Harkin to start at first-five for Hurricanes
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Super Rugby Pacific round three and all clashes are important, but this weekend is especially juicy with a number of the games.
Firstly, it's a chance for Moana Pasifika to get back to winning as they host the Western Force at Counties Manukau's home venue in Pukekohe on Friday night (kick-off 7:05pm).
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The Highlanders, after scoring one win and coming close to another, are away to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane later that night (kick-off 9:35pm NZ Time).
The Hurricanes have the difficult task of playing in the heat and humidity of Lautoka on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 4:35pm NZT) against the Fijian Drua.
The Chiefs who have found a way to win, and win ugly when necessary, host the Crusaders, who are staring at an 0-3 start if their poor attack and defensive form continues, in Hamilton on Saturday (kick-off 7:05pm)
The Blues are in Canberra for an important clash with the ACT Brumbies (kick-off 9:35pm NZT), who have just come off putting 50 points on the Crusaders in Christchurch. It will be Blues stalwart Dalton Papali'i's 100th Super Rugby match.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC - ROUND 3
Moana Pasifika vs Western Force
Friday, February 27, 7:05pm
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
MOANA PASIFIKA: Glen Vaihu, Tevita Ofa, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ngani Laumape, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Semisi Paea, Miracle Faiilagi (Captain), Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Chris Apoua, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Reserves: Samiuela Moli. Abraham Pole (50th cap), Lolani Faleiva, Ola Tauelangi, Tupou Afungia (debut), Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Latu (debut)
Queensland Reds vs Highlanders
Friday, February 27, 9:35pm NZT
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
HIGHLANDERS: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Adam Lennox, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy (cc), Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Will Stodart, Rohan Wingham, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a
Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes
Saturday, February 28, 4:35pm NZT
Churchill Park, Lautoka
HURRICANES: Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett (c), Fehi Fineanganofo, Callum Harkin, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Hugo Plummer, Tevita Mafileo, Asafo Aumua (vc), Pouri Rakete-Stones. Reserves: Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia, Siale Lauaki, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore (debut), Ngane Punivai
Chiefs vs Crusaders
Saturday, February 28, 7:05pm
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
CHIEFS: Etene Nanai-Seturo, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea (vc), Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Luke Jacobson (c), Kaylum Boshier, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa'i (vc), Josh Lord, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Jared Proffit. Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Benet Kumeroa, Reuben O'Neill, Samipeni Finau, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Lalakai Foketi
CRUSADERS: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Leicester Fainga'anuku, David Havili (c), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Dom Gardiner, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Louie Chapman, James White, Dallas McLeod
ACT Brumbies vs Blues
Saturday, February 28, 9:35pm NZT
GIO Stadium, Canberra
BLUES: Zarn Sullivan, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Pita Ahki, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i (c), Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Laghlan McWhannell, Marcel Renata, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Reserves: Bradley Slater, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Taufa Funaki, Xavi Taele, Codemeru Vai
