins as they logged across their eight meetings at the venue prior to that span (W2, L6).
The Hurricanes have lost each of their last two Super Rugby Pacific matches away from Sky Stadium, after winning five consecutive such fixtures prior; the last time they recorded a longer losing run away from the Wellington venue in Super Rugby competitions was a five-match span from May to July in 2018.
The Blues have lost their last three matches in Super Rugby Pacific against New Zealand teams, after winning eight of their nine games prior against them (L1); the last time they recorded a longer losing run in such fixtures in Super Rugby competitions was a four-game span from May 2019 to February 2020.
The Hurricanes have scored fewer than 20 points in three of their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches against New Zealand teams (W1, L3), including each of their last two; the last time they failed to score 20+ in more consecutive New Zealand derbies in Super Rugby competitions was a six-match span from March 2011 to March 2012.
The Hurricanes have scored 3.1 points per attacking 22m entry in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any team in the competition; the Blues (2.3 points per attacking 22m entry) have logged the second fewest of any team (Moana Pasifika – 2.2 points per attacking 22m entry).
The Blues have made 25 bomb kicks in play this Super Rugby Pacific season, seven more than any other team in the competition and 20 more than the Hurricanes (5), who have logged the fewest of any team.
The Hurricanes (17) and Blues (16) have made more offloads resulting in a break than any other teams in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Mark Telea (Blues) has carried for 115 metres per 80 minutes in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the campaign (min. 40 minutes played).
Cam Roigard (Hurricanes) has made 51 box kicks in play this Super Rugby Pacific season, the most of any player in the competition and more than three times as many as any Blues player (Finlay Christie – 14).

Blues (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan

Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Anton Segner, Sam Nock; Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam/Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard, Aidan Morgan, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby.

Replacements: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, Justin Sangster, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi.

Brumbies v Chiefs, 7.35pm(AEST) – 9.35pm (NZT)

The ACT Brumbies have won three of their last four matches against the Chiefs in Super Rugby competitions (L1), more than they won across their eight meetings prior to that span (W2, L6).
The ACT Brumbies have won five of their last six home matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Chiefs (L1), including a 54-17 victory in their most recent such fixture (Round 2, 2019).
The Chiefs have won 11 of their last 12 Super Rugby Pacific matches (L1); although, their only defeat in that span was their most recent fixture against an Australian team (25-22 v Queensland Reds – 12 May 2023).
The ACT Brumbies have scored 40+ points in five matches in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season (W5); only once have they logged more such fixtures in a single season in the history of Super Rugby (6 – 2004).
The Chiefs will be looking to avoid back-to-back defeats against Australian teams in Super Rugby competitions for the first time since July 2014, following their 25-22 loss to the Queensland Reds in their most recent such fixture (12 May 2023).
The ACT Brumbies have scored 40+ points in each of their last four Super Rugby Pacific matches as the home team on the day; it’s their longest such scoring run at home in the history of Super Rugby.
The Chiefs have a success rate of 94% on defensive 22m exits (221/236) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, the best of any team in the competition; the ACT Brumbies (84% – 139/165) have logged the second lowest rate of any team in this category.
The Chiefs (45) and ACT Brumbies (41) have retained possession on more kicks in play than any other teams in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Darcy Swain (ACT Brumbies) has won 8.2 lineouts per 80 minutes (inc. steals) in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, more than any other in the competition (min. 10 minutes played).
Damian McKenzie (Chiefs) has made 131 kicks in play this Super Rugby Pacific season, nine more than any other player in the competition and 76 more than any ACT Brumbies player.

Brumbies (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Jahrome Brown, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.

Replacements: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford.

Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Laghlan McWhannell, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (co-c), Josh Ioane, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Alex Nankivell, Emoni Narawa, Damian McKenzie

Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson.

Referee: Nic Berry