Two rounds remain, can anyone catch the Hurricanes?
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
The penultimate round of Super Rugby Pacific begins in Christchurch, with the Crusaders looking to secure their spot in the finals with victory over the Chiefs.
However the visitors have a strong side, particularly in the forwards whoere only prop Sione Ahio hasn't played for the All Blacks.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Damian McKenzie is sitting out the round after concussion protocols while Josh Lord returns from concussion.
The Crusaders aren't exactly weak in their pack either and have named Leicester Fainga'anuku on the side of the scrum
On Saturday afternoon Moana Pasifika host the Reds in what is their last game at home and possibly in New Zealand ever.
The Hurricanes will potentially lock up the top spot and end the Highlanders' finals chance in Wellington.
The home continue to be solid across the field with no apparent weaknesses, including having Du'Plessis Kirifi as a replacement.
The Highlanders have a strong frontrow with Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor and Angus Ta'ava but may struggle to cope with the flair of the Canes on attack.
The Blues have the bye this weekend.
Crusaders v Chiefs
FRI 22 MAY: One NZ Stadium, Christchurch (19:05)
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Manumaua Leita, Jack Sexton, Seb Calder, Liam Jack, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Johnny McNicholl
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Sione Ahio, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Issac Hutchinson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Tepaea Cook-Savage, Daniel Rona
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Glen Newman
Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds
SAT 23 MAY: North Harbour Stadium, Auckland (16:35)
MOANA (1-15): Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Allan Craig, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota, William Havili
Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Paula Latu, Alefosio Aho, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama
REDS (1-15): George Blake, Josh Nasser, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (co-c), Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Carter Gordon, Tim Ryan, Filipo Daugunu, Josh Flook, Treyvon Pritchard, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Ben Volavola, Lachie Anderson
Referee: Reuben Keane
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Louis Trisley
TMO: Brett Cronan
Hurricanes v Highlanders
SAT 23 MAY: Hnry Stadium, Wellington (19:05)
HURRICANES (1-15): Siale Lauaki, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Eretara Enari, Ruben Love, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Bailyn Sullivan, Ngane Punivai, Josh Moorby
Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Tom Allen, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Jordi Viljoen, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Tomás Lavanini, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Lucas Casey, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nic Shearer, Cameron Millar, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jona Nareki, Xavier Tito-Harris, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Stanley Solomon, Meihana Grindlay
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Graham Cooper
