Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar firmly believes his squad can secure a victory against the Drua this Saturday, even with Wallabies stars Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, and Rob Leota taking a rest.
“For me, this does not dilute our squad at all. Instead, it creates opportunities, excitement, and genuine enthusiasm,” McKellar remarked.
Continue reading for all the Super Rugby Pacific team updates for Round 10.
Caleb Clarke from the Blues on the attack. Getty
Crusaders vs Blues
FRI 18 April: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
The Crusaders, who currently sit atop the table, have welcomed back hooker Codie Taylor and halfback Kyle Preston from injury for their crucial matchup against the reigning champions.
On the other hand, the Blues will be without star winger Caleb Clarke, with Zarn Sullivan stepping into an altered back line.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Jordan Way, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Brett Cronan
Angus Bell of the Waratahs carries the ball forward. Getty
Fijian Drua vs NSW Waratahs
SAT 19 April: Churchill Park, Lautoka (12.05pm kickoff AEST)
The Waratahs will be without the rested Wallabies forwards Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, and Rob Leota for their match against the Drua in Lautoka.
New faces Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, and Daniel Botha will make up a restructured front row as NSW aims to build on their impressive victory against the Chiefs.
DRUA (1-15): Peni Ravai, Mesulame Dolokoto (co-c), Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Longanimasi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi (co-c), Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Tom Lambert, Siosfia Amone, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O’Donnell
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Richard Kelly
NEW PODCAST! Join Sean Maloney, Morgan Turinui, and Matt Burke as they dive into the controversial decisions made in a Super Rugby Pacific classic.
Moana Pasifika vs ACT Brumbies
SAT 19 April: Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe (2.35pm kick-off AEST)
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has shuffled his front row ahead of the clash with Moana Pasifika, resting Wallabies James Slipper and Billy Pollard on the bench.
Rhys van Nek and Lachlan Lonergan will be starting instead, with Ollie Sapsford taking over at outside centre for Len Ikitau (concussion).
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafile’o, Tom Savage, Michael Curry, Miracle Faiilagi, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Fine Inisi, Tevita Ofa
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavaom, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Danny Toala
BRUMBIES (1-15): Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant referees: James Doleman, Ben O’Keeffe
TMO: Glenn Newman
Damian McKenzie of the Chiefs. Getty
Chiefs vs Highlanders
SAT 19 April: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has responded to the defeat by the Waratahs by moving Damian McKenzie back to the No.10 position for the encounter against the Highlanders.
After a tough match in Sydney, McKenzie replaces Josh Jacomb as the team’s chief playmaker.
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Nawara, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Jared Profit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Henry Bell, Sosefo Kautai, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Hugh Renton (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Taniela Filimone, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Te Kamaka Howden, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Sam Gilbert, Jonah Lowe
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Way
TMO: James Leckie
Bayley Kuenzle of the Force celebrates at Leichhardt Oval. Getty
Western Force vs Hurricanes
SAT 19 April: HBF Park, Perth (7.35pm kickoff AEST)
In the only change to the Force’s starting lineup, Bayley Kuenzle steps in for the injured Dylan Pietsch on the left wing.
Fullback Ruben Love will make his debut start of the season as the Hurricanes’ No.10, taking over from Riley Hohepa.
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi; Nic White (vc), Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep (vc), Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, George Poolman
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilo Tosi, Zach Gallagher, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant referees: Jeremy Markey, Jordan Kaminski
TMO: Graham Cooper
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