With the countdown to Super Rugby Pacific more than underway, teams are starting to put the final touches to their pre-season campaigns.
After gruelling blocks of training, the Australian teams and Fijian Drua will begin trials this week as they put what they learnt into action ahead of a crucial 2022 season.
The action will begin this Saturday as the Waratahs welcome the Brumbies to Bowral Rugby Club, which will be live through NSW Rugby TV powered by Cluch.
It will also feature the reigning Super W Champions Waratahs facing off in an intra-squad City v Country Origin match as they begin preparations to defend their near five-year unbeaten streak.
Darren Coleman's side will then face a selection of Shute Shield sides Western Sydney Two Blues, West Harbour and Hunter Wildfires in 25-minute thirds at the brand-new Eric Tweedale Stadium in Granville on Saturday February 5.
They will round out their preparations at Roma on February 12 against the Reds at Roma Echidnas Rugby Club.
The game will be shown on the Reds' YouTube channel, as well as their clash against the Force on February 5 at Ballymore.
Meanwhile, the Brumbies have confirmed they will host an intra-squad trial after the match against the Waratahs before they start the regular season against the Western Force on February 19.
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Finally, the Rebels will ramp up their preparations in a crucial hitout against the Drua on Thursday February 10 at Harlequins.
They will be looking to build after their emphatic 35-14 win over the Waratahs in a pre-Christmas trial.
Both the Rebels 'A' and Brumbies Runners will then face off twice on February 12 and March 26.
The February trial will act as a double header with their respective Super W sides as they look to build ahead of a crucial season.
The Western Force were set to play the Fijian Drua in Ballina on January 30, however, the trial was cancelled due to border controls.
Further broadcasting details for the trials will be confirmed in the coming days
*all times local
- Saturday, January 29: NSW Waratahs 24- 14 Brumbies, Bowral Blacks Rugby Club, Bowral (5:30 pm) - Live on NSW Rugby TV powered by Cluch
The Waratahs have gotten 2022 off to a perfect start, defeating the Brumbies 24-14 in Bowral.
In wet conditions, a double to winger James Turner and tries to Ben Donaldson and Lalakai Foketi powered Darren Coleman's side to victory in front of a healthy crowd at Bowral Blacks Rugby club.
Click here for further information
- Saturday, February 5: Waratahs v Shute Shield sides Western Sydney Two Blues, West Harbour and Hunter Wildfire, Eric Tweedale Oval, Granville (from 4:00 pm)
The Waratahs opened Eric Tweedale Stadium was opened in style, with a healthy crowd turning up to watch the Waratahs defeat the West Harbour, Hunter Wildfires, and Western Sydney Two Blues in three 25-minute matches.
Click here for further information
- Saturday, February 5: Queensland Reds vs Western Force, Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane - Live on Reds YouTube/Website
A late surge has seen the Western Force end their pre-season trial against the Queensland Reds with a nine-point win in Ballymore.
Tries to Reece Tapine, Jackson Pugh and Brad Lacey in the final 20 minutes saw Tim Sampson's men come away with the 42-33 victory
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- Thursday, February 10: Melbourne Rebels v Fijian Drua, Harlequins Rugby Club, Melbourne (6:00 pm)
MELBOURNE REBELS
FIRST HALF
- Cameron Orr
- Jordan Uelese
- Rhys Van Nek
- Matt Philip
- Ross Haylett-Petty
- Sam Wallis
- Brad Wilkin
- Tamati Ioane
- Joe Powell
- Carter Gordon
- Glen Vaihu
- Matt To'omua
- Young Tonumaipea
- Lachie Anderson
- George Worth
SECOND HALF
- Matt Gibbon/Isaac Aedo Kailea
- James Hanson/Efi Ma'afu
- Jaiden Christian
- Thomas Nowlan
- Daniel Maiava
- Lolesio Sione/Eyda Haisila
- Richard Hardwick
- Michael Icely
- James Tuttle/Moses Sorovi
- Mason Gordon
- Ilikena Vudogo
- Ray Nu'u
- Stacey Ili
- Divad Palu
- George Worth
FIJIAN DRUA
- Jone Koroiduadua
- Tevita Ikanivere
- Samu Tawake
- Ratu Rotuisolia
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Meli Derenalagi
- Kitione Salawa
- Nemani Nagusa (c)
- Simi Kuruvoli
- Baden Kerr
- Vinaya Habosi
- Kalaveti Ravouvou
- Apisalome Vota
- Kitione Ratu
- Selestino Ravutaumada
Reserves: Mesu Dolokoto, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Saulo, Chris Mnimbi, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Serupepeli Vularika, Napolioni Bolaca, Rusiate Nasove, Joseva Tamani, Sorovakatini Tuifaglele, Viliame Rarasea, Leone Nawai, Vilive Miramira, Jone Tiko.
- Saturday, February 12: Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs, Roma Echidnas Rugby Club, Roma (7:30 pm) - Live on Reds YouTube/Website
QUEENSLAND REDS
- Dane Zander
- Josh Nasser
- Feao Fotuaika
- Angus Blyth
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
- Liam Wright (c)
- Fraser McReight
- Harry Wilson
- Kalani Thomas
- James O’Connor
- Filipo Daugunu
- Hamish Stewart
- Josh Flook
- Jordan Petaia
- Jock Campbell
- Alex Mafi
- Harry Hoopert
- Taniela Tupou
- Seru Uru
- Angus Scott-Young
- Spencer Jeans
- Floyd Aubrey
- Mac Grealy
- Ryan Smith
- Lawson Creighton
- Taj Annan
NSW WARATAHS
- Angus Bell
- Tom Horton
- Harry Johnson-Holmes
- Jed Holloway
- Geoff Cridge
- Lachie Swinton
- Charlie Gamble
- Will Harris
- Jake Gordon (c)
- Ben Donaldson
- James Turner
- Lalakai Foketi
- Izaia Perese
- Dylan Pietsch
- Alex Newsome
Reserves
- Tetera Faulkner
- Mahe Vailanu
- Tiaan Tauakipulu
- Max Douglas
- Jeremy Williams
- Langi Gleeson
- Tom Silk
- Hugh Sinclair
- Henry Robertson
- Tane Edmed
- Tevita Funa
- Jamie Roberts
- Nick Chan
- Triston Reilly
- James Ramm
