FIJIAN DRUA v MELBOURNE REBELS
SATURDAY, JUNE 1st, 2024 CHURCHILL PARK LAUTOKA FIJI 12.05pm
Thursday marked another infamous day for Australian rugby as it was officially confirmed that the Melbourne Rebels would not continue in Super Rugby Pacific beyond next season. This devastating news came just hours before the team was set to board their flight to Fiji. While the announcement wasn’t entirely unexpected, it dealt a crushing blow to a team that has shown resilience amid ongoing uncertainty. Despite the setback, the Rebels have already secured their maiden finals berth in the full version of the competition.
Could the Rebels use this news as motivation?
What does this mean for the Rebels players and staff?
Will other Super Rugby sides pick up these players and coaches?
Will rugby league be interested in some of these players?
Will Australian rugby union become stronger with one less Super Rugby side?
While the Rebels have showcased superb rugby this season and are fielding nearly their strongest team this week, they are up against a Drua side desperate for a win to secure their own finals berth.
With the experienced Frank Lomani returning from a six-week ban, the hosts possess additional strength. If they perform to their full potential, the Drua should prove too formidable. However, the emotional aspect for the Rebels and the pressure on the Drua to secure their immediate future add an intriguing layer to this matchup.
Drua
Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Kemu Valetini, Waqa Nalaga, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Frank Lomani; Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, Etonia Waqa, Leone Rotuisolia, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet
Reserves. Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz
Rebels
Mason Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, Filipo Daugunu, Nick Jooste, David Feiluai, Darby Lancaster, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens; Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Josh Kemeny, Josh Canham, Angelo Smith, Taniela Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea.
Reserves. Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, James Tuttle, David Vaihu, Jack Strachan.
Referee. Paul Williams, Assistant Referees. Dan Waenga, Mike Winter, TMO. Richard Kelly
In all four previous Super Rugby Pacific matchups between the Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rebels, victory has been claimed by the home team.
The Melbourne Rebels have lost their last five consecutive Super Rugby Pacific games after winning their previous three in a row.
The Fijian Drua have won just six of their 21 matches against Australian opposition in Super Rugby Pacific , however they have won each of their five matches against Australian opposition on Fijian soil.
Prediction
Drua for me at home.
HURRICANES v HIGHLANDERS
SATURDAY JUNE 1st, 2024 SKY STADIUM WELLINGTON NZ 2.35pm
Hurricanes
Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett (capt), Salesi Rayasi, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, DuPlessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Tucker, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia
Reserves. James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Justin Sangster, Peter Lakai, Jordi Viljoen, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan
Highlanders
Finn Hurley, Connor Garden-Bachop, Matt Whaanga, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Ajay Faleafaga, James Arscott; Nikora Broughton, Billy Harmon, Max Hicks, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker, Jermaine Ainlsey, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves. Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Tom Sanders, Hayden Michaels, Folau Fakatava, Jake Te Hiwi, Martin Bogado.
Referee. Nic Berry, Assistant Referees, Reuben Keane, George Myers, TMO Brett Cronan
The Hurricanes have emerged victorious in nine out of their last 10 matches in Super Rugby competitions against the Highlanders.
Conversely, the Highlanders have won four out of their last five Super Rugby Pacific matches, matching their total wins from their previous 16 games in the competition.
The Highlanders have clinched victory in three games this Super Rugby Pacific season after trailing at half-time, a feat unmatched by any other team. Conversely, the Hurricanes have maintained a perfect record, winning all 10 of their games this season when leading at half-time.
The Hurricanes are still in contention for the top spot and the No. 1 seeding for the finals, currently tied with the Blues on 51 competition points. However, Clark Laidlaw’s team has the advantage of facing the Highlanders at home, a more favorable fixture compared to their northern rivals, who are up against the Chiefs. It’s possible that the Hurricanes will aim for a bonus point victory, which would greatly enhance their chances of securing the top spot, especially considering that a bonus-point win for the Blues later on Saturday is less likely.
Certainly, the Highlanders have demonstrated their ability to compete with the top teams in the competition, albeit intermittently, and they won’t back down easily. However, if the Hurricanes can establish their dominance early in the game, it will boost their confidence, especially considering their ample firepower across the field. The return of Asafo Aumua is also a significant advantage for the Hurricanes.
Prediction
Hurricanes for me again at home.
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