Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has added a bit of excitement to Saturday’s Super Rugby State of Origin showdown by humorously suggesting he wants to “head high” Taniela Tupou “off the ball” at Suncorp Stadium.
Tupou has switched allegiances to NSW sky blue after spending most of his career representing Queensland, followed by a stint in Melbourne.
Reds tough guy Salakaia-Loto has played alongside fan favourite Tupou at both the Reds and the Rebels and they are also teammates in the Wallabies.
“The things I’d do to head high this bloke off the ball this weekend #NSWvQLD #XXXXXXXXXLsinglet,” Salakaia-Loto posted on social media, accompanied by a photo of Tupou donned in Waratahs colours.
Prop Tupou was quick to respond.
“I would do the same but I know you’re rooting for me and the Tahs this week,” he replied.
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Highlanders vs Hurricanes
FRI 14 March: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (7.05pm kickoff AEDT)
The Hurricanes, last year’s minor premiers, have hit a rough patch and are currently at the bottom of the ladder after four rounds.
The timely return of All Blacks front-rowers Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax from injury sees them both named on the bench.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Tanielu Tele’a, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Veveni Lasaqa, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Jake Te Hiwi
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Zach Gallagher, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Ruben Love
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Riley Hohepa, Fatafehi Fineanganofo
Referee: Angus Mabey
Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Glenn Newman
ACT Brumbies vs Fijian Drua
FRI 14 March: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)
The Drua are aiming for revenge against the Brumbies after Stephen Larkham’s outfit secured a historic win in Fiji during round one.
Following a shock victory over the Blues at Eden Park last weekend, the Brumbies welcome back Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio, who returns from concussion.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Loganimasi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Vuate Karawalevu
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Livai Natave, Vilive Miramira, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Simione Kuruvoli, Isikeli Rabitu
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper, Matt Kellahan
TMO: James Leckie
Crusaders vs Western Force
SAT 15 March: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (2.35pm kickoff AEDT)
The Crusaders roared back to form on Sunday, demolishing the previously unbeaten Reds 43-19 in Christchurch.
They stay at home for a match against the Force, who hold a 2-2 record after their 34-10 defeat to the Waratahs in Sydney.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Reed Prinsep, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman, Reesjan Pasitoa, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Josh Thompson, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, George Myers
TMO: Brett Cronan
NEW PODCAST! Join Sean, Morgs, and Burkey as they discuss a massive weekend of rugby featuring major upsets and high-profile injuries.
Chiefs vs Blues
Both sides are eager to bounce back after suffering rare defeats last weekend, with the Chiefs shocked in Lautoka and the Blues losing at home in Auckland.
The Chiefs defeated the Blues 25-14 in round one at Eden Park and are set to welcome back stars Damian McKenzie and Shaun Stevenson.
SAT 15 March: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona
BLUES (1-15): Jordan Lay, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Cam Christie, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Nathaniel Pole, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Glenn Newman
Queensland Reds vs NSW Waratahs
SAT 15 March: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (7.35pm kickoff AEDT)
Hunter Paisami and Tom Lynagh make their return to the Reds’ backline for Saturday night’s highly anticipated clash against the Waratahs.
Teddy Wilson is set to take the reins at halfback for NSW after captain Jake Gordon suffered a knee injury that will sideline him for a month.
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Richie Asiata, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Triston Reilly, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Adamson, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Richard Kelly
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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