Super Rugby week three teams: squads, injury news, previews, referees
GIANT second rower Will Skelton has been ruled out of the Waratahs’ crunch match against the Sharks, while former Queensland crowd favourite Digby Ioane will make his Crusaders debut against the Reds.
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GIANT second rower Will Skelton has been ruled out of the Waratahs’ crunch match against the Sharks, while former Queensland crowd favourite Digby Ioane will make his Crusaders debut against the Reds.
Check out all the latest Super Rugby team news.
CHIEFS v HURRICANES in Hamilton, Friday 5.35pm AEDT
CHIEFS openside Sam Cane is back to co-captain his side in one of five squad changes to face the unbeaten Hurricanes in Hamilton.
Cane, 25, has been recuperating from a season-ending ankle injury sustained for the All Blacks against Ireland in November, and has sat out the first two weeks of Super Rugby.
He will now face All Blacks teammate Ardie Savea in a mouth-watering clash that may go some way to deciding the first-choice Test openside for this year’s British and Irish Lions tour.
Elsewhere, Taranaki loose forward Mitchell Brown has been surprisingly selected at blindside flanker, replacing the rested Liam Messam.
There are three changes to the backline with Anton Lienert-Brown shifting to second five-eighth, Tim Nanai-Williams at centre and Toni Pulu on the right edge.
In-form winger James Lowe will again start on the left flank for his first game since announcing his departure to Leinster at the end of 2017.
Bay of Plenty hooker Sabastian Siataga, 24, could also make his Super Rugby debut off the bench while Lachlan Boshier gets the nod over Mitch Karpik as cover for Cane.
Veteran Stephen Donald could make his first appearance of the season after sustaining a head knock in Japanese rugby for Suntory Sungoliath.
The match will be the sides’ first meeting since last July’s semi-final in Wellington, won by a Beauden Barrett-inspired Hurricanes 25-9.
Meanwhile, loosehead prop Loni Uhila and lock Mark Abbott have been ushered into the tight five for the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd has made just two changes to the starting team that belted the Rebels 71-6 on Saturday.
Uhila — aka the ‘Tongan Bear’ — pushes Chris Eves to the reserves and Mike Kainga out of the match-day 23, while Abbott is a straight swap for James Blackwell, who takes his place on the bench.
Uhila missed the opening two rounds due to a calf strain, while Abbott missed the trip to Japan for personal reasons before entering the competition as a substitute against the Rebels.
“Loni and Abbo have both had slightly delayed starts to the season, but they’ve performed really well through the preseason and now they’re ready to enter the fray,” Boyd said.
“That’s not a reflection on the guys who they’ve replaced, but just what we feel will be the best combination for this week.”
Both teams have started their season with two bonus point wins.
“We are under no illusions what the Chiefs will bring to the table,” Boyd said.
“We expect a really tough contest upfront and at set piece and they also have plenty of threats in the backs.
“We are looking forward to the challenge.”
CHIEFS (15-1): Damian McKenzie, Toni Pulu, Tim Nanai-Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, James Lowe, Aaron Cruden (co-captain), Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Michael Leitch, Sam Cane (co-captain), Mitchell Brown, Brodie Retallick, Dominic Bird, Nepo Laulala, Hika Elliot, Kane Hames
Reserves: Sebastian Siataga, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Atu Moli, Taleni Seu, Lachlan Boshier, Jonathan Taumateine, Stephen Donald, Shaun Stevenson
HURRICANES (15-1): Nehe Milner-Skudder, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Reed Prinsep, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Mark Abbott, Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, Dane Coles (c), Loni Uhila
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Chris Eves, Ben May, James Blackwell, Callum Gibbins, Chris Smylie, Otere Black, Jordie Barrett.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (NZ)
BRUMBIES v FORCE in Canberra, Friday 7.45pm AEDT
BRUMBIES coach Stephen Larkham has produced a major selection shock by omitting Wallabies hard man Scott Fardy, explaining it as a “tactical decision.”
It is a brave and curious tactical decision, just two matches into the Super Rugby season, with the Brumbies winless and badly needing victory against Australian conference rivals the Force at home on Friday night.
The rugged 39-Test flanker did not even make the bench and was replaced in the Brumbies’ starting line-up by Ben Hyne, who will be playing only his second Super Rugby match.
Larkham said on Wednesday Fardy wasn’t injured, although he did hyper-extend an elbow in last Saturday’s home loss to the Sharks.
“That’s a tactical decision — there’s no injury there with Fards,” Larkham said.
“It’s just making sure that we maintain the motivation in the group and keep the energy out there on the field.”
Outstanding in the season-opening loss to the Crusaders, Fardy’s departure to join Irish club Leinster at the end of the season was announced a day before the last Saturday’s 27-22 home loss to the Sharks.
Larkham also stressed he was looking at resting players because of a six-day turnaround.
But prop Nic Mayhew, replaced by Wallabies stalwart Ben Alexander, was the only other player from last Saturday’s run-on side omitted and he was still included on the bench.
“Fards (Fardy) has had two tremendous games, but Ben Hyne has also had some really good performances in both the pre-season trials and the (Brumbies) Runners games and he’s been performing exceptionally at training as well, so he’s been really knocking on the door,” Larkham said.
“Fards went down in the game on the weekend; he pulled up really well out of that injury.
“But it just makes sense for us on a six-day turnaround to try and freshen up some of the guys.
“We’re looking at the whole season as well as giving guys opportunities when they deserve it.”
Meanwhile, Force lock Adam Coleman has been ruled out for five weeks with a leg injury.
Coleman tore his left calf during last week’s 26-19 Super Rugby win over Queensland but coach Dave Wessels says he’s thankful the injury isn’t more serious.
The Force will be aiming to make it two wins on the trot when they face the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night but flanker Matt Hodgson will also be missing due to a hamstring complaint.
Wessels has made three changes to his starting side.
Pek Cowan, Tetera Faulkner and Richard Hardwick all come back into the starting XV, with Coleman, Ben Daley and Jermaine Ainsley dropping out.
“It’s a massive challenge this week,” Wessels said.
“We haven’t beaten the Brumbies since 2013 and we’ve not won back-to-back games since 2014 and although we were very pleased to win our first game at home last week against the Reds, we know we have a lot of improvements to make.
“The Brumbies have been very competitive in their first two games of the year, so we know the challenge that awaits us in Canberra.”
BRUMBIES (15-1): Aidan Toua, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Kyle Godwin, James Dargaville, Wharenui Hawera, Joe Powell, Jordan Smiler, Chris Alcock, Ben Hyne, Sam Carter (c), Rory Arnold, Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Mann-Rea, Ben Alexander
Reserves: Robbie Abel, Nic Mayhew, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Blake Enever, Tom Staniforth, Lolo Fakaosilea, De Wet Roos, Andrew Smith
FORCE (15-1): Dane Haylett-Petty, Chance Peni, Curtis Rona, Billy Meakes, Luke Morahan, Jono Lance, Ryan Louwrens, Richard Hardwick, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Matt Philip, Ross Haylett-Petty, Tetera Faulkner, Heath Tessman (c), Pek Cowan
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Daley, Jermaine Ainsley, Onehunga Havili Kaufusi, Isi Naisarani, Michael Ruru, Ian Prior, Robbie Coleman
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann (AUS)
BLUES v HIGHLANDERS in Auckland, Saturday 5.35pm AEDT
BLUES coach Tana Umaga is not about to make the same mistake twice.
Umaga had a bunch of key All Blacks sitting on the bench as the Chiefs ran up a big lead which proved insurmountable in a 41-26 Super Rugby loss last weekend, despite three Blues tries in a late rally after they came on.
The coach had kept faith with players involved in the rout of the Rebels in round one a week earlier but the Chiefs were a far more formidable foe.
This week All Blacks forwards Patrick Tuipulotu, Jerome Kaino and Charlie Faumuina have all been promoted to start against the depleted Kiwi conference rivals the Highlanders on Saturday.
All Blacks centre George Moala and winger Rene Ranger also move from the bench into the starting side.
“Jerome and Patrick had delayed (season) starts while Charlie has worked his way to excellent form, and both George and Rene impressed when they came on last week against the Chiefs,” Umaga said.
“There’s good depth in this squad and so there is going to be times when strong players won’t get starts always.”
Among those demoted is rising No 8 star Akira Ioane.
“It probably wasn’t Akira’s best game (against the Chiefs), and he knows that,” Umaga said.
“It’s just his all-out work, working for the entire time he’s out there.
“It was a very intense game and they put pressure on us in the forward pack.”
Kaino replaces fellow All Black Steven Luatua who has copped a four-match ban for the high tackle that had him red carded late in the first half against the Chiefs.
Blues hooker James Parsons has also returned after recovering from concussion that kept him out of the All Blacks’ end of year tour and will lead the side against a Highlanders outfit desperate to get their season back on track.
The 2015 champions have lost their first two games, against the Chiefs and Crusaders, and have been beset by injuries.
Nine of their squad, including All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire and fullback Ben Smith, are unavailable.
They also lost midfield back Jason Emery for the season to a torn Achilles’ tendon earlier this week.
Elliot Dixon will again lead the team for the Dunedin-based side, with one-test All Black Luke Whitelock replacing Squire at number eight.
BLUES (15-1): Michael Collins, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, George Moala, Rene Ranger, Ihaia West, Augustine Pulu, Murphy Taramai, Blake Gibson, Jerome Kaino, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jimmy Tupou, Charlie Faumuina, James Parsons (c), Pauliasi Manu
Reserves: Matt Moulds, Sam Prattley, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Akira Ioane/Kara Pryor, Billy Guyton, Piers Francis, Melani Nanai
HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Elliot Dixon (c), Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosuia Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown
Reserves: Sekonia Pole, Aki Seiuli, Siate Tokolahi, Joe Wheeler, Jackson Hemopo, Dillon Hunt, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks
Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)
REDS v CRUSADERS in Brisbane, Saturday 7.45pm AEDT
REDS coach Nick Stiles has reacted to an “atrocious” last up loss by dumping three players including Wallaby lock Kane Douglas from the Super Rugby franchise’s starting side.
Douglas, flanker Adam Korczyk and winger Chris Kuridrani move to the bench to make way for Izack Rodda, Izaia Perese and Hendrik Tui for Saturday night’s clash against the Crusaders at Suncorp Stadium.
Rodda and Perese will make their run-on debuts while Tui, who was runner-up in last year’s Pilecki Medal, will make his first start of the season.
The shake-up comes after the Reds fell 26-19 to the Force in Perth last week and Stiles believes responding to that setback will be a true test of the their character.
“It says we’ve got depth in the squad and performances like we put out against the Force aren’t good enough,” Stiles told reporters on Thursday.
“We’ve made some tough decisions but really happy with the players we’ve chosen.”
Stiles said 202cm-tall, 20-year-old Rodda more than deserved his opportunity over Douglas.
“You look at Kane’s resume, he’s done some tremendous things in the game but I just think he didn’t play that well against the Force,” he said.
“He didn’t put up a fight about it, he’s a smart footballer, he knows.
“(Rodda) has really filled out that big frame nicely. He’s just got that youthfulness that doesn’t care, he wants to bash whatever he can, carry as hard as he can.
“I just think that’s the attitude we’ve got to take into this game.
“I want guys who are going to front-foot the Crusaders and play tough, hard football.”
Perese was taken on the Wallabies’ European tour last year before he had even played a single minute of Super Rugby.
The 19-year-old has a powerful, lowset frame like Digby Ioane, his childhood idol.
“There’s a lot of similarities. He’s so physical and intense with everything, it really reminds you of a young Digby,” Stiles said.
Stiles admitted Korczyk was unfortunate to lose his spot but said the line- bending power of Japanese Test star Tui is precisely what the Reds will need against the Crusaders.
Meanwhile, Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has handed former Reds flyer Ioane his first start for his new club.
Ioane will start on the left wing while the forward pack is without All Blacks Owen Franks, Wyatt Crockett and Matt Todd.
Franks has been rested, Crockett is ill and Todd strained a calf in training.
All Blacks captain Kieran Read is also absent as he continues to recover from wrist surgery.
REDS (15-1): Karmichael Hunt, Izaia Perese, Samu Kerevi, Duncan Paia’aua, Eto Nabuli, Quade Cooper, Nick Frisby, Scott Higginbotham, George Smith, Hendrik Tui, Izack Rodda, Rob Simmons, Sam Talakai, Stephen Moore, James Slipper (c)
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Sef Fa’agase, Taniela Tupou, Kane Douglas, Adam Korczyk, James Tuttle, Jake McIntyre, Chris Kuridrani
CRUSADERS (15-1): Israel Dagg, Seta Tamanivalu, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Digby Ioane, Mitchell Hunt, Mitchell Drummond, Whetu Douglas, Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Pete Samu, Sam Whitelock (c), Scott Barrett, Michael Alaalatoa, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Tim Perry, Oliver Jager, Luke Romano, Jordan Taufua, Bryn Hall, Marty McKenzie, George Bridge
Referee: Will Houston (AUS)
KINGS v STORMERS in Port Elizabeth, Sunday 12.05am AEDT
STORMERS coach Robbie Fleck has rung the changes ahead of their away clash in Port Elizabeth against the Kings.
The struggling Kings won their first match of the season last weekend with a 37-23 away win over the Sunwolves in Singapore, but they’re expected to struggle against the powerful Stormers.
Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has been handed the Stormers captaincy responsibilities in the absence of Siya Kolisi.
Fleck has gone for a brand new halves pairing with Robert du Preez and Dewaldt Duvenage named ahead of Jean-Luc du Plessis and Jano Vermaak, while Dan du Plessis comes in at inside centre.
Oli Kebble and Franz Malherbe form a brand new prop pairing alongside hooker Bongi Mbonambi.
Promising fly-half Damian Willemse and No 8 Jaco Zoetzee will appear off the bench.
Kings coach Deon Davids, meanwhile, has made five changes plus a positional switch to his starting XV.
Second rower Irne Herbst has recovered from a head knock and will start ahead of Worcester recruit Wilhelm van der Sluys.
Chris Cloete starts at openside flanker, Ricky Schroeder at scrum-half, while Luzuko Vulindlu and Waylon Murray form a brand new midfield combination.
KINGS (15-1): Masixole Banda, Makazole Mapimpi, Waylon Murray, Luzuko Vulindlu, Malcolm Jaer, Lionel Cronje, Ricky Schroeder, Ruaan Lerm, Thembelani Bholi, Chris Cloete, Irne Herbst, Tyler Paul, Ross Geldenhuys, Michael Willemse, Schalk Ferreira (c)
Reserves: Kurt Haupt, Schalk van der Merwe, Chris Heiberg, Wilhelm van der Sluys, Andisa Ntsila, Johan Steyn, Pieter-Steyn de Wet, Berton Klaasen
STORMERS (15-1): SP Marais, Dillyn Leyds, EW Viljoen, Dan du Plessis, Bjorn Basson, Robert du Preez, Dewaldt Duvenage, Nizaam Carr, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Rynhardt Elstadt, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth (c), Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Oli Kebble
Reserves: Ramone Samuels, JC Janse van Rensburg, Wilco Louw, Chris van Zyl, Jaco Coetzee, Justin Phillips, Kurt Coleman, Damian Willemse
Referee: Shuhei Kubo (JAP)
CHEETAHS v SUNWOLVES in Bloemfontein, Sunday 2.15am AEDT
CHEETAHS coach Franco Smith has been forced to make a number of changes to the side that beat the Bulls 34-28 in Bloemfontein.
Charles Marais starts at loose-head prop after the impressive Ox Nche picked up a knee injury, while second-rower Francois Uys replaces Reniel Hugo.
Uzair Cassiem’s knee injury sees Paul Schoeman move to openside flanker, while Niell Jordaan will start at No 8.
Nico Lee’s shoulder injury sees Rayno Benjamin come in at outside centre, while Zee Mkhabela starts on the right wing.
The winless Sunwolves, meanwhile, have made seven changes to their line-up.
It’s a brand new front-row with Koki Yamamoto, Yusuke Niwai and Yasuo Yamaji called into the starting side.
Sam Wykes has been dropped to the bench with Uwe Hela joining Liaki Moli in the second row, while Shumei Matsuhashi starts at openside flanker.
Scrum-half Keisuke Uchida has been promoted to the starting side and joins Hayden Cripps in the halves.
CHEETAHS (15-1): Clayton Blommetjies, Zee Mkhabela, Rayno Benjamin, Clinton Swart, Raymond Rhule, Fred Zeilinga, Tian Meyer, Niell Jordaan, Oupa Mohoje, Paul Schoeman, Francois Uys, Justin Basson, Johan Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld (c), Charles Marais
Reserves: Danie Mienie, Elandre Huggett, Tom Botha, Armandt Koster, Henco Venter, Niel Marais, Ali Mgijima, Ruan van Rensburg
SUNWOLVES (15-1): Shota Emi, Takaaki Nakazuru, William Tupou, Derek Carpenter, Kenki Fukuoka, Hayden Cripps, Keisuke Uchida, Willie Britz, Shumei Matsuhashi, Ed Quirk (c), Uwe Hela, Liaki Moli, Yasuo Yamaji, Yusuke Niwai, Koki Yamamoto
Reserves: Atsushi Sakate, Masataka Mikami, Takuma Asahara, Sam Wykes, Shokei Kin, Kaito Shigeno, Jumpei Ogura, Jamie-Jerry Taulagi
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (SA)
SHARKS v WARATAHS in Durban, Sunday 4.30am AEDT
THE Waratahs have received another blow in the lead-up to their crucial match against the Sharks in Durban, with giant lock Will Skelton ruled out of the match.
It’s the second straight week the Wallabies second rower has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
In his absence, Super Rugby journeyman Dave McDuling has been promoted from the reserves into the starting XV against his former club.
“We are excited for David who has earned the chance to start after his performance as a finisher in recent weeks,” Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said.
“It is a great opportunity for him to go up against his old team.”
McDuling, who won a New Zealand provincial title with Canterbury last season, has previously spent time with the Sharks and Reds.
“They will be confident after winning that game last week against the Brumbies on tour,” McDuling said.
“It’s their first home game so they will be looking to put on a good show for their fans.
“I always look forward to playing, especially with my ties to Durban and the Sharks it does make it a little bit special.
“Everyone enjoys playing against people they know, which is the same in the Australian derbies — you want to get one up over your mates.
“For me it is another great opportunity to pull on a Waratahs jersey, play at a great stadium against a great team.”
In better news for the Waratahs, Test scrum-half Nick Phipps has come back into the starting XV after missing last week’s loss to the Lions with an ankle injury.
Matt Lucas drops to the bench.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez has named an unchanged 23 from the one that beat the Brumbies 27-22 with the final play of the game in Canberra.
“The effort from the guys to pull of the win last week was fantastic and showed the character and fighting spirit amongst this special group of players,” du Preez said.
“That win has definitely motivated us, however it is important that we build on that momentum this week.
“We arrived back home on Sunday night and despite the jet lag, there has been no excuses from the guys.
“As a coaching unit we cannot fault their commitment and work ethic, which has been amazing.”
SHARKS (15-1): Clement Poitrenaud, Kobus van Wyk, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Lwazi Mvovo, Pat Lambie (c), Cobus Reinach, Tera Mtembu, Jean-Luc du Preez, Philip van der Walt, Ruan Botha, Stephan Lewies, Coenie Oosthuizen, Franco Marais, Tendai Mtawarira
Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Thomas du Toit, Lourens Adriaanse, Jean Droste, Jacques Vermeulen, Michael Claassens, Jeremy Ward, Curwin Bosch
WARATAHS (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Reece Robinson, Israel Folau, Irae Simone, Rob Horne, Bryce Hegarty, Nick Phipps, Michael Wells, Michael Hooper (c), Jack Dempsey, David McDuling, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson.
Reserves: Hugh Roach, Paddy Ryan, David Lolohea, Senio Toleafoa, Maclean Jones, Matt Lucas, David Horwitz, Cameron Clark.
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
JAGUARES v LIONS in Buenos Aires, Sunday 6.40am AEDT
IN a surprising move by Johan Ackermann, the impressive Lions coach has named a team missing a number of their stars for the important clash against the Jaguares in Argentina.
Ackermann has made nine changes to the side that beat the Waratahs in a high scoring affair in Johannesburg last weekend.
Marvin Orie will make his debut at lock, replacing Franco Mostert, while in the backline, 21-year-old Shaun Reynolds will make his first start in Super Rugby, replacing Test fly-half Elton Jantjies.
Prop Johannes Jonker also makes his run-on debut, while Harold Vorster moves from outside centre to inside centre to accommodate Jacques Nel.
The Jaguares, on the other hand, have kept the same XV to the one that went down 32-25 to the Stormers in Cape Town last week.
Rodrigo Baez and veteran Test playmaker Juan Martin Hernandez are the only two changes to the bench.
JAGUARES (15-1): Joaquín Tuculet, Ramiro Moyano, Matías Orlando, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Santiago Cordero, Nicolás Sánchez, Gonzalo Bertranou, Leonardo Senatore, Tomás Lezana, Pablo Matera, Matías Alemanno, Guido Petti, Felipe Arregui, Agustín Creevy (c), Santiago García Botta
Reserves: Julián Montoya, Lucas Noguera Paz, Cristian Bartoloni, Marcos Kremer, Javier Ortega Desio, Felipe Ezcurra, Juan Martín Hernández, Matías Moroni
LIONS (15-1): Jaco van der Walt, Courtnall Skosan, Jacques Nel, Harold Vorster, Anthony Volmink, Shaun Reynolds, Ross Cronje, Warren Whiteley (c), Cyle Brink, Kwagga Smith, Marvin Orie, Andries Ferreira, Johannes Jonker, Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith
Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Dreyer, Louren Erasmus, Jaco Kriel, Faf de Klerk, Andries Coetzee, Sylvian Mahuza
Referee: Nick Briant (NZ)
BYES: BULLS, REBELS
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Originally published as Super Rugby week three teams: squads, injury news, previews, referees
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