six round teams, week 6 news, line-ups, kick-off times, how to watch
The struggling Waratahs have been boosted by the welcome return of key full-backs Max Jorgensen and Lalakai Foketi to face the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday.
But Brumbies manager Stephen Larkham had the luxury of recalling six Test stars to his line-up for the sixth-round grudge match.
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Drua punished for not playing whistle
MOANA PASIFIKA vs HIGHLANDERS in Auckland, Friday 5.05pm kick off AEDT
Winless Moana Pasifika suffered another setback with the loss of captain Christian Lealiifano to a neck injury.
Lincoln McClutchie will instead start with the No.10 jersey while No.8 Solomone Funaki will take over as skipper.
Meanwhile, the injury-riddled Highlanders are starting to pick up reinforcements, with loose forwards Shannon Frizell (groin) and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (ribs) allowed to take their places on the bench.
“We played them in pre-season and there wasn’t much to it,” Highlanders coach Clarke Dermoday said of Moana.
“They have significant threats behind their backs and their forwards and it will be a tough task on Friday night against a team hungry for success and playing at home.”
MOANA (15-1): William Havili, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Lincoln McClutchie, Ere Enari, Solomone Funaki (c), Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Faiilagi, Samuel Slade, Mitchael Curry, Suetena Asomua, Samiuela Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth.
Reservations: Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole, Joe Apikotoa, Mike McKee, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, D’Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi
MOUNTAINS (15-1): Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (c), Sean Withy, Will Tucker, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Leni Apisai, Ethan de Groot
Reservations: Andrew Makalio, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Miller, Marino Mikaele Tu’u
Arbitrator: Ben O’Keeffe
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Commentators rip the call without a try
REDS vs CRUSADERS in Brisbane, Friday 7.35pm kick off AEDT
Queensland manager Brad Thorn has made four changes to his starting lineup to face the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.
Next come Tate McDermott, Suliasi Vunivalu, Peni Ravai and Isaac Henry, the latter replacing the injured Hunter Paisami (knee).
Experienced Angus Blyth is also fit to take a place on the bench against Thorn’s former side.
“The Crusaders are one of the best teams in the world and have been for a long time,” Thorn said.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge on Friday night…we’re delighted to see Angus back in the squad. He’s worked hard to get fit and will bring a lot to our attacking squad.”
Meanwhile, 19-year-old halfback Noah Hotham has been named to make his first start for the Crusaders.
“It’s a great opportunity to grow the young man,” Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.
“He’s been superb in training and every time he’s had an opportunity on the pitch. We think this game is for him.”
RED (15-1): Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Isaac Henry, Jordan Petaia, James O’Connor, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright (co-c), Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Zane Nonggorr , Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai
Reservations: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Angus Blyth, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Taj Annan, Mac Grealy
CRUSADERS (15-1): Fergus Burke, Pepesana Patafilo, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Richie Mo’unga, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Sione Havili-Talitui, Dom Gardiner, Scott Barrett (c), Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody
Reservations: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Willi Heinz, Will Gualter, Chay Fihaki
Arbitrator: Damon Murphy
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FIJIAN DRUA vs REBELS in Suva, Saturday 2.35pm kick off AEDT
DRUA (to be confirmed)
REBELS (to be confirmed)
Arbitrator: James Doleman
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens’ viral tryout for the Blues
CHIEFS vs BLUES in Hamilton, Saturday 5:05 p.m. kick-off AEDT
The Blues welcomed back rested All Blacks Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Dalton Papalii and Nepo Laulala while a seventh – Patrick Tuipulotu – recovered from injury and was named on the bench.
“He brings an advantage – an experienced player who can switch bodies and hit hard. We’re very happy to have him back on the bench,” Blues coach Leon MacDonald said.
“A few boys got up last week and took a chance against the Force. We welcome a lot of our core group back home for the Chiefs and know we have a tough job ahead.”
CHEFS (to be confirmed)
BLUES (15-1): Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c), Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Cameron Suafoa, Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay
Reservations: Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, James Lay, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tom Robinson, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens/Zarn Sullivan
Arbitrator: Angus Gardner
Super Rugby speedster scores for the Brumbies
BRUMBIES vs WARATAHS in Canberra, Saturday 7.35pm kick off AEDT
The Cavalry is back for the Brumbies, who predictably recalled rested Wallabies James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Pete Samu, Nic White and Tom Wright to take on NSW.
The Brumbies also recover Test center Len Ikitau from injury after their first loss of the season against the Crusaders.
Warringah Rats lock Sam Thomson – a Scottish import – is in line for his Super Rugby debut from the bench.
“We are fortunate to be able to bring back a lot of experience for what is likely to be a game played at Test match intensity,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
“They’ve talked about being underdogs, but the Waratahs have a great team and they’ll come here under pressure to get a result, so we’ll be aware of that.
“We’re expecting our biggest crowd in five years for this game, so there’s been great energy around HQ this week and we’re excited to get to game day.”
The Waratahs have also been boosted by the returns from injury of full-back Max Jorgensen and center Lalakai Foketi.
Jorgensen, who had a shoulder problem, featured on his debut in the first round loss to the Brumbies in Sydney.
The 18-year-old is hoping to shine again as Eddie Jones prepares to name his first-team Wallabies on Sunday.
Backrower Hunter Ward is in line to make his debut from the bench, while Taleni Seu is rewarded for his high-impact performances with a start to the blind flank.
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reservations: Rhys van Nek, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Sam Thomson, Jahrome Brown, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell
WARS (15-1): Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harris, Michael Hooper, Taleni Seu, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Dave Porecki, Te Tera Faulkner
Reservations: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Zac Von Appen, Hunter Ward, Harrison Goddard, Joey Walton, Harry Wilson
Referee: Nic Berry
Naholo’s clever Hurricanes try to help
HURRICANES vs FORCE at Palmerston North, Sunday 1:35pm kick-off AEST
HURRICANES (to be confirmed)
STRENGTH (to be confirmed)
Arbitrator: Paul Williams
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