FRIDAY,APRIL 19th
FIJIAN DRUA v HURRICANES, HBF BANK STADIUM,SUVA,FIJI.
HURRICANES FACE CRUCIAL TEST AGAINST FIJIAN DRUA
Is this the Hurricanes’ toughest challenge yet this season? With an unbeaten streak through seven games, Clark Laidlaw’s team has positioned itself as the frontrunner, but this match presents a potential stumbling block. Last year, the Canes suffered a narrow defeat in Fiji, and while the Drua have faced setbacks with the loss of key players due to suspension, they remain formidable opponents on their home turf. However, buoyed by their recent victory over the Chiefs, the Canes are brimming with confidence. Laidlaw has adjusted his starting lineup to ensure a strong impact off the bench, vital in the humid conditions. Keep an eye out for Asafa Aumua and Peter Lakai to make their presence felt, and for Ruben Love to orchestrate proceedings when they enter the fray in the second half.
Drua.
Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Kemu Valetini, Epeli Momo, Isikeli Rabitu, Simione Kuruvoli; Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Leone Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Haereiti Hetet.
Reserves. Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Michael Naitokani, Junior Ratuva
Hurricanes.
Josh Moorby, Kini Naholo, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Aidan Morgan, TJ Perenara; Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brad Shields, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Ben Grant, Pasilio Tosi, James O’Reilly, Tevita Mafileo.
Reserves. Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Siale Lauaki, Caleb Delany, Peter Lakai, Richard Judd, Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan
FRIDAY APRIL 19TH,2024
QUEENSLAND REDS v HIGHLANDERS, SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE.
REDS AND HIGHLANDERS BRACE FOR INTENSE SHOWDOWN
Just a few weeks ago, both of these teams seemed poised for a top-four finish following promising starts to the season. However, recent developments have seen their fortunes take a downturn, and now they’re scrambling for a top-eight position. The Reds are already facing adversity this week after Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight received three-week bans for a swinging arm and high tackle in separate incidents against Moana last week. McReight’s absence is particularly significant for Queensland, as the Wallabies’ No. 7 has been one of the standout Australian players in 2024. His spot will be filled by the relatively unknown John Bryant, while Kalani Thomas finally gets the opportunity to start at No. 9 after playing second fiddle to McDermott for so long. The Reds have suffered three consecutive losses, while the Highlanders’ losing streak extends to one game further following their poor showing against the Rebels last week. Coach Clarke Dermody has responded to that defeat with several changes, the most notable of which is a new halves pairing of James Arscott and Cameron Millar; Pari Pari Parkinson will also make a welcomed return. Last year’s corresponding fixture in Dunedin was a tight affair, and another tense match awaits on Friday, though Queensland may have the edge on home soil.
Both games could be tight finishes, but I will go with the Hurricanes in game1,
and the Reds in game 2.
Reds.
Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Mac Grealy, Tom Lynagh, Kalani Thomas; Harry Wilson, John Bryant, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Cormac Daly, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Alex Hodgman.
Reserves. Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Sef Fa’agase, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Louis Werchon, Lawson Creighton, Tim Ryan.
Highlanders
Connor Garden-Bachop, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Taniela Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, James Arscott; Billy Harmon, Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Pari Pari Parkinson, Hugo Plummer, Saula Ma’u. Ricky Jackson, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves. Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Ajay Faleafaga, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
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