Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific throws up some crucial matches as teams start looking towards the finals.
The clash between the Blues and Hurricanes is the game of the round - if not season - and will determine who likely heads into the finals with the minor premiership.
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There are big rivalry games across the weekend with the Highlanders hosting the Crusaders as the NSW Waratahs welcome the ACT Brumbies to Sydney.
The Western Force host the Fijian Drua needing victory whilst the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels face off as both teams look to hunt for a top four spot, following the fourth-placed Chiefs taking on Moana Pasifika.
Rugby.com.au previews all the action from round 12, presented by Bet365
PASIFIKA (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
- Aisea Halo, D’Angelo Leuila, Alamanda Motuga, Sateki Latu and Suetena Asomua all come into the starting side
- Lalomilo Lalomilo debuts for the club in the centres against his former side
- Sama Malolo captains a new-look starting side in the front-row
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
- Rookie Josh Jacomb starts with no Damian McKenzie (concussion_
- Liam Coombes-Fabling starts on the wing, with Etene Nanai-Seturo retaining the fullback spot
- Manaaki Selby-Rickit and Simon Parker come into the forward pack with no Samipeni Finau (shoulder) and Jimmy Tupou (eye/nose)
- The Chiefs have won all four of their Super Rugby Pacific matches against Moana Pasifika; they have averaged 56 points scored and 16 conceded per game across that span.
- The Chiefs have won 17 of their last 19 Super Rugby Pacific games against teams from outside New Zealand and 17 from 17 against teams not named the Queensland Reds
- The Chiefs have scored 15 tries in the opening 20 minutes of their matches in Super Rugby Pacific this season, however, just 18% of tries conceded by Moana Pasifika this campaign have come in the opening quarter of matches - the lowest rate of any side
Danny Toala v Quinn Tupaea
Toala has been thrust back into the centres to spot one of the danger men for the rotated Chiefs.
The Samoan international has largely featured at fullback but moves to combat the explosiveness of All Black Quinn Tuapea
Tupaea has been in and out of the starting side for the Chiefs amid their success and needs to keep putting together the strong performances to ensure his spot by the time finals roll around.
Chiefs by 23
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
- Sef Fa’agase starts in the front-row, swapping with Peni Ravai
- Tate McDermott returns from suspension on the reserves
- He is joined by James O’Connor as he makes his long awaited return from a hamstring injury
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
- Nick Jooste starts in the centres, with Filipo Daugunu returning back to the centres
- Alex Mafi and Cabous Eloff come onto the reserves alongside Glen Vaihu
- The Queensland Reds have won seven of their last eight matches against the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby competitions
- The Queensland Reds have won their last four matches against the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium in Super Rugby competitions, conceding 10.5 points per game
- The Melbourne Rebels have won two of their last four away matches in Super Rugby Pacific, as many as they’d won in their previous 17 such matches in Super Rugby competitions
Mac Grealy v Darby Lancaster
Two young wingers hungry to make a name for themselves and push their case firmly on selectors’ radar.
Grealy has been the underrated weapon in the Reds backline and is quietly garnering attention for his unrelenting work rate and finishing ability.
He comes up against a genuine speedster in Lancaster, looking to continue his breakout season
Reds by 12
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
- Zarn Sullivan returns at fullback to face his brother Bailyn
- Sam Darry and Akira Ioane come into the forward pack, with Marcel Renata starting in the front-row
- Bryce Heem partners AJ Lam in the centres, with Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele’a on the wings
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
- Captain Brad Shields returns to the side after missing the heavy win over the Waratahs
- Xavier Numia and Caleb Delany bolster the tight five as they start in the forwards
- TJ Perenara, Kini Naholo and Jordie Barrett form a new look back-line
- The Blues have won their last three matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Hurricanes at Eden Park and their last 10 SRP matches at the venue
- The Hurricanes will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the Blues in Super Rugby for the first time since June 2019
- The Hurricanes have scored the most first half tries in Super Rugby Pacific this season (30), with only the Blues (8) conceding fewer tries in the opening half of matches than the Hurricanes (10) in 2024
Hoskins Sotutu v Brayden Iose
There are plenty of tantalising match-ups across the board but the battle of the number eights is the most intriguing
Both Hoskins Sotutu and Brayden Iose have dominated the competition in 2024 as they run over defenders with their brutal carries.
Saturday’s clash looms as a mini All Blacks shootout, with Iose looking for a maiden call-up.
Hurricanes by 4
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
- Ethan de Groot captains the side after his enforced break, with Billy Harmon (hand) ruled out
- Nikora Broughton replaces Harmon at the back of the scrum
- Argentinian international, Martín Bogado, comes onto the left wing to replace Connor Garden-Bachop who sustained a head knock in Tonga
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
- Codie Taylor returns for his first game of the season
- He is joined in the front-row by Tamaiti Williams after the All Blacks’ long layoff
- Scott Barrett has overcome a back complaint to start in the second row
- The Crusaders have won just two of their 10 matches in Super Rugby Pacific this season (L8) – they have already lost as many matches this season as they had across their previous two campaigns combined
- The Highlanders have lost their last 19 matches in Super Rugby competitions against New Zealand opposition by an average margin of 16.1 points per game
- The Highlanders have won more turnovers per game than any other team in Super Rugby Pacific this season (6.6)
Codie Taylor v Henry Bell
Taylor’s return is timely for a Crusaders side who are now in must win territory.
The All Black adds significant experience to their pack as he takes on young gun Bell and the Highlanders.
The 24-year-old has had a strong debut season for the Highlanders and will be hoping he can face brother George at some stage of the game, who was named on the bench.
Crusaders by 6
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
- Jay Fonokalafi starts at hooker after Julian Heaven’s season-ending injury
- Miles Amatosero and Charlie Gamble return to the starting side, with Jed Holloway sifting to number eight
- Joey Walton has shrugged off a foot injury to start in the centres.
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: Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Sosefo Kautai, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ben O'Donnell
- Harry Vella gets the start with James Slipper ruled out late
- Jack Debreczeni starts his first game of 2024 in place of Noah Lolesio (rested)
- Ben O’Donnell returns from an ACL injury on the bench
- The ACT Brumbies have won their last 12 matches in Super Rugby competitions against the NSW Waratahs
- The ACT Brumbies have won 10 of their last 11 matches in Super Rugby Pacific against Australian teams
- The Waratahs have conceded 38+ points in each of their last four games, however, they have trailed at half-time in just one of their last three.
Lalakai Foketi v Tamati Tua
Foketi will be eager to make a statement as he goes up against arguably the form inside centre of the competition.
The Wallaby has been solid in a constantly changing backline, but needs to be defensive solid to deal with the red hot Tua.
Tua has revitalised the Brumbies over the past couple of weeks and his partnership with Len Ikitau will be crucial towards deciding the contest.
Brumbies by 10
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
- Izack Rodda comes back into the starting side in the second row
- Nic White and George Poolman join him in the starting side in the backs
- Harry Hoopert returns after over a year out due to knee injuries
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
- Ilaisa Droasese returns at fullback after he was a late omission from the defeat to the Brumbies
- Epeli Momo and Zuriel Togaitama come onto the bench
- Fijian Drua have won just one of their 20 Super Rugby Pacific away matches
- The Western Force have won their last two home games in Super Rugby Pacific
- Fijian Drua have beaten the joint-most defenders per game of any side in this season’s Super Rugby Pacific (32.2, also Hurricanes), while the Western Force have beaten the fewest per game of any team in the league this term (13.6).
Nic White v Peni Matawalu
White’s return comes at a crucial time for the Force, needing victory to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Wallaby adds significant experience to their backline and will have to be sharp with his delivery all night.
As for Matawalu, he has proven to be a handy spark of their attack in recent weeks and can make an impression if he holds his own against a seasoned international.
Force by 2
