Hurricanes strong, Crusaders need win, Super Rnd 5
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Super Rugby Pacific round five has the Chiefs on a bye, the Hurricanes with key players available, while the Crusaders don't want to lose to the Highlanders twice in a season.
The Blues host Moana Pasifika and will want to show they have some consistency in their season.
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Hurricanes v Force:
Friday, 7.05pm at McLean Park, Napier
All Blacks tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax and first five-eighth or fullback Love are part of a strong bench while Brad Shields starts on the bland side of the scrum in Napier.
Hurricanes: Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Jone Rova, Jordie Barrett (co-captain), Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Cam Roigard, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-captain), Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Warner Dearns, Brayden Iose, Jordi Viljoen, Ruben Love, Riley Higgins.
Crusaders v Highlanders:
Saturday, 7.05pm, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Tasman loose forward Johnny Lee will make his Crusaders debut along side Ethan Blackadder and Christian Lio-Willie.
In the backs Will Jordan returns at fullback which Braydon Ennor replaces Leicester Fainga'anuku
For the Highlanders Tomas Lavanini the Argentine lock will start while Tanielu Tele'a is at centre in for Jonah Lowe in a strong running backline for a side which is very threatening to their hosts.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Sevu Reece, Rivez Reihana, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Johnny Lee, Ethan Blackadder, Tahlor Cahill, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Finlay Brewis. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Seb Calder, Will Tucker, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod.
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Jona Nareki, Cam Millar, Folau Fakatava, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy (co-capt), Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Tomas Lavanini, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Oli Haig, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa.
Blues v Moana Pasifika
Sunday, 3.35, Eden Park, Auckland
Beauden Barrett has been named - officially - to start for the Blues.
The All Blacks 'rest' policy takes Finlay Christie out of action for the Blues who are otherwise strong across the field as Beauden Barrett starts again at first five.
For Moana former All Black Atu Moli makes his debut at prop, but another ex AB, Ngani Laumape moves to the bench.
Blues: Coles Forbes, Codemeru Vai, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Sam Nock, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i (captain), Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Lachlan McWhannell, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Pita Ahki, Zarn Sullivan.
tMoana Pasifika: William Havili, Tevita Ofa, Tevita Latu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Glen Vaihu, Patrick Pellegrini, Augustine Pulu, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Atu Moli, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Reserves: Mamoru Harada, Monu Moli, Lolani Faleiva, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Joel Lam, Ngani Laumape, Tuna Tuitama.
