Open Extended Reactions Fijian DruaHighlandersPrediction: The Waratahs haven’t crossed the ditch yet this year and their only loss for the season has come on the road. Meanwhile the Hurricanes have won just two games from five with one loss coming in a massive upset to Moana Pasifika. With Suaalii back in for the Waratahs and […]
Fijian DruaHighlandersPrediction: The Waratahs haven’t crossed the ditch yet this year and their only loss for the season has come on the road. Meanwhile the Hurricanes have won just two games from five with one loss coming in a massive upset to Moana Pasifika. With Suaalii back in for the Waratahs and their recent drought-breaking win over the Brumbies, they’ll head to Wellington ready to end their seven-game losing streak to the Hurricanes. Waratahs by 5.Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies .30, -8.5 .85; Highlanders .30, +8.5 .90
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders .02, -24.5 .85; Moana , +24.5 .90
Hurricanes vs. Waratahs
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Harrison Goddard, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Cadyern Neville, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Klayton Thorn, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie SapsfordSimon Parker (Knee, Short-term), Anton Lienert-Brown (Leg, Short-term), Josh Lord (Knee, Mid-term), Rameka Poihipi (Knee, Season), Kaleb Trask (Hamstring, Mid-term), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Hamstring, Long-term), Liam Coombes-Fabling (Knee, Mid-term), Fiti Sa, (Shoulder, Long-term), Wallace Sititi (Knee, Long-term), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Shoulder, Short-term)Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee) Bayley Kuenzle (knee) Harry Hoopert (knee) Divad Palu (shoulder) Matt Proctor (shoulder) Papillon Sevele (knee)Jake Gordon (medial ligament) Mahe Vailanu (broken arm) Triston Reilly (shoulder) Dave Porecki (calf) Fergus Lee-Warner (foot) Lucas Ripley (shoulder)Brett Cameron (Knee/season) Devan Flanders (Ankle/ Round 12) Tjay Clarke (Shoulder/ Round 11) Daniel Sinkinson (Hamstring/ Round 8) Riley Higgins (Hand/ Round 8) Harry Godfrey (Lower Leg/Round 11) Billy Proctor (Achilles/ TBC)Lachlan Lonergan (return to play protocol, concussion, expected back Round 9), Kadin Pritchard (return to play protocol, concussion, expected back Round 9), Charlie Cale (lower back injury, timeline TBC), Ben O’Donnell (hamstring operation), Tevita Alatini (ACL), Harry Vella (ACL)Moana Pasifika
Brumbies vs. Highlanders
Western Force,Officials: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Mark Winter, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Angus MabeySky Stadium, Wellington, 5:05pm (AEDT)Prediction: What a difference a year makes. The Crusaders sit second on the table and are looking unbeatable. A star off the bench so far this season, James O’Connor has been handed the reins to start this week, while Macca Springer also returns to the starting XV. Meanwhile, Moana have received a timely boost in Ardie Savea’s return. It won’t be enough for Moana though. Crusaders by 20. Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEDT)BluesOfficials: Jordan Way; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Kaminski; TMO: James Leckie
Saturday, March 29
Crusaders vs. Moana Pasifika
NSW WaratahsOdds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes .26, -9.5 .85; Waratahs .60, +9.5 .90Drua: Motikiai Murray (Round 9)Waratahs: Max Jorgensen, Darby Lancaster, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joey Walton, Archie Saunders, Lawson Creighton, Teddy Wilson, Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Miles Amatosero, Ben Grant, Taniela Tupou, Julian Heaven, Angus Bell. Replacements: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Daniel Botha, Felix Kalapu, Jamie Andamson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Lalakai FoketiPrediction: This is a big game for the Brumbies after their win streak over the Waratahs was finally brought to an end last week. Returning to their fortress they’ll be determined to put on a big score against a wounded Highlanders side who went down at home last weekend to the Reds. Brumbies by 12Queensland RedsCrusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (c),Macca Springer, James O’Connor, Noah Hotham, Fletcher Anderson, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, George Bower. Replacements: Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Xavier Saifoloi, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Levi AumuaJoseph Suaalii made his Waratahs debut on Friday night. Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty ImagesQueensland Reds vs. Western ForceSuncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm (AEDT)Reds: Heremaia Murray, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Tom Lynagh, Kalani Thomas, Joe Brial, John Bryant, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Massimo De Lutiis, Richie Asiata, Alex Hodgman. Replacement: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Dre Pakeho.Force: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Reed Prinsep, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Reesjan PasitoaOfficials: Ben O’Keffe; Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw; TMO: Brett CronanPrediction: Both sides will be entering this clash full of confidence after their respective wins last weekend. The Reds looked strong in their impressive win over the Highlanders on the road, while the Force ran circles around the Drua. This is sure to be a tight encounter with set-piece set to play a big role in the result. Expect fireworks when the back-rows clash. Reds by 3. Top Fantasy pick: This one’s going to be tight and given his huge tackle numbers Carlo Tizzano is one to get in your team.Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds $1.20, -11.5 $1.85; Force $4.20, +11.5 $1.90
Injury Ward
ChiefsOliver Haig (Foot / 2 weeks ) Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ) Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 2-3 weeks) Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks) Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC) Nikora Broughton (Rib Injury / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks)Friday, March 28Meanwhile the injury ward keeps growing. Read on for all lineups, tips and injury updates.Good luck with your tips.BrumbiesAs we close in on the halfway point of the competition — yes, already! — the table is starting to take shape with ALL four Aussie teams inside the top six! But will it stay that way?Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Caleb Tangitau, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c),Jona Nareki, Taine Robinson,Nathan Hastie,Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, TK Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Replacements: Henry Bell, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Ajay Faleafaga, Tanielu Tele’aGIO Stadium, Canberra 7:35pm (AEDT)Moana: William Havili, Tevita Ofa, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Paea, Miracle Faillagi, Allan Craig, Sam Slade, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Alamanda Motuga, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tuna TuitamaTop Fantasy pick: After a five-try showing two weeks ago against the Force, Macca Springer is primed to add to his season tally.Selestino Ravutaumada (HIA), Epeli Momo (Knee)All odds correct at time of publication. HurricanesHurricanes: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo, Riley Hohepa, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Braydon Iose, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo,Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields, Jordi Vilijoen, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Kade Banks.Danny Toala (knee) James Lay (elbow) Julian Savea (knee) Kyren Taumoefolau (shoulder) Losi Filipo (shoulder) Lotu Inisi (hamstring) Michael Curry (shoulder injury) Samiuela Moli (hamstring) Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa (quad) Sione Havili Talitui (ankle)Dom Gardiner (Hamstring/ 2 weeks) Johnny McNicholl (Hamstring/ 3-4 weeks) Kyle Preston (Rib/1-2 weeks) Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Knee/ 2 weeks) George Bell (Foot/season) Braydon Ennor (Hamstring/TBC) Finlay Brewis (Shoulder/season)CrusadersTop Fantasy pick: This is a match perfectly suited for Tom Wright.Officials: Damon Murphy; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Brett CronanTop Fantasy pick: He hasn’t stepped on the pitch since round one, but Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will no doubt earn you some big points.Jock Campbell, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Liam Wright
Suspensions
PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Ben Ake (shoulder), Beauden Barrett (hand), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ricky Riccitelli (chest), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (concussion), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), AJ Lam (leg).The Waratahs cross the ditch for the first time this season to take on the Hurricanes, while the Brumbies face their own Kiwi rival in the Highlanders; the Reds host the Force to close out the round.
