Ex-Wallaby handed start for Super Rugby semis
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Semi-final one: Chiefs (2) v Crusaders (3)
Friday, 5.05pm AEST kickoff at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Ex-Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi will start for the Chiefs in the first Super Rugby semi-final against the Crusaders on Friday.
Foketi has been promoted to start at outside centre in place of Kyle Brown, who is one of two Chiefs players ruled out with concussion. Both semi-finals are all-New Zealand affairs.
Lalakai Foketi of Australia scores a try during the Autumn Nations Series match against France in Paris. nna\simon.chapman
The other, Wallace Sititi, has been replaced in the backrow by Samipeni Finau with Simon Parker moving to No.8.
Liam Coombes-Fabling is fit after being a late scratching against the Queensland Reds and replaces Daniel Sinkinson on the right wing.
It will be Damian McKenzie’s 150th Super Rugby match.
“We have been working really hard throughout the year to put ourselves into playoff contention and to play my 150th against the Crusaders in the semi-final is special,” McKenzie said.
“We are extremely excited for this match and ready to rip in. We know what to expect and we know what we need to do to win.
“In playoff rugby there are small margins and small moments you have to nail. We know if we stay with what is true to us, it will put us in a good position. Being at home is great, we love playing in front of our fans and we are excited.”
The defending champion Crusaders, meanwhile, have welcomed back tighthead prop Fletcher Newell from a knee injury.
He replaces George Bower in the starting lineup.
“Fletch has played phenomenally for us, and we’re blessed to have him back this week,” coach Rob Penney said.
“You need all your top weaponry available at this time of year, and his experience is going to be very valuable.”
In the backs, Braydon Ennor replaces Dallas McLeod (groin) at outside centre.
“He’s world class and brings some different elements, but he’s equally as impressive on both sides of the ball,” Penney said of Ennor.
“You lose one, bring another in, and it’s hopefully pretty seamless.”
Chiefs: Isaac Hutchinson, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Lalakai Foketi, Quinn Tupaea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Sione Ahio, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, George Dyer, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Leroy Carter
Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (c), Sevu Reece, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Jamie Hannah, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Finlay Brewis
Reserves: Manumau Letiu, Jack Sexton, George Bower, Tahlor Cahill, Dom Gardiner, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Semi-final two: Hurricanes (1) v Blues (4)
Saturday, 5.05pm AEST kickoff at Hnry Stadium, Wellington
The Hurricanes have made just one change to their starting lineup with star winger Fehi Fineanganofo replacing Kini Naholo in the No.11 jersey to play the Blues in the second semi-final.
Fineanganofo equalled Joe Roff and Ben Lam’s Super Rugby season try-scoring record of 16 before injuring his hamstring against the Blues in May.
Loose forward Devan Flanders remains unavailable with concussion but coach Clark Laidlaw is otherwise blessed with fit and healthy options.
“It’s a bonus being able to pick a really consistent team where a couple of guys who have been injured are coming back in,” Laidlaw said.
“We feel grateful for that and we’re hugely excited to welcome the Blues here on Saturday night. We’re expecting a very tough semi-final. At this time of the year, the four best teams are left, so the team has prepared with the intensity that this game deserves.
“We can’t wait to play at home, hopefully in front of a big crowd of vocal supporters who fill the tin to help get us home.”
Meanwhile, Blues coach Vern Cotter has boosted his starting lineup with a trio of Test stars to boost his starting lineup.
Beauden Barrett (quad) replaces Zarn Sullivan (foot) at fullback, Hoskins Sotutu is promoted to start at No.8 for the suspended Malachi Wrampling and Finlay Christie is the run-on halfback in place of Sam Nock (hand).
“We know what’s waiting for us in Wellington and we’re excited about the challenge. Finals rugby is about embracing that and earning the right to keep your season alive,” Cotter said.
“The Hurricanes have been the competition’s most consistent team and they will be tough to beat at home, but we’ve prepared well and are looking forward to the contest.
“This group has shown resilience all season. We’ve had plenty of injuries and challenges, but the players continue to stay in the fight.”
Both semis will be shown live in Australia on Stan Sport.
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Peter Lakai, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Brad Shields, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia
Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ere Enari, Jone Rova, Kini Naholo
Blues: Beauden Barrett, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Caleb Clarke, Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Anton Segner, Torian Barnes, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Marcel Renata, Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Reserves: Eli Oudenryn, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Che Clark, Taufa Funaki, Pita Ahki, Payton Spencer
