Super Rugby Pacific Teams: All the team news for Round Eight

[The InnFORCEr]

Wed, 06/04/2022, 2:57 pm
Nathan Williamson



With Super Round fast approaching, clubs are looking to build momentum as they name their teams for round eight.

The action kicks off in Dunedin, with the winless Highlanders set to face Moana Pasifika, followed by the Western Force welcoming the Melbourne Rebels to Perth.

Check out all the details for the Super Rugby Pacific teams for round eight as they drop:

Friday 8 April 5:05 pm AEST – Highlanders v Moana Pasifika at Forsyth Barr Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jemaine Ainsley, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, James Lentjes, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u, Aaron Smith (c), Mitch Hunt, Mosese Dawai, Scott Gregory, Fetuli Paea, Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop

RESERVES: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Mau, Max Hicks, Gareth Evans, Folau Fakatava, Vilimoni Koroi, Denny Solomona

MOANA PASIFIKA (1-15): Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Luteru Tolai, Sekope Kepu (c), Veikoso Poloniati, Samuel Slade, Solomone Funaki, Alamanda Motuga, Penitoa Finau, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali'ifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Danny Toala, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga'anuku, William Havili

RESERVES: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Dwayne Polataivao, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi

Referee: Mike Fraser

Assistant Referee: Ben O'Keefe, Jono Bredin


Friday 8 April 7:45 pm AEST – Western Force v Melbourne Rebels at HBF Park, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

FORCE (1-15): Harrison Lloyd, Andrew Ready, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasiota, Manasa Mataele, Bayley Kuenzle, Kyle Godwin (c), Bryon Ralston, Jake Strachan

RESERVES: Feleti Katiu’u, Bo Abra, Greg Holmes, Izack Rodda, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Jake McIntyre, Brad Lacey

REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Matt Philip, Josh Canham, Brad Wilkin, Richard Hardwick, Michael Wells (c), James Tuttle, Matt To'omua, Glen Vaihu, Ray Nu'u, Stacey Ili, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge

RESERVES: James Hanson, Cameron Orr, Rhys Van Nek, Josh Hill, Sam Wallis, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon, George Worth

Referee: Damon Murphy

Assistant Referee: Graham Cooper, Jordan Kaminski


Saturday 9 April 2:35 pm AEST – Hurricanes v Crusaders at Sky Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

HURRICANES (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Scott Scrafton, Te Kamaka Howden, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea (c), TJ Perenara, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Wes Goosen, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby

RESERVES: James O'Reilly, Alex Fidow, Tevita Mafileo, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Jamie Booth, Bailyn Sullivan, Ruben Love

CRUSADERS (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Pablo Matera, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, Mitch Drummond, Richie Mo'unga, George Bridge, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan

RESERVES: Ricky Jackson, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Zach Gallagher, Tom Christie, Bryn Hall, Fergus Burke, Leicester Fainga'anuku

Referee: James Doleman

Assistant Referee: Brendon Pickerill, Dan Waenga


Saturday 9 April 5:05 pm AEST – Chiefs v Blues at FMG Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Lord, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Sam Cane (co-c), Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber (co-c), Bryn Gatland, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Kaleb Trask

RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Chase Tiatia

BLUES (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungfasi, Luke Romano, Josh Goodhue, Tom Robinson, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke/Mark Telea, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea/Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, TBC

RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, James Tucker, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Tanieu Tele'a, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens/AJ Lam

Referee: Paul Williams

Assistant Referee: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter


Saturday 9 April 7:45 pm AEST – Fijian Drua v Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport and Nine Network

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Samuela Tawake, Viliame Rarasea, Chris Minimbi, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Vinaya Habosi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Apisalome Vota, Selestino Ravutaumada, Kitione Ratu

RESERVES:Tevita Ikanivere, Timoci Sauvoli, Jone Tiko, Isoa Nasilasila, Raikabula Momoedon, Rusiate Nasove, Simione Kuruvoli, Napolioni Bolaca

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Ed Kennedy, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Nic White (c), Rod Iona, Andy Muirhead, Irae Simone, Len Ikitau, Cam Clark, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Connal McInerney, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Nick Frost, Rory Scott, Ryan Lonergan, Hudson Creighton, Ollie Sapsford

Referee: Nic Berry

Assistant Referee: Angus Gardner, Matt Kellahan

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/super-...o-watch-202246

[shasta]

Seems a little strange Kahui is playing left right out after a bye week. Injured?

[SteveWA]

Seems a little strange Kahui is playing left right out after a bye week. Injured?

COVID protocol, perhaps a close contact?

[maelkann]

Seems a little strange Kahui is playing left right out after a bye week. Injured?

Covid close contact.

[chiraag]

Really not the game I would be starting 2 of our best players in Rodda and Kaitu'u off the bench. I understand it's because they only just got back from Wallaby camp, but surely the Rebels Wallabies like Philip and Kellaway flew over at the same time and they're starting?

It's an absolute must win game for us. Lose and we can write off any real chance of making the finals. I'm very nervous given the relevant forms of the two team (Rebels looked very good in their last outing against Fiji) and the teams named.

Are we ever going to see any of the promising youngsters in the squad given game time in Ala, Parata, Poolman, Makara, Tapine, etc.??

[shasta]

Barring injury or covid, probably not in must win matches. And that's every week now. I've liked what Ready has done in his last few outings. A big improvement. But Rodda getting splinters is a question mark alright.

[wholetruth]

Correct COVID

Nick Taylor
The West Australian
Wed, 6 April 2022 3:00PM
Nick Taylor

Western Force coach Tim Sampson has been forced to juggle crucial playmaking combinations for Friday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash with Melbourne Rebels at HBF Park with players in COVID isolation.
Sampson has gone back to the future with the first-game pairings of veteran scrum-half Ian Prior and rising young stars Reesjan Pasitoa and Bayley Kuenzle at fly-half and inside centre.
He has juggled the starting halves and centre pairings three times in six games, sometimes because of injury.
But for the first time this year COVID has forced changes with former All Blacks centre Richard Kahui and fly-half Jake McIntyre forced into isolation as close contacts.
McIntyre returned to training on Wednesday and has been named on the bench.
Sampson has named hooker and captain Feleti Kaitu’u and second-rower Izack Rodda on the bench after they spent three days in Wallabies camp and only returned to Perth on Tuesday night.
Winger Toni Pulu, who was also in the Wallabies squad, has not completed head injury protocols after being taken off after a high tackle by Brumbies full-back Tom Banks, who was sent off with a penalty try awarded in the last game.
Sampson has confidence in the backline changes.
“You would ideally like to settle on combinations, especially those combinations which are really important,” he said.
“The nine, 10 and 12 have played well together, whatever combination we’ve rolled out.
Western Force coach Tim Sampson has been forced into making changes ahead of his club’s match against the Rebels. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
“If they hadn’t played well together we’d be concerned but there’s no concern.
“As we saw in the early round Reesjan and Bayley have played a lot of footy together and trained a lot together.
“Ian Prior adds a lot of composure to the team.
“He’s played inside Reesjan. They’ve performed really well together, a nice combination, nice balance.”
Sampson said the late return of Kaitu’u and Rodda had been behind the decision to leave them in the reserves.
“It’s a Friday game, we started our week’s prep on Sunday,” he said.
“It’s around us preparing as a team. I’m sure they’ll add good impact from the bench.”
Other moves see Bryon Ralston go on to the right wing for Pulu, back-rower Fergus Lee-Warner into the second row and Tim Anstee starting at blindside flanker.
Home grown speedster Brad Lacey is on the bench for his first appearance of the season.
Sampson said it was “naturally disappointing” not to have his contract renewed past this season.
“Moving forward there’s some success around the corner,” he said.
“As I said to the players when we met after the Brumbies game (to announce the decision) my job is to keep preparing our team well every week.
“My focus is on the players and performing well.
“It’s head down, bum up and stay on the front foot, continue as before the announcement.”
Force starting side: 1 Harry Lloyd, 2 Andrew Read, 3 Santiago Medrano, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 5 Fergus Lee-Warner, 6 Tim Anstee, 7 Kane Koteka, 8 Brynard Stander, 9 Ian Prior, 10 Reesjan Pasitoa, 11 Manasa Mataele, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 13 Kyle Godwin, 14 Bryon Ralston, 15 Jake Strachan. Reserves: 16 Feleti Kaitu’u, 17 Bo Abra, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Ollie Callan, 21 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22 Jake McIntyre, 23 Brad Lacey.

[GIGS20]

Really not the game I would be starting 2 of our best players in Rodda and Kaitu'u off the bench. I understand it's because they only just got back from Wallaby camp, but surely the Rebels Wallabies like Philip and Kellaway flew over at the same time and they're starting?

It's an absolute must win game for us. Lose and we can write off any real chance of making the finals. I'm very nervous given the relevant forms of the two team (Rebels looked very good in their last outing against Fiji) and the teams named.

Are we ever going to see any of the promising youngsters in the squad given game time in Ala, Parata, Poolman, Makara, Tapine, etc.??

I've called every game season defining so far. I guess the Force like to have everything on the line.

Brumbies, was season defining because we needed to see where we were situated in terms of the pack
Rebels, was season defining because we needed to see if we can back up from a good game and promising loss
Reds was season defining because we had a shot at being a top of the table contender
Waratahs was season defining because we were battling with them for third Aussie team at the time
Drua was season defining because they were running hot and we needed to arrest the slide
Brumbies was season defining because we needed the points
Rebels this week is season defining because we could be dead last if we don't beat them

plus

Fuck the Rebels, they're a stain on rugby

[.X.]

I've called every game season defining so far. I guess the Force like to have everything on the line.

.........
plus

Fuck the Rebels, they're a stain on rugby

Seriously??

Mate. That's disgraceful.

[shasta]

Fuck the Rebels, they're a stain on rugby

How do you like this little gem from Paul Cully, then?

Could Samu Kerevi’s future home be in Melbourne?........................... The Rebels are most in need of experienced midfielders.......

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-u...06-p5abb6.html

[jargan83]

Fuck the Rebels, they're a stain on rugby

Testify!

[GIGS20]

Seriously??

Mate. That's disgraceful.

I stand by it.

After 12 years of spending beyond their means and offering lifelines to some genuinely disgraceful humans without any form of control or correction. It's pretty clear that the Rebels are the outcome, if not a significant amount of the cause, of most of the problems crippling Aussie Rugby these days.

The statement is deserved based purely on their hand in the 2017 debacle, regardless of the dozens of millions of dollars thrown into said black hole.

[GIGS20]

How do you like this little gem from Paul Cully, then?




https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-u...06-p5abb6.html

My response would be that they can't afford him, but that hasn't stopped them before.

Rugby Australia is so desperate for viewers, that the numbers living in Melbourne will cause them to underwrite the deal. That's notwithstanding the fact that fan engagement has been virtually zero since day 1 because Melbourne (despite billing itself as the sporting capital of the universe) is 100% a gayfl town and any other football code runs as a distant second. Even the hugely successful Storm struggle to attract and retain members there and RA doesn't have the sort of resources that the NRL are able to utilise.

[Jules]

Wow I would I thought even the money wouldn't convince him to go to Melbourne :-(
Force though is hardly selling itself when we its so hard to get picked for the Wallabies when you play for us. Although he is a shoe in. Any connection with our incoming coach?

[todd4]

Any connection with our incoming coach?

That's what I was thinking (and hoping).