SKY STADIUM,WELLINGTON NZ SATURDAY JUNE 8th 2024
Super Rugby 2024: Road to the Finals
The field has been whittled down to eight and after this weekend just four teams will remain in contention for the Super Rugby title in 2024.
Six of the eight finalists from last season are back for another shot at the trophy, with the Waratahs and Crusaders replaced by the Highlanders and Rebels.
Rebels Seek Redemption in Final Matches
As the financially struggling eighth-seeded Rebels brace for closure, they have an opportunity to create some remarkable entertainment by embarking on a winning streak, commencing with their upcoming match against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Hurricanes Announce Starting Line-up for Quarterfinal Clash
TJ Perenara will start at halfback for the Hurricanes after shrugging off an injury scare.
The 32-year-old suffered a knee injury in last weekend’s win over the Highlanders but has been named in the No.9 jersey.
The Hurricanes also welcome back captain Brad Shields from injury via the bench although All Blacks prop Tyrel Lomax remains side lined.
Jordie Barrett will captain the Hurricanes for a third straight week as regular skipper Brad Shields returns from injury via the bench against the Rebels.
Barrett will lead a starting XV with just two changes from their win over the Highlanders, flanker Peter Lakai returning for DuPlessis Kirifi and lock Justin Sangster in for James Tucker.
Shields missed the last two regular season matches with a quadriceps injury and returns alongside Kirifi on the bench, with Devan Flanders retaining the No 6 jersey.
The top qualifying Hurricanes will host a quarterfinal for the first time since 2019, when they beat the Bulls 35-28 before falling to the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The soon-to-be-defunct Rebels face daunting odds as they aim to upset the minor premiers, yet Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw maintains a respectful attitude.
The Melbourne Rebels boast an electrifying backline, and their X factor poses a genuine threat, with multiple ball carriers spread across the field.
Wallabies Duo Return for Rebels
After missing time due to concussion, the Wallabies duo Carter Gordon and Rob Leota make their return, bolstering the Rebels’ line-up.
Team line-ups
Hurricanes
Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
Reserves. James O’Reailly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo.
Rebels
Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feiluai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Reserves. Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Nick Jooste
Referee. James Doleman, Assistant Referees. Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
Prediction
Canes for me.
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