Can Crusaders continue winning in Super Rugby?
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The Chiefs start round round four with a home game against Moana Pasifika with both needing to bounce back from losses last week.
Damian McKenzie is named to start at first five while recently signed Cortez Ratima is inside him at halfback.
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The Hurricanes are away to the Waratahs and after a loss in tough conditions in Fiji last week they'll be relying on the lose forwards Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai to secure some ball against the Tahs who are unbeaten after two games.
The Highlanders host the Force on Saturday afternoon and may want to prove something to coach Jamie Joseph who didn't get the All Blacks top job.
Finally it's the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon against the Crusaders.
The Blues let a win slip against the Brumbies at Canberra while the Crusaders were back to their best doing what they do well - scoring a win while absorbing pressure against the Chiefs
Chiefs v Moana Pasifika
Friday 8 March FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (19:05)
CHIEFS (1-15): Benet Kumeroa, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Reuben O'Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i (c), Samipeni Finau, Jahrome Brown, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Lalakai Foketi, Emoni Narawa, Liam Coombes-Fabling
Replacements: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Josh Lord, Kaylum Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Kyle Brown
MOANA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Solomon Alaimalo, Ngani Laumape, Tevita Latu, Tevita Ofa, Glen Vaihu
Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Malaki Hala-Ngatai, Lolani Faleiva, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Tauelangi, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Tyler Pulini
Referee: Todd Petrie
NSW Waratahs v Hurricanes
Friday 6 March: Allianz Stadium, Sydney (19:35)
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Warner Dearns, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Callum Harkin, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Brad Shields, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova
Referee: James Doleman
Highlanders v Western Force
Saturday 7 March: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (16:35)
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasawa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
Blues v Crusaders
Saturday 7 March, Eden Park, Auckland (19:05)
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry, Torian Barnes, Dalton Papali'i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Pita Ahki, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Che Clark, Anton Segner, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Xavi Taele
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Leicester Fainga'anuku, Chay Fihaki, Taha Kemara
Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Will Tucker, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, Xavier Saifoloi, Dallas McLeod
Referee: Nic Berry
