Waratahs halfback Teddy Wilson – the son of Wallabies and Queensland great David – is set to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench against the Rebels at the SCG.
And the Drua have axed halfback Serupepeli Vularika for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.
Read on for all the latest Round 5 Super Rugby Pacific team news.
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BRUMBIES vs REDS, Friday 7.45pm AEDT in Canberra
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has made four changes to his starting side for Friday’s top of the table clash with the Reds in Canberra.
Wallabies James Slipper and Folau Fainga’a bolster a new-look front row, Test lock Darcy Swain comes in for young Tom Hooper and clever winger Andy Muirhead is back in place of veteran crowd favourite Jesse Mogg.
The Brumbies and Reds are both unbeaten after four rounds with McKellar’s on top of the comp by virtue of an extra bonus point.
“We’re happy with where we’re at this stage of the season but we know Friday night is going to be our biggest challenge so far,” McKellar said.
“The Reds are a good side, we have plenty of respect for what they do and I think the rivalry we’ve created with them over the past couple of years is great for Australian rugby.”
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Meanwhile, Reds co-captain Liam Wright will return via the bench after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in round one.
Promising back Isaac Henry is also in the reserves after shaking a foot issue while prop Dane Zander is the only new face in the starting XV.
“We’ve developed a good rivalry with the Brumbies,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.
“They’re on top of the table and playing good rugby. We’re looking forward to a tough match down there in Canberra.”
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper
Reserves: Connal McInerney, Scott Sio, Sefo Kautai, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Jesse Mogg
REDS (15-1): Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell, Hunter Paisami, Hamish Stewart, Josh Flook, James O’Connor, Kalani Thomas, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight (c), Seru Uru, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Taniela Tupou, Josh Nasser, Dane Zander
Reserves: Matt Faessler, Harry Hoopert, Feao Fotuaika, Connor Vest, Liam Wright, Spencer Jeans, Lawson Creighton, Isaac Henry
DRUA vs FORCE, Saturday 2.35pm AEDT in Sydney
The Fijian Drua have terminated the contract of halfback Serupepeli Vularika for undisclosed disciplinary reasons.
A Drua statement said Vularika would return to Fiji and discuss future opportunities with the Fiji Rugby Union.
“The foundation of a successful professional team are the values that underpin it,” Drua chief executive Brian Thorburn said.
“We set very high standards for our players, management and staff in this regard.
“All of us at the Drua are expected to live up to our values and adhere to these standards. We are disappointed to have to make this decision today regarding Seru, but it is in the best interest of our club.”
Meanwhile, Force coach Tim Sampson has shaken up his squad with six changes to the starting XV.
Props Harrison Lloyd and Greg Holmes, No.8 Brynard Stander, halves Ian Prior and Jake McIntyre and centre Richard Kahui are the inclusions.
DRUA (15-1): Jona Mataiciwa, Selestino Ravutaumada, Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Habosi, Teti Tela, Frank Lomani, Nemani Nagusa (c), Vilive Miramira, Jovesa Tamani, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Samuela Tawake, Mesulame Dolokoto, Kaliopasi Uluilakepa
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Koroiduadua, Manasa Saulo, Chris Minimbi, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Napolioni Bolaca, Onisi Ratave
FORCE (15-1): Jake Strachan, Byron Ralston, Richard Kahui, Bayley Kuenzle, Manasa Mataele, Jake McIntyre, Ian Prior, Brynard Stander, Ollie Callan, Fergus Lee-Warner, Izack Rodda, Jeremy Thrush, Greg Holmes, Feleti Kaitu’u, Harrison Lloyd
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Bo Abra, Santiago Medrano, Jackson Pugh, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasitoa, Grason Makara
MOANA PASIFIKA vs CHIEFS, Saturday 5.05pm AEDT in Auckland
MOANA PASIFIKA (TBC)
CHIEFS (TBC)
WARATAHS vs REBELS, Saturday 7.45pm AEDT in Sydney
Waratahs halfback Teddy Wilson – the son of Wallabies and Queensland great David – is set to make his Super Rugby debut from the bench against the Rebels at the SCG.
Australian under-20s representative Wilson will ride the pine behind Jack Grant while Jake Gordon and Henry Robertson are sidelined with injuries.
‘We’re really excited for Teddy and the opportunity he gets this weekend,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.
“Teddy is a super talented and tenacious young halfback that’s getting his crack a little earlier than we had planned, but we know he’s up for it.”
There are two changes to the starting side in fit-again hooker Dave Porecki and lock Geoff Cridge.
“It was disappointing to lose Jez (Jeremy Williams) and Robbo (Robertson) but in rugby, you are always going to get a few outs,” Coleman said.
“We’re fortunate to have Dave back as he brings plenty of experience to the team.”
Meanwhile, Rebels coach Kevin Foote has tweaked his side with flanker Richard Hardwick and centre Young Tonumaipea coming into the lineup.
“Dickie (Hardwick) is a stalwart of our club – a hard worker and someone with great character,” Foote said.
“He’s an important member of our senior playing group, so we’re all thrilled to see his hard work rewarded with promotion to the starting lineup where he’ll bring a lot of energy, particularly with his defence.”
WARATAHS (15-1): Will Harrison, Dylan Pietsch, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, Alex Newsome, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Hugh Sinclair, Geoff Cridge, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell
Reserves: Tom Horton, Te Tera Faulkner, Ruan Smith/Archer Holz, Langi Gleeson, Carlo Tizzano, Teddy Wilson, Jamie Roberts, Mark Nawaqanitawase
REBELS (15-1): Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Young Tonumaipea, Raymond Nu’u, Glen Vaihu, Matt To’omua, Joe Powell, Tamati Ioane, Richard Hardwick, Michael Wells (c), Josh Canham, Matt Philip, Cabous Eloff, Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr
Reserves: Efi Ma’afu, Matt Gibbon, Rhys van Nek, Sam Wallis, Brad Wilkin, James Tuttle Carter Gordon, Stacey Ili
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