May there have been a greater opening weekend than what we witnessed final weekend?! Two last-gasp victories, the Brumbies’ gorgeous win in Suva, and an enormous Grand Closing rematch.
The joy continues in week two with the Queensland Reds taking to the pitch for his or her first match of the yr, whereas the Chiefs and Crusaders face off to open the weekend. An Australian derby between the Brumbies and Western Pressure rounds out the motion.
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Friday, February 21
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe; Luke Jacobson, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, George Dyer, Bradley Slarer, Aidan Ross. Replacements: Brodie McAllister, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Gideon Wrampling
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara; Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Antonio Shalfoon, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: Manumaua Letiu, George Bower, Sam Matenga, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Mitchell Drummond, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
Officers: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Means; TMO: Brett Cronin
Prediction: The Chiefs have been excellent in operating down the Blues in Auckland final week, with Damian McKenzie within the thick of the motion. Their pack appears to be like even stronger this week, too. The Crusaders shall be joyful to have final week’s win behind them after a disastrous 2024, although they have been too simply opened up on defence early on. They’ve additionally misplaced a pair extra to harm. Chiefs by 7.
Prime Fantasy choose: You may’t go previous Damian McKenzie after final week’s effort.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Chiefs $1.38, -7.5 $1.90; Crusaders $2.90, +7.5 $1.85
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 7:35pm (AEDT)
Reds: Jock Campbell, Tim Ryan, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott; Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Josh Canham, Massimo de Lutiis, Richie Asiata, Sef Fa’agase. Replacements: Matt Faessler, George Blake, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Lachie Anderson.
Moana: William Havili, Solomon Alaimalo, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Backyard-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine; Ardie Savea, Sione Havili Talitui, Miracle Failagi, Allan Craig, Samuel Slade, Feteleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, James Lay. Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Melani Matavao, Danny Toala, Losi Filipo
Officers: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: That is our first probability to see the Reds this season, Queensland bolstered by the arrival of a number of key Rebels. Filipo Daugunu and Josh Canham are amongst them this week. The one query is how all of them entrance up after their latest UK tour. Moana Pasifika proved a a lot improved aspect final week, however they are going to be kicking themselves for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Can they again that efficiency up? Reds by 15.
Prime Fantasy choose: Kyren Taumoefolau is a star within the making. He’s a devastating finisher and can make the Reds pay if he has the possibility.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds $1.16, -12.5 $1.85; Moana $4.80, +12.5 $1.90
Saturday, February 22
McLean Park, Napier, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Kini Naholo, Harry Godfrey, Cameron Roigard; Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Hugo Plummer, Caleb Delany, Tevita Mafileo, Jacob Devery, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Peter Lakai, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Ngatungane Punivai
Drua: Ilaisa Droasese, Junior Ratuva, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Inia Tabuavou, Tanilea Rakuro, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenalagi, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Meli Tuni, Leona Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Iosefo Masi.
Officers: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Fraser Hannon, Maggie Cogger-Orr; TMO: Marcus Playle
Prediction: The Drua are but to defeat New Zealand opposition in New Zealand as but, and the task would not get any simpler right here. The Hurricanes shall be disenchanted about letting one slip on the street in opposition to the Crusaders final week. Search for a giant displaying from their atheltic back-row. Hurricanes by 22.
Prime Fantasy choose: Kini Naholo ought to relish the possibility to play in opposition to fellow Fijians. If he will get within the clear, he’ll take some stopping.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes $1.10, -17.5 $1.87; Drua $6.20, +17.5 $1.87
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Tangitau, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Nikora Broughton, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Lui Naeata.
Blues: Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Cameron Suafoa, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Replacements: James Mullan, Joshua Fusitua, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Tafua Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes.
Officers: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Damon Murphy, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Highlanders have been unfortunate to lose to the Waratahs on the dying, however they have been uncovered at set-piece time, which is a key energy of the Blues. The defending champions have been in the meantime rusty first up; however below the roof in Dunedin their backs could have the circumstances to shine, significantly if their pack dominates as anticipated. Blues by 14.
Prime Fantasy choose: With one other sport below his belt, Beauden Barrett might run up a giant quantity this week.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders $4.20, +10.5 $1.87; Blues $1.22, -10.5 $1.90
GIO Stadium, Canberra, 7:05pm (AEDT)
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Luke Reimer, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Hudson Creighton.
Pressure: Mac Grealy, Dylan Pietsch, Sio Tomkinson, Hamish Stewart, Harry Potter, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce. Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman.
Officers: Ben O’Keeffe; Assistant Referees: Anthony Petrie, Stu Curran; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: The Brumbies are getting back from a tricky hit-out in Fiji, however are boosted by the inclusions of Len Ikitau, Tom Wright, Charlie Cale, Allan Alaalatoa and James Slipper. They’re nevertheless with Noah Lolesio. The Pressure discovered a solution to win after the siren, however delivery 45 factors to Moana exhibits their defence nonetheless wants some tuning. The Brumbies have been additionally snug victors in a trial between the 2 groups. Brumbies by 13.
Prime Fantasy choose: Charlie Cale was a revelation for the Brumbies final yr, typically roaming within the wider channels. He may very well be a sensible back-row choose this week.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Brumbies $1.12, -14.5 $1.87; Pressure $5.70, +14.5 $1.87
All odds right at time of publication.
