Super Rugby Pacific, Round One - teams and predictions

MAKING NEW WAVES: The latest version of the Southern Hemisphere's much-hyped franchise championship kicks off a new era this week, with the long-awaited addition of two Pacific islander teams to compete alongside the best from Australia and New Zealand.

Fans will scoff at yet another revamp for the Southern Hemisphere tournament, after constant tinkering in recent years.

But organisers believe the injection of Pacific talent in the form of the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika is a "game-changer" that will pique the interest of fans.

"Their inclusion will make this new competition one of the toughest in the world," Rugby Australia chief Andy Marinos said.

Super Rugby has also jettisoned the much-criticised conference format in favour of a 12-team round-robin over 15 regular season-rounds followed by a three-week play-off series.

The new teams are designed to help Pacific island nations retain top players after decades of seeing them head overseas in search of professional opportunities.

The Drua, who will be based in Australia in 2022, comprises players from Fiji, while Auckland-based Moana focuses on harnessing talent from Tonga and Samoa.

Moana has attracted high-profile recruits in Wallabies veterans Sekope Kepu and Christian Lealiifano, as well as Samoa Test flank Jack Lam.

The team suffered a pre-season setback when their entire squad was placed in isolation last week after seven players tested positive for COVID-19.

The outbreak forced the postponement of their season opener against Blues, meaning Fijian Drua will now kick off the competition when they face the Waratahs in Sydney on Friday.

While the addition of the Pacific teams will add variety to the tournament, it is unlikely they would challenge Super rugby's established powers for the title this season.

Among the 12 teams - five each from Australia and New Zealand, along with the two Pacific newcomers - the Crusaders are red-hot favourites after claiming five straight titles under coach Scott Robertson.

The Crusaders, last year's Super Rugby Aotearoa champions, have added Argentine skipper Pablo Matera to a side already bristling with All Blacks.

Bookmakers have the Blues, reigning Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title holders, as the next most likely contenders, followed by Chiefs and Hurricanes.

Super Rugby AU champions the Reds are considered the strongest of the Australian teams and will be looking for star back Jordan Petaia to shake off a string of injury woes and fire their season.

Canberra's Brumbies are also expected to be competitive as they nurture a crop of young Wallabies, including flyhalf Noah Lolesio.

One of the most attention-drawing signings of the off-season is the arrival of Wales and British and Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts to the Waratahs.

Roberts should bring some steel to the leaky defence that kept the Waratahs winless on their way to the wooden spoon last year, but how much game-time they can wring out of the 35-year-old remains to be seen.

Round One teams and predictions below!

 

Friday, February 18

Moana Pasifika v Blues - postponed

Waratahs v Fijian Drua

(Western Sydney Stadium, Sydney - Kick-off: 19.45; 08.45 GMT)

Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has named three debutants in his matchday 23, with Wales legend Jamie Roberts set to debut from the bench.

There is just one change to the starting XV that impressed against the Reds in a pre-season outing in Roma last weekend, with Dave Porecki joining Angus Bell and Harry Johnson-Holmes in the front row and Tom Horton moving to the bench.

Lalakai Foekti has recovered from a hamstring complaint and partners Izaia Perese in the centres.

James Turner earns his spot on the left wing after impressing in the pre-season, joined by former Sevens star Dylan Pietsch and Alex Newsome in the back three.

The Fijian Drua have named an exciting squad as they look to start the competition with a bang.

Nemani Nagusa will lead the side, joined in the back-row by Meli Derenalagi and Kitione Salawa.

Selesitino Ravutaumada will line up at fullback, with Vinaya Habosi and Kitione Ratu completing an exciting back three

Prediction

@rugby365com: Waratahs by nine points

Teams

WARATAHS: 15 Alex Newsome, 14 Dylan Pietsch, 13 Izaia Perese, 12 Lalakai Foketi, 11 James Turner, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Jake Gordon (captain), 8 Will Harris, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Lachie Swinton, 5 Geoff Cridge, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 2 Dave Porecki, 1 Angus Bell.

Replacements: 16 Tom Horton, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 19 Hugh Sinclair, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Henry Robertson, 22 Tane Edmed, 23 Jamie Roberts.

DRUA: 15 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 14 Kitione Ratu, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Baden Kerr, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Nemani Nagusa (captain), 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Meli Derenalagi, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Jone Koroiduadua.

Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Timoci Sauvoli, 18 Manasa Saulo, 19 Viliame Rarasea, 20 Vilive Miramira, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Onisi Ratave.

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant referees: Reuben Keane, Matt Keelhaul

Saturday, February 19

Chiefs v Highlanders

(Wakatipu Rugby Park, Queenstown - Kick-off: 16.35; 03.35 GMT)

For the Highlanders, Jermaine Ainsley and Fetuli Paea are set to make their debuts for the club after missing 2021 with injury.

Ainsley is joined in the front row by Ethan de Groot and Liam Coltman, with Manaaki Selby-Rickit and Josh Dickson completing the tight five.

There are three Highlanders debutants in the backline as Josh Timu and Moses Dawai slot onto the wing as Fetuli Paea partners Scott Gregory in the centres

All Black Shannon Frizell will also play his 50th game for the club.

Meanwhile, Brodie Retallick will make a long-awaited return to the Chiefs.

It will be the first time he has played for the club since 2019, partnering with debutant Laghlan McWhannell.

McWhannell is amongst three club debutants, with Josh Ioane earning a start at flyhalf against his old club.

Prediction

@rugby365com: Highlanders by three points

 

Teams

CHIEFS: 15 Emoni Narawa, 14 Shaun Stevenson, 13 Alex Nankivell, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Jonah Lowe, 10 Josh Ioane, 9 Xavier Roe, 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, 7 Sam Cane (co-captain), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Brodie Retallick, 4 Laghlan McWhannell, 3 Sione Mafileo, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Ollie Norris.

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Atu Moli, 18 Angus Ta’avao, 19 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20 Kaylum Boshier, 21 Brad Weber (co-captain), 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Chase Tiatia.

HIGHLANDERS: 15 Sam Gilbert, 14 Mosese Dawai, 13 Fetuli Paea, 12 Scott Gregory, 11 Josh Timu, 10 Mitch Hunt, 9 Aaron Smith (captain), 8 Gareth Evans, 7 James Lentjes, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Josh Dickson, 4 Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Josh Hohneck, 19 Bryn Evans, 20 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, 21 Folau Fakatava 22 Marty Banks, 23 Thomas Umaga-Jensen.

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant referees: Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle

Crusaders v Hurricanes

(Otago Stadium, Dunedin - Kick-off: 19.05; 06.05 GMT)

The Crusaders have handed Argentina superstar Pablo Matera his club debut as they prepare for the Hurricanes.

Matera slots into blindside alongside Tom Christie and Cullen Grace.

Coach Scott Robertson has named nine All Blacks in the matchday 23, with Scott Barrett taking the captaincy as he partners Sam Whitelock in the second row.

Fergus Burke has won the race to the flyhalf position with Richie Mo'unga sitting out the start of the year, with Simon Hickey set to make his club debut from the bench.

The Hurricanes meanwhile have named debutant Justin Sangster in the second-row, partnering with the experienced James Blackwell.

Ardie Savea will captain the side from number eight joined in the back-row by Devan Flanders and Du’Plessis Kirifi.

Jamie Booth earns his first appearance since August 2020, selected to start in the halves with Ruben Love.

Prediction

@rugby365com: Crusaders by eight points

 

Teams

CRUSADERS: 15 Will Jordan, 14 George Bridge, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili, 11 Leicester Fainga'anuku, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Cullen Grace, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Oli Jager, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Shilo Klein, 17 George Bower, 18 Tamaiti Williams, 19 Quinten Strange, 20 Mitch Dunshea, 21 Mitch Drummond, 22 Simon Hickey, 23 Sevu Reece.

HURRICANES: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Julian Savea, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Peter Umaga-Jensen, 11 Wes Goosen, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Jamie Booth, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Du'Plessis Kirifi, 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Justin Sangster, 4 James Blackwell, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Pouri Rakete-Stones.

Replacements: 16 Jacob Devery, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Ben May, 19 Reed Prinsep, 20 Brayden Iose, 21 Richard Judd, 22 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23 Bailyn Sullivan.

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

Assistant referees: James Doleman, Fraser Hannon

Reds v Rebels

(Lang Park, Brisbane - Kick-off: 18.45; 08.45 GMT)

Reds coach Brad Thorn has named James O'Connor at flyhalf for his 100th Super Rugby game against the Melbourne Rebels.

He will partner Tate McDermott in the halves, who will make his captaincy debut alongside Liam Wright.

Spencer Jeans and Lawson Creighton will potentially make their Queensland and Super Rugby from the bench, joined by Wallaby Hunter Paisami.

Meanwhile, Alex Mafi will make his return from injury layoff in the front-row alongside Dane Zander and Taniela Tupou.

As for the Rebels, they have confirmed Matt Philip will start, making his return after missing last season whilst in France.

He will be joined in the second-row by Ross Haylett-Petty, with Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese and Cabous Eloff named in the front row.

Fullback Reece Hodge and centre Matt To'omua have been cleared of injury, with Carter Gordon set to steer the side around from flyhalf.

Michael Wells will captain the side, joined in the back-row by Sam Wallis and Brad Wilkin.

Prediction

@rugby365com: Reds by 15 points

Teams

REDS: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Tate McDermott (captain), 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Liam Wright (captain), 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 Dane Zander.

Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Ryan Smith, 20 Fraser McReight, 21 Spencer Jeans, 22 Hunter Paisami, 23 Lawson Creighton.

REBELS: 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Lachie Anderson, 12 Matt To'omua, 13 Stacey Ili, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Brad Wilkin, 6 Sam Wallis, 5 Ross Haylett-Petty, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Cameron Orr.

Replacements: 16 Matt Gibbon, 17 James Hanson, 18 Sef Fa'agase, 19 Thomas Nowlan, 20 Tamati Ioane, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Raymond Nu'u, 23 Young Tonumaipea.

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Nic Berry

Sunday, February 20

Brumbies v Force

(Bruce Stadium, Canberra - Kick-off: 14.00; 03.00 GMT)

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has named a stacked line-up for their opening round match against the Western Force with 12 Wallabies included for the Sunday clash.

Andy Muirhead will make his 50th appearance for the Brumbies, joined in the back three by the returning Tom Banks and Tom Wright.

It's an all-Wallaby halves combination with Nic White joined by Noah Lolesio as Irae Simone and Len Ikitau complete the centres.

Captain Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper and Folau Fainga'a make up the front-row as breakout back row Rob Valetini slotting into blindside flanker along with Rory Scott and Pete Samu.

Back row forward Ed Kennedy and centre Ollie Sapsford are the two potential debutants in the team from the bench, joined by the returning Jesse Mogg.

Meanwhile, Tim Sampson has named a host of debutants, headlined by lock Izack Rodda.

Rodda and Fergus Lee-Warner make up the second row with captain Feleti Kaitu'u, Tom Robertson and Santiago Medrano completing the tight five.

Reesjan Pasitoa and Bayley Kuenzle will start at flyhalf and inside centre respectively against their old team, with former Crusader Manasa Mataele named on the wing.

Fellow former Brumbies Harry Lloyd and Issak Fines-Leleiwasa have been included on the bench.

Prediction

@rugby365com: Brumbies by 18 points

Teams

BRUMBIES: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Tom Wright, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Irae Simone, 11 Andy Muirhead, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Cadeyrn Neville, 4 Darcy Swain, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Folau Fainga'a, 1 James Slipper.

Replacements: 16 Lachlan Lonergan, 17 Scott Sio, 18 Tom Ross, 19 Nick Frost, 20 Ed Kennedy, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Ollie Sapsford, 23 Jesse Mogg.

WESTERN FORCE: 15 Jake Strachan, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Tim Anstee, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Fergus Lee-Warner, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu'u (captain), 1 Tom Robertson.

Replacements: 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Harrison Lloyd, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Ollie Callan, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Jake McIntyre, 23 Richard Kahui.

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Reuben Keane

Sources: AFP & @SuperRugby