Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final teams: Waratahs make six starting changes for clash with Blues, Brumbies lose star winger for Hurricanes
BLUES (3) vs WARATAHS (6) in Auckland, Friday 5.35pm kickoff AEST
Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has reacted to the embarrassing Moana Pasifika defeat by making six changes to his starting team to tackle the Blues at Eden Park.
The incoming starters include Wallabies Dave Porecki, Jed Holloway, Langi Gleeson and Lalakai Foketi.
The departing Michael Hooper will again captain the side after Jake Gordon was confirmed out with concussion.
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"After disappointing and letting down our hometown supporters in the last regular season game of the year at home on Saturday, we have re-set and are excited by the challenge to redeem ourselves," Coleman said.
"We understand the enormity of the opposition on their home patch, but it's something we look forward to ripping into. We've had a good short week of prep and will play like a team with nothing to lose."
Meanwhile, the Blues welcome back Beauden Barrett but will be without injured All Blacks Caleb Clarke and Patrick Tuipulotu.
"You never want to face a team after a loss, they will be hurting and out to spoil our party at Eden Park," Blues coach Leon MacDonald said.
"We've seen when they put it together, they're a very dangerous outfit so we need to show up on Friday night prepared for a battle."
BLUES (15-1): Zarn Sullivan, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c), Akira Ioane, James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi
Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Sam Nock, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta
WARATAHS (15-1): Mark Nawaqanitawase, Izaia Perese, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Harrison Goddard, Langi Gleeson, Michael Hooper (c), Lachie Swinton, Ned Hanigan, Jed Holloway, Archer Holz, Dave Porecki, Te Tera Faulkner
Reserves: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Nephi Leatigaga, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson (Eastwood)
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
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CHIEFS (1) vs REDS (8) in Hamilton, Saturday 2.35pm kickoff AEST
The Reds have rejigged their backline to play the Chiefs, with Tom Lynagh promoted to start at five-eighth, James O'Connor shifted to inside centre and Filipo Daugunu wearing No.13.
Hunter Paisami is out with a knee injury and Josh Flook will push out to the wing.
"We come into the quarter-final with a great challenge in front us," Reds coach Brad Thorn said.
"Finals footy is a step up in intensity, physicality and pressure. The Chiefs finished as minor premiers and are deserved favourites in Hamilton this Saturday.
"They've got threats across the park and we will need to be at our best to challenge them this weekend."
CHIEFS (15-1): Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rameka Poihipi, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber (co-c), Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (co-c), Samipeni Finau, Josh Lord, Brodie Retallick, John Ryan, Samisoni Taukai'aho, Aidan Ross
Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Daniel Rona
REDS (15-1): Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Filipo Daugunu, James O'Connor, Josh Flook, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott (c), Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai
Reserves: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Lopeti Faifua, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Taj Annan
Referee: Angus Gardner
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CRUSADERS (2) vs DRUA (7) in Christchurch, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
The Crusaders will be without legendary lock Sam Whitelock, who picked up an Achilles injury in last weekend's loss to the Hurricanes.
Scott Barrett and Quinten Strange form the second row instead.
"Sam's not available this week," Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.
"We're waiting on examinations and tests an scans from his Achilles, but we're hopeful for next week.
"He wanted to look after it in the context of the match and the season ahead, which we did, but he's not quite right this week."
CRUSADERS (15-1): Will Jordan, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Richie Mo'unga, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Sione Havili-Talitui, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (c), Oli Jager, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Reuben O'Neill, Zach Gallagher, Ethan Blackadder, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Chay Fihaki
DRUA (15-1): Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Teti Tela, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Caleb Muntz, Frank Lomani, Meli Derenalagi (c), Motikiai Murray, Vilive Miramira, Te Ahirwau Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasil, Mesake Dogea, Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Samuela Tawake, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Michael Naitokani, Eroni Sau
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
BRUMBIES (4) vs HURRICANES (5) in Canberra, Saturday 7.35pm kickoff AEST
The Brumbies will be without breakout winger Corey Toole after he was ruled out with injury and replaced by Ollie Sapsford.
"This is the time of year everyone plays for and we're in a good place heading into a massive challenge against the Hurricanes," Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
"It's disappointing for Tooley to miss out, but he was just not right to go and Ollie has played a lot of rugby on the wing for Hawke's Bay so we know he'll do a job for us.
"We love playing at home, and we know we'll have the crowd behind us so we'll be ready to go."
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Tamati Tua, Ollie Sapsford, Jack Debreczeni, Nic White (c), Pete Samu, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Sefo Kautai, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Connal McInerney, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Jesse Mogg
HURRICANES (15-1): Josh Moorby, Daniel Sinkinson, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Ardie Savea (c), Devan Flanders, Caleb Delany, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Dane Coles, Xavier Numia
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Jamie Booth, Ruben Love, Bailyn Sullivan
Referee: Nic Berry
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