Super Rugby Pacific finals teams: 'It'll be all guns blazing' as superstars return amid lucky loser curveball
Updated . First published
Crusaders (2) vs Queensland Reds (5)
FRI 6 JUNE: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
The Reds have been boosted by the availability of Wallabies captain Harry Wilson for Friday's Super Rugby Pacific qualifying final against the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Queensland had been sweating on Wilson's fitness after a knock to the arm forced him to leave the field late in the 52-7 win over the Drua at Suncorp Stadium.
But scans cleared the talismanic No.8 of any major damage.
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Harry Wilson of the Reds charges towards the try line to score. Getty
"It's really pleasing news for us but, more importantly, for Harry," Reds coach Les Kiss said.
"He's come through the early part of the week well. He's a true competitor when it comes to battles against the New Zealand sides and their top backrows."
Kiss has also promoted Filipo Daugunu to the starting lineup in place of Tim Ryan on the left wing.
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Coach Les Kiss of the Reds is seen during the warm up. Getty
"The boys are really excited about finals footy," Kiss said.
"The focus has been there in our preparation as it needs to be to play a well rounded and dangerous Crusaders side who are very difficult to beat at home. Winning in Christchurch last year was an important game for the club.
"It gives us clues and confidence to put our best foot forward on Friday. In finals footy, playing to the 80th minute is very important.
"We've done that well over the past four weeks or so. You also know that at the critical moments, you need the clarity to take them."
The Crusaders have also been boosted by the return of star fullback Will Jordan from a knee injury.
Captain David Havili and Braydon Ennor form a fresh midfield pairing, replacing Dallas McLeod and Levi Aumua.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: George Bell, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Cullen Grace, Kyle Preston, James O'Connor, Dallas McLeod
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Ryan Smith, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nick Bloomfield, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Dre Pakeho, Tim Ryan
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter
TMO: Richard Kelly
Chiefs (1) vs Blues (6)
SAT 7 JUNE: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5.05pm kickoff AEST)
The Chiefs will field a second string midfield against the Blues after Quinn Tupaea was ruled out of Saturday's clash in Hamilton.
Tupaea was stretchered off the field and had a nasty cut around his eye in last weekend's win over the Highlanders.
The All Blacks centre has been cleared of major damage but was not deemed fit to play against the defending champions.
Quinn Tupaea of the Chiefs receives medical attention. Getty
With Test teammate Anton Lienert-Brown also sidelined, the Chiefs will lean on Daniel Rona and Gideon Wrampling in midfield.
McMillan has surprisingly named Simon Parker ahead of All Blacks breakout star Wallace Sititi at No.8.
"The Blues have built their game nicely over the past few weeks," Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said.
"We expect they will come in with a bit of momentum and no shortage of confidence. We'll be treating this like every other game with respect for the opposition, what they bring, and the assumption they'll put up a tough game."
The Blues have made just one change with Adrian Choat replacing Anton Segner at blindside flanker.
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Gideon Wrampling, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Reuben O'Neill, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Etene Nanai-Seturo
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali'i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele'a, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Cole Forbes
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Damon Murphy, Matt Kellahan
TMO: James Leckie
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ACT Brumbies (3) vs Hurricanes (4)
SAT 7 JUNE: GIO Stadium, Canberra (7.35pm kickoff AEST)
The Brumbies welcome back captain Allan Alaalatoa after the tighthead prop recovered from a calf strain that kept him out of the controversial loss to the Crusaders.
"He's ticked everything off in terms of all the markers with his strength, running and contact, so he's ready to go," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
"He's always been an outstanding rugby player, but the leadership qualities that he brings to the team, the confidence that he gives the other players is certainly something that we're going to benefit from this weekend."
Feao Fotuaika drops back to the bench to accommodate Alaalatoa.
If the Chiefs and Crusaders win their qualifying finals, both the Brumbies and Hurricanes will go through to the semi-finals, regardless of result, with the beaten team progressing as the highest ranked 'lucky loser.'
"We may be the last game this weekend, but we've been firm on making sure that we get a good performance out there on the field," Larkham said.
Peter Lakai of the Hurricanes in action against the Brumbies. Getty
"Irrespective of the other results, we need to know that we're playing well. The most important thing for us right now is to focus on our preparation, so that we can have our best performance this weekend.
"Either way, we're going out there to try and win the game."
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw wasn't interested in being a 'lucky loser.'
"If the Crusaders lose and we win, we get a home semi so there's another scenario we might need to think about," Laidlaw said.
"But we'll worry about that next week. I've never gone into a game of rugby thinking we want to lose so it'll be all guns blazing and get ready for it."
Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua was a late scratching with a hamstring injury.
He has been replaced by Jacob Devery.
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, Lington Ieli, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery, Tyrel Lomax, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, Du'Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor (co-c), Bailyn Sullivan, Ruben Love
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields (co-c), Ereatara Enari, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey
TMO: Brett Cronan
