Tremendous Rugby Pacific has handed its midway mark and has set course for the playoffs.
Spherical 9 throws up plenty of important clashes, headlined by the Hurricanes-Crusaders conflict and the Aussie derby between the Reds and Brumbies.
Learn on for all lineups, suggestions and damage updates.
Good luck along with your suggestions.
Friday, April 11
Hurricanes vs. Crusaders
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Ngatungane Punivai, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jesen, Kini Naholo, Riley Hohepa, Cam Roigard; Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Raymon Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Will Tucker, Brad Shields, Ereatara Enari, Callum Harkin, Fatafehi Fineanganofo.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, David Havili, Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham; Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams. Replacements: Matt Moulds, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Antonio Shalfoon, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummon, James O’Connor, Macca Springer.
Officers: James Doleman; Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Fraser Hannon; TMO: Glenn Newman
Prediction: The Crusaders had been too robust when these two sides met earlier within the season, however the Hurricanes have improved since then. They will even be kicking themselves about letting one slip in Auckland final week. Nonetheless, buoyed by the return of skipper David Havili and All Blacks Scott Barrett, Ethan Blackadder and Tamaiti Williams, the Crusaders will fancy their possibilities of a street win, too. Crusaders by 2.
High Fantasy decide: Again on his favoured left wing, Sevu Reece is a powerful choice this week.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Hurricanes $1.90, -0.5 $1.90; Crusaders $1.90, +0.5 $1.90
NSW Waratahs vs. Chiefs
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Andrew Kellaway, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Lawson Creighton, Teddy Wilson; Langi Gleeson, Jamie Adamson, Rob Leota, Ben Grant, Hugh Sinclair, Daniel Botha, Ethan Dobbins, Angus Bell. Replacements: Julian Heaven, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Miles Amatasero, Leafi Talataina, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Henry O’Donnell
Chiefs: Damian McKenzie, Shaun Stevenson, Gideon Wrampling, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima; Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris. Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Revenue, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa.
Officers: Angus Mabey; Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Stu Curran; TMO: James Leckie
Prediction: This sport has a “must-win” really feel about it for NSW, such is their run to the playoffs. However after back-to-back weeks after they’ve capitulated after halftime, it’ll take one thing particular for them to arrest their slide in opposition to the competitors leaders. The Chiefs are additionally battle hardened after a bruising encounter with the Reds. Chiefs by 14.
High Fantasy decide: Damian McKenzie will take pleasure in the additional freedom at fullback, significantly if the climate holds up in Sydney.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Waratahs $4, +10.5 $1.95; Chiefs $1.24, -10.5 $1.85
Saturday, April 12
Blues vs. Moana Pasifika
Eden Park, Auckland, 2:35pm (AEDT)
Blues: Corey Evans, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Josh Beehre, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Angus Ta’avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu’a. Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, PJ Sheck, Cam Christie, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta.
Moana: William Havili, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Danny Toala, Pepesana Patafilo, Jackson Backyard-Bachop, Melani Matavao; Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (capt), Miracle Faiilagi, Allan Craig, Samuel Slade, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Millennium Sanerivi, Abraham Pole. Replacements: Sama Malolo, James Lay, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Sione Havili Talitui, Aisea Halo, Patrick Pellegrini, Superb Inisi.
Officers: Paul Williams; Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert; TMO: Richard Kelly
Prediction: Moana Pasifika achieved a bit of historical past final week, profitable back-to-back video games for the primary time in Tremendous Rugby. Additionally they get star back-rower Miracle Faiilagi again for this one. Nonetheless, the Blues seemed extra like their 2024 selves final week, which is a worrying signal for the remainder of the competitors. They might be about to go on a run. Blues by 3.
High Fantasy decide: Search for an enormous sport from Miracle Faiilagi. If he performs like he did a fortnight in the past, Pasifika will likely be very near a 3rd straight win.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Blues $1.15, -13.5 $1.85; Moana $5.20, +13.5 $1.95
Highlanders vs. Fijian Drua
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, 5:05pm (AEDT)
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Taniela Filimone, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava; Hugh Renton, Veveni Lasaqa, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Will Stodart, Sosefo Kautai, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Tai Cribb, Nikora Broughton, Adam Lennos, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a.
Drua: Caleb Muntz, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Inia Tabuavou, Ponipate Longanimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Simione Kuruvoli; Elia Canakaivata, Isoa Tuwai, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereiti Hetet. Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Philip Baselala, Isikeli Rabitu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Officers: Nic Berry; Assistant Referees: Jordan Method, Jeremy Markey; TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction: The Highlanders will likely be joyful to be again at dwelling after a irritating tour of Australia. They cannot afford to drop this one at dwelling in the event that they’re to be a critical finals menace. Happily for Jamie Joseph’s aspect, the Drua simply can not seem to string it collectively for lengthy sufficient; they’re winless since their win over the Chiefs in Spherical 3. Highlanders by 10.
High Fantasy decide: Timoci Tavatavanawai is a menace on each side of the ball.
Odds [tab.com.au]: Highlanders $1.30, -8.5 $1.95; Drua $3.40, +8.5 $1.85
Queensland Reds vs. Brumbies
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, 7:35pm (AEDT)
Reds: Heremaia Murray, Lachie Anderson, Dre Pakaho, Hunter Paisami, Tim Ryan, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott; Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Sef Fa’agase. Replacements: Richie Asiata, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Jock Campbell.
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Tuaina Taii Tualima, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Tom Hooper, Nick Frost, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Blake Schoupp, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford.
Officers: Angus Gardner; Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Damon Murphy; TMO: Graham Cooper
Prediction: What a sport that is to spherical out the weekend. The Brumbies are refreshed after the bye and have the added motivation of Andy Muirhead’s a hundredth sport, however the Reds have a centurion of their very own in Tate McDermott. Queensland additionally confirmed that they had been able to mixing it with the Chiefs in moist circumstances final week, and that may be a good formline for this one. Nonetheless, an actual arm wrestle, with head-to-head Wallabies battles await. The Reds will miss Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson although, he’s out for six weeks with an fractured arm.
High Fantasy decide: On his a hundredth sport, Tate McDermott is a great choice at scrum-half
Odds [tab.com.au]: Reds $1.60, -3.5 $1.85; Brumbies $2.30, +3.5 $1.95
Damage Ward
Brumbies
Lachlan Lonergan (return to play protocol, concussion, anticipated again Spherical 9), Kadin Pritchard (return to play protocol, concussion, anticipated again Spherical 9), Charlie Cale (decrease again damage, timeline TBC), Ben O’Donnell (hamstring operation), Tevita Alatini (ACL), Harry Vella (ACL)
Blues
PJ Sheck (shoulder), Zarn Sullivan (foot), Ben Ake (shoulder), Adrian Choat (knee), Taufa Funaki (shoulder), Reon Paul (shoulder, Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck), Anton Segner (concussion), Sam Darry (shoulder, season), AJ Lam (leg).
Chiefs
Simon Parker (Knee, Brief-term), Anton Lienert-Brown (Leg, Brief-term), Josh Lord (Knee, Mid-term), Rameka Poihipi (Knee, Season), Kaleb Trask (Hamstring, Mid-term), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Hamstring, Lengthy-term), Liam Coombes-Fabling (Knee, Mid-term), Fiti Sa, (Shoulder, Lengthy-term), Wallace Sititi (Knee, Lengthy-term), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Shoulder, Brief-term)
Crusaders
Dom Gardiner (Hamstring/ 2 weeks) Johnny McNicholl (Hamstring/ 3-4 weeks) Kyle Preston (Rib/1-2 weeks) Kershawl Sykes-Martin (Knee/ 2 weeks) George Bell (Foot/season) Braydon Ennor (Hamstring/TBC) Finlay Brewis (Shoulder/season)
Fijian Drua
Epeli Momo (Knee)
Highlanders
Oliver Haig (Foot / 2 weeks ) Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ) Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 2-3 weeks) Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks) Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC) Nikora Broughton (Rib Damage / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks)
Hurricanes
Brett Cameron (Knee/season) Devan Flanders (Ankle/ Spherical 12) Tjay Clarke (Shoulder/ Spherical 11) Daniel Sinkinson (Hamstring/ Spherical 8) Riley Higgins (Hand/ Spherical 8) Harry Godfrey (Decrease Leg/Spherical 11) Billy Proctor (Achilles/ TBC)
Moana Pasifika
James Lay (elbow) Julian Savea (knee) Losi Filipo (shoulder) Lotu Inisi (hamstring) Michael Curry (shoulder damage) Samiuela Moli (hamstring) Sione Havili Talitui (ankle)
NSW Waratahs
Max Jorgensen (ankle), Jake Gordon (medial ligament) Mahe Vailanu (damaged arm) Dave Porecki (calf) Fergus Lee-Warner (foot) Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
Queensland Reds
Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon Isaac Henry, Will McCulloch, Liam Wright
Western Power,
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee) Bayley Kuenzle (knee) Harry Hoopert (knee) Divad Palu (shoulder) Matt Proctor (shoulder) Papillon Sevele (knee)
Suspensions
Drua: Motikiai Murray (Spherical 9)
Highlanders: Sean Withy (Spherical 12)
All odds appropriate at time of publication.
