SATURDAY APRIL 20TH
BLUES v ACT BRUMBIES
EDEN PARK AUCKLAND NZ
Blues
Cole Forbes, Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki; Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Akira Ioane, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Reserves. Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Lucas Cashmore, AJ Lam.
Brumbies
Tom Wright, Ollie Sapsford, Hudson Creighton, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan; Charlie Cale, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Sefo Kautai, Billy Pollard, James Slipper.
Reserves. Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni.
The upcoming match is not just another game; its significance stretches far beyond the boundaries of Super Rugby Pacific, resonating even in the realm of international Tests.
Australia is eager to gauge their performance against both the Aucklanders and the Hurricanes, wary of prematurely celebrating their recent improvements against trans-Tasman rivals.
Memories linger of the Brumbies’ unfortunate defeat in Auckland two years back, a match where victory slipped away due to a contentious call in the dying moments. Though they sought redemption during the Super Round last year, they recognize the formidable challenge of winning at Eden Park lies ahead. Like their opponents, the Hurricanes, Brumbies’ coach Stephen Larkham emphasizes the importance of a strong bench performance, opting for a 6-2 split with standout forwards Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, and Luke Reimer. Meanwhile, the Blues boast a formidable line-up, particularly in their back-row, with Harry Plummer stepping into the No. 10 role in Stephen Perofeta’s absence.
The Brumbies’ strategy hinges on matching their opponents in the forward battle and containing the threat posed by Mark Tele’a on the flanks.
The question looms: if not now, then when? The Brumbies understand the significance of securing a home semi-final, realizing that victories against the Hurricanes and Blues may be essential to their playoff ambitions.
WESTERN FORCE v CRUSADERS
HBF PARK PERTH
Force
Kurtley Beale, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Nic White; Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Tom Franklin, Sam Carter, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon
Reserves. Ben Funnell, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Henry O’Donnell.
Crusaders
Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Macca Springer, Riley Hohepa, Mitchell Drummond; Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Ethan Blackadder, Jamie Hannah, Quinten Strange, Owen Franks, Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody.
Reserves. George Bell, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dom Gardiner, Cullen Grace, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Ryan Crotty.
The Kurtley Beale saga has yet one more chapter awaiting its conclusion, as the seasoned Wallabies back has been announced to make his debut for the Western Force, slotting in at fullback.
Beale’s inclusion gives the Force another attacking threat — something they have never been flush with — while it is pleasing to see Izack Rodda also included on the bench.
Rodda has been plagued by injuries over the past three years, and it is hoped that Saturday’s game will mark the beginning of a sustained period of fitness and form for him.
Coming off the bye, the Force are acutely aware that their chances of making it to the finals are rapidly dwindling. With challenging matches on the horizon in their remaining fixtures, this upcoming game is almost a do-or-die situation for them. Meanwhile, the Crusaders are likely still reeling from their unexpected loss in Sydney last week, left to ponder how they let victory slip away in the dying moments of the match.
Rob Penney’s side shipped 43 points in that golden-point defeat, such feeble defence will no doubt have been a focus for the coach this week.
Expect the Crusaders to rely on their scrum to assert dominance in this match, aiming to minimize the influence Kurtley Beale could have upon his return. However, if the Force can make strides in their set-piece play, their improved overall approach under Simon Cron indicates that they have the capability to pull off a victory.
Hard to know what to expect from this game. The CRUSADERS in the past were near unbeatable, but this year they are terrible. I realise they have had issues with injuries, and lost some gold players, but for me this is not the reason they have not won more games. I have to be looking at the coach I am sorry to say and maybe when the Waratahs sacked him, it was for good reason.
I will go with both Kiwi sides, the Blues, in game 1, and the Crusaders in game 2.
About Drua vs Hurricanes
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