EDEN PARK,AUCKLAND,NZ,FRIDAY JUNE 14th
Semi-Finals Kick Off with Blues vs Brumbies
With a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final up for grabs, the Semi-Finals kick off on Friday 14th June with the Blues welcoming the ACT Brumbies to Eden Park .
Hurricanes vs Chiefs at Sky Stadium
The action continues on Saturday 15th June with the minor premiers Hurricanes taking on the Chiefs at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
Brumbies Aim to Upset Blues
The ACT Brumbies are the only remaining Australian team in the competition, preparing to face the Blues in Auckland on Friday.
High Stakes in Wellington Clash
On Saturday, the Hurricanes will take on the Chiefs in Wellington.
New Champion to be Crowned
The winners of these matches will compete next Saturday to determine the 2024 champion, marking a new era as the Crusaders failed to reach the finals.
So weird not to see the Crusaders anywhere in the finals.
Blues Captain Tuipulotu Out
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
Sam Darry Returns
In his place, lock Sam Darry returns to the starting lineup after missing last week under concussion protocols.
Papali’i Takes Over Captaincy
Dalton Papali’i takes over the captaincy at flanker with the rest of the side unchanged.
Brumbies Bolstered by Slipper’s Return
Meanwhile, the Brumbies are bolstered by the return of James Slipper.
The experienced Wallaby has recovered from a calf injury and will join Billy Pollard and Allan Alaalatoa in the front row.
Scott and Brown in Key Roles
Rory Scott will start at flanker, while Jahrome Brown is included in a 6-2 bench split.
Rhys Van Nek remains in the reserves, with Harrison Goddard and Ollie Sapsford providing cover for the backline.
Line-up
BLUES
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta
RESERVES. Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, James Thompson, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
BRUMBIES
James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Charlie Cale, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES. Liam Bowron, Rhys van Nek, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Jahrome Brown, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Ollie Sapsford
Referee. James Doleman, Assistant Referees. Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
Prediction.
I have to go with the Blues here at home. I think they will be far to good for the Brumbies
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