Super Rugby round 12 is just around the corner and it’s now or never for several teams, including the Crusaders, Waratahs and Western Force, hoping to make the playoffs.
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Fortunately for those teams, some big names are back.
All Blacks duo Codie Taylor and Tamaiti Williams have been rushed into the side by Rob Penney for their must-win clash against the Highlanders under the roof in Dunedin.
Force have named Test duo Nic White and Izack Rodda in their starting side.
Scroll on down for all your team news.
Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs at Go Media Stadium. 5:05pm
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan will be without Damian McKenzie for Friday’s clash against the ninth-placed Moana Pasifika.
McKenzie copped a head knock last week and his place will be taken by Taranaki’s Josh Jacomb.
Elsewhere, Emoni Nawara has also been given the week off.
But at least one big name returns to the starting side, with All Blacks and captain Luke Jacobson back at openside flanker.
All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho is also back in the front row.
After their 28-17 loss to the Highlanders in Tonga last week, Umaga has made sweeping changes across the entire side.
D’Angelo Leuila will wear the No.10 jersey in the absence of Christian Lealiifano, while William Havili is also out of the side.
Moana (1-15): Sateki Latu, Sama Malolo (c), Suetena Asomua, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Aisea Halo, D’Angelo Leuila, Nerai Fomai, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Nigel Ah Wong, Danny Toala
Reserves: Tomasi Maka, Abraham Pole, Sione Mafileo, Semisi Paea, Irie Papuni, Siaoisi Nginingini, Otumaka Mausia, Kyren Taumoefolau
Chiefs (1-15): Ollie Norris, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Etene Nanai Seturo
Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Sione Ahio, Hamilton Burr, Tom Florence, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Pohipi, Gideon Wrampling
Referee: Damon Murphy
Reds vs Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium. 7:35pm
The Reds have made a couple of changes to the side that won their first Super Rugby fixture against the Crusaders in Christchurch in 25 years, but those tweaks have largely come off the bench.
While Sef Fa’agase starts ahead of Peni Ravai at loose-head prop, it’s the return of Wallabies Tate McDermott and James O’Connor via the bench that headlines Les Kiss’ side to take on the Rebels in Brisbane on Friday night.
Kiss has done that in large part to keep the halves combination of Kalani Thomas and Lawson Creighton together following their stunning 33-28 win last weekend.
“Lawson had a really positive game for us against the Crusaders last weekend. He will take the reins at No.10 and his game management and kicking game will be important again,” Kiss said.
“We have also been really pleased with how Kalani and Louis (Werchon) have gone at halfback in recent weeks.
“We thought we’d keep ‘Lawso’ and Kalani together because of their combination over those games.
“It’ll be nice to have the experience of Tate and James to come off the bench.
“James has contributed in a massive way while he’s been on the sidelines as I’ve mentioned a number of times. He’s been a constant resource for our No.10s and to now have him sitting on the bench is fantastic.”
After dropping games against the Force away and Brumbies at home, the Reds can’t afford to take their foot off the gas against the sixth-placed Rebels, who once again have started Taniela Tupou.
“They have had a good season and are playing some good rugby. We just have to be wary they are playing for a lot of things,” Kiss said.
“It’s an important game for us on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium and we must continue to focus on what is making us work well.”
The Rebels have had to make a subtle change to their side following last week’s loss to the Blues, with Nick Jooste and Filipo Daugunu coming in for the injured David Feliuai and Matt Proctor in the midfield.
Loose-head prop Cabous Eloff has also been named on the bench.
Reds (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Zane Nonggorr, Connor Vest, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (co-c), James O’Connor, Suliasi Vunivalu
Rebels (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, Nick Jooste, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Reserves: Alex Mafi, Cabous Eloff, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Jack Maunder, Jake Strachan, Glen Vaihu
Referee: Paul Williams
Saturday
Blues vs Hurricanes at Eden Park. 2:35pm
The Blues will be without the concussed Rieko Ioane for Saturday’s blockbuster against the Hurricanes, but Zarn Sullivan returns to the side at fullback.
Following second-half comebacks against the Reds and Rebels, the Blues will be after a faster start against the Hurricanes, who they trail by a point on the season standings, and have otherwise named a settled side.
The Hurricanes will start Xavier Numia at loose-head prop, while TJ Perenara returns at halfback. Jordie Barrett also comes back into the starting side at inside centre.
Blues (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Mark Tele’a, Zarn Sullivan
Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
Hurricanes (1-15): Xavier Numia, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee: James Doleman
Highlanders vs Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. 5:05pm
The Highlanders are coming off the back of consecutive narrow wins, but the Crusaders welcome back two of their best in Williams and Taylor up front.
What’s more, Scott Barrett has been named in the second-row despite leaving the field last week early with a back complaint.
Johnny McNicholl starts at fullback after fellow-Welsh international Leigh Halfpenny suffered a calf strain during his Super Rugby debut.
The other key change sees Noah Hotham start at halfback alongside David Havili.
The Highlanders, meanwhile, welcome back Ethan de Groot after missing last week’s win over Moana Pasifika.
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot (c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Martin Bogodo, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley
Crusaders (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Corey Kellow, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Referee: Angus Gardner
Waratahs vs Brumbies at Allianz Stadium. 7:35pm
There’s changes all over the place for the Waratahs as Darren Coleman’s men attempt to keep their season alive.
In total, there are five changes to the forward pack.
Hooker Jay Fonokalafi replaces the injured Julian Heaven, Miles Amatosero comes in to partner Fergus Lee-Warner in the second-row while it’s a brand new back-row with Lachie Swinton, Charlie Gamble and Jed Holloway packing down together.
There’s just the one change to the backline, with Joey Walton making a surprise early return at outside centre.
There’s a couple of changes to the bench, with Ben Sugars named in the No.16 jersey while Wallabies World Cup prop Pone Fa’amausili comes immediately onto the reserves after being granted a loan by the Rebels.
The Brumbies have tweaked their side from the one that beat Fiji last week, with Harry Vella starting ahead of James Slipper.
Force-bound lock Darcy Swain will partner Nick Frost in the second-row, while Charlie Cale returns at No.8.
The other key change sees Ryan Lonergan return at halfback, with Jack Debreczeni to start at fly-half, with Noah Lolesio rotated out of the side.
On the bench, Wallabies Billy Pollard and Cadeyrn Neville return. As does utility back Ben O’Donnell, who last year suffered a devastating knee-injury after finding some tryscoring form in his first season at the Brumbies.
Waratahs (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Jay Fonokalafi, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Jed Holloway, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harrison, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase
Reserves: Ben Sugars, Lewis Ponini, Pone Fa’amausili, Hugh Sinclair, Hunter Ward, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Izaia Perese
Brumbies (1-15): Harry Vella, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Reserves: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Sosefo Kautai, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ben O’Donnell
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Force coach Simon Cron has made several changes to his starting side for Saturday night’s must-win clash against the Drua, with Izack Rodda and Nic White amongst the big names to return.
Rodda was brought off the bench against the Chiefs last week while White missed the game because of a slight niggle.
The other couple of changes sees Marley Pearce come in at loose-head prop, with Harry Hoopert in-line to make his first Super Rugby appearance for the Force off the bench, while Bayley Kuenzle moves off the wing to start alongside Hamish Stewart in the midfield.
Drua coach Mick Byrne will start Ilaisa Droasese at fullback after Selestino Ravutaumada last week moved off the wing to wear the No.15 jersey.
Western Force vs Fiji Drua at HBF Park. 9:55pm
Force (1-15): Marley Pearce, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Williams (c), Izack Rodda, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman, Kurtley Beale
Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Harry Hoopert, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Michael Wells, Henry Robertson, Sam Spink, Henry O’Donnell
Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Michael Naitokani, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Epeli Momo
Referee: Angus Mabey
