Tremendous Rugby Pacific has reached the penultimate spherical of the season and the ladder may probably not be any tighter.
The very important high two seedings for the playoffs are nonetheless up for grabs, with the Brumbies, Chiefs and Crusaders all battling it out for homeground benefit.
Past that, fourth place can also be a red-hot shootout, as is the scramble for the sixth and ultimate place within the playoffs.
Learn on for all lineups, ideas and damage updates for Spherical 15.
Good luck along with your ideas.
Friday, Might 23
Crusaders vs. Highlanders
Apollo Initiatives Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (AEST)
Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (capt), Macca Springer, Rivez Reihana, Mitchell Drummond; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Replacements: George Bell, Lewis Ponini, Seb Calder, Quinten Unusual, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-capt), Taniela Filimone, Taine Robinson; Folau Fakatava, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-capt). Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Cameron Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Officers: Todd Petrie; Assistants: Ben O’Keefe, Jackson Henshaw; TMO; Richard Kelly
Prediction: The Crusaders made gentle work of the Waratahs in Sydney final week, and are additional boosted by the return of All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett and Check hooker Codie Taylor. They need to have an excessive amount of firepower for a Highlanders group that was gallant in a heartbreaking loss to the Hurricanes final week, however lacks the category to fret their neighbours to the north. Crusaders by 18.
High Fantasy decide:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Crusaders $1.13, -14.5 $1.87; Highlanders $5.50, +14.5 $1.87
Queensland Reds vs. Hurricanes
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7.35pm [AEST]
Reds: Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Dre Pakeho, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Ryan Smith, Josh Canham, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase. Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Trevor King, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Philips, Tim Ryan.
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Daniel Sinkinson, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Fatafehi Fineanganofo , Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Zach Gallager, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo/Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Devan Flanders, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Bailyn Sullivan
Officers: Paul Williams; Assistants: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: This can be a massively necessary recreation for either side, with fourth spot on the ultimate log possible up for grabs. The Reds eventually welcome again Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson from a damaged arm and fly-half Tom Lynagh can also be again. They’re nevertheless on the very depths of their front-row choices. The Hurricanes will likely be disenchanted by their efficiency final week, however someway nonetheless discovered a method to win after the ultimate hooter; additionally they have already got one win in Australia this yr, over the Brumbies as well. If Du’Plessis Kirifi is ready to upset the Reds’ speedy recycle and starve them of high quality ball, then the guests will likely be very onerous to beat. Queensland, nevertheless, have solely dropped one recreation at house this yr and want a shot of momentum for the playoffs. This may be it. Reds by 2.
High Fantasy Decide:
Odds: Reds $1.75, -7.5 $1.90; Hurricanes $2.00, +1.5 $1.85
Saturday, Might 24
Chiefs vs. Moana Pasifika
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEST)
Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (capt), Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling.
Pasifika: Tevita Ofa, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Solomon Alaimalo, Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (capt), Miracle Faiilagi, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu. Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Jackson Backyard-Bachop.
Officers: James Doleman; Assistants: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: Is there a greater story proper now than Moana Pasifika? And the way good is Ardie Savea going? The most important query is, can he encourage them to a different gorgeous win over their native rivals, in what can be a sweep of the NZ groups, no less than as soon as, in 2025? It is definitely doable, however the Chiefs have regarded imperious in current weeks and they are going to be refreshed after having final week’s bye. They’re additionally looking high spot and the No. 1 seeding for the playoffs. Chiefs by 12.
High Fantasy decide:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.13, -14.5 $1.87; Pasifika $5.50, +14.5 $1.87
Western Power vs. NSW Waratahs
HBF Stadium, Perth, 7:35pm (AEST)
Power: Mac Grealy, Harry Potter, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Fatongia Paea. Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Kurtley Beale
Waratahs: Lawson Creighton, Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Tane Edmed, Jake Gordon; Langi Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Taniela Tupou, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell. Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster
Officers: Angus Gardner; Assistants: Matt Kellahan, Graham Cooper; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: Two Australian groups who may have had far increased hopes for his or her season, discover themselves languishing close to the underside of the ladder. The Waratahs obtained a public lashing from their coach after final week’s horror opening in opposition to the Crusaders; NSW this week have been compelled into a number of adjustments with no Rob Leota, whereas Taniela Tupou lastly returns to the run-on group. The Power rested a number of key troops from their journey to Fiji, the place they had been hammered from the Drua, with every of Carlo Tizzano, Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter and Nick Champion de Crespigny all again on this week’s run-on facet. The hosts may simply have an excessive amount of, although the journey issue cannot be ignored both. Power by 3.
High Fantasy decide:
Odds [tab.com.au]: Power $1.68, -1.5 $1.85; Waratahs $2.10, +1.5 $1.90
Damage Ward
Brumbies
Allan Alaalatoa – ankle, 2-3 weeks, Jack Debreczeni – groin, 3-4 weeks Ben O’Donnell – hamstring operation, 3-4 weeks Charlie Cale – decrease again damage, timeline 4-5 weeks Tevita Alatini – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, timeline TBC Blake Schoupp – ruptured achilles, 8+ months
Blues
Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).
Chiefs
Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, Returning Quickly; Kaleb Trask, Ankle, TBC; Liam Coombes-Fabling, Knee, Mid-term; Anton Lienert Brown, Collarbone, Mid-term; Malachi Wrampling, Hamstring, Mid-term; Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Lengthy-term; Rameka Poihipi, Knee, Season
Crusaders
Ethan Blackadder (hamstring/TBC), Dom Gardiner (foot/TBC), Jonny Lee (calf/4 weeks), Lewis Ponini (calf/ 4-6 weeks), Finlay Brewis (shoulder/season), Will Jordan [knee, TBA], Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell
Fijian Drua
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre- Knee, short-term Vilive Miramira – Knee, short-term Ilaisa Droasese – Wrist, short-term Epeli Momo – Knee, long-term Frank Lomani – Shoulder, long-term Caleb Muntz- Shoulder, short-term Meli Derenalagi – Knee, long-term
Highlanders
Caleb Tangitau (Groin 1-2 weeks) Tanielu Tele’a (Hamstring 1-2 weeks) Jona Nareki (Knee 1-2 Weeks) Nikora Broughton (Knee MCL 4-6 weeks) Finn Hurley (Quad, Season), Hayden Michaels (Hamstring, Season) Ajay Faleafaga (Damaged hand, Season) James Arscott (Shoulder, TBC)
Hurricanes
Brett Cameron (Knee, Season) Devan Flanders (Ankle, Spherical 14) Harry Godfrey (Decrease Leg, Spherical 15) Peter Umaga-Jensen (Shoulder, TBC)
Moana Pasifika
Alamanda Motuga (shoulder) Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou (concussion) Positive Inisi (ankle) James Lay (neck) Lotu Inisi (knee) Michael Curry (neck) Neria Fomai (knee/out for season) Sama Malolo (shoulder/out for season) Samiuela Moli (rib) Sione Mafile’o (neck) Solomon Alaimalo (foot).
NSW Waratahs
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii [fractured jaw] Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis), Jimmy Hendren (damaged wrist)
Queensland Reds
George Blake, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Will McCulloch, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Liam Wright
Western Power,
Vaiolini Ekuasi (shoulder) Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee, season) Harry Hoopert (knee, season) Tom Horton (head damage protocols) Divad Palu (shoulder) Marley Pearce (shoulder) Dylan Pietsch (quad) Matt Proctor (shoulder)
Suspensions
Blues: Mark Tele’a
Highlanders: Sean Withy (Spherical 12)
All odds right at time of publication.
