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Canes or Chiefs? Can Crusaders beat Blues?

Jordie Barrett returns for the Hurricanes clash with  Chiefs in Super Rugby Round  14
Jordie Barrett is back for the Hurricanes as they take on the Chiefs in Hamilton. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

Still plenty riding on the penultimate round robin matches in Super Rugby Pacific with positions on the ladder and pride on the line.


The Hurricanes have bought back a couple of big names in Jordie Barrett and TJ Perenara, but Brad Shields is out injured.


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The Chiefs still have Damian McKenzie at first five and a superb attacking backline outside him.


The Chiefs pack is pretty solid throughout and should have a big clash against the Canes in front of a sold out crowd in Hamilton.


Earlier in the season, the Hurricanes won 36-23 in Wellington.


Chiefs vs Hurricanes

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, Friday, 7.05pm


CHIEFS: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Etene Nanai Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Luke Jacobson (c), Kaylum Boshier, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'i, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Sione Ahio, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi


HURRICANES: Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Justin Sangster, Pasilio Tosi, Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia. Reserves: James O'Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, TK Howden, Richard Judd, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi


Referee: Paul Williams



The Blues have actually rested a couple of players against the Crusaders, which in the past would have been unheard of, however even with Dalton Papali'i out, their loose forward trio of Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu with Cameron Suafoa on the bench is pretty solid.


The Crusaders are fighting for pride and their coach Rob Penney who has had a few battles of his own this week.


The Crusaders lineup is strong across the park and has Seevu Reece playing his 14th consecutive match of the season while Ethan Blackadder is named in the starting lineup.


The Blues won their earlier season clash 26-6.


Crusaders vs Blues

Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, Saturday, 7.05pm


CRUSADERS: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Fergus Burke, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor (c), Joe Moody. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Taha Kemara, Dallas McLeod


BLUES: Stephen Perofeta, Mark Tele'a, Rieko Ioane, Corey Evans, AJ Lam, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Akira Ioane, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Angus Ta'avao, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu'a, PJ Sheck, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Nock, Cole Forber, Caleb Tangitau


Referee: James Doleman



The Highlanders have their season in their own hands. A win against the Fijian Drua at home on Sunday would help them get closer to a playoffs position and with co-captain Billy Harmon returning, they have extra leadership.


Highlanders vs Fijian Drua

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Sunday, 2.05pm


HIGHLANDERS: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jake Te Hiwi, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Ajay Falegaga, Folau Fakatava, Billy Harmon (co-capt), Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Jermaine Ainsley, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot (co-capt). Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Max Hicks, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop


FIJIAN DRUA: Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Kemu Valetini, Epeli Momo, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Simione Kuruvoli, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Jone Koroiduadua. Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Taniela Rakuro


Referee: Ben O'Keeffe

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