A daunting trip to Eden Park has become a bit more manageable for the Brumbies after Wallabies prop James Slipper was cleared to play in Friday’s Super Rugby Pacific semi-final.
And the Hurricanes have received mixed news on the injury front as they prepare for Saturday’s derby against the Chiefs in Wellington.
Read on for all the team news.
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BLUES (2) vs BRUMBIES (3) in Auckland, Friday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
Patrick Tuipulotu’s knee injury has forced just one change to the Blues starting side to host the Brumbies at Eden Park.
Tuipulotu has been replaced at lock by Sam Darry – who returns from concussion – while Dalton Papalii takes the reins as captain.
The Blues were far too strong for the Drua in the quarter-finals.
“We don’t need to do anything drastically different just because we’re playing a semi-final,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.
“We know what’s served us well this season, strong ball carries, breakdown efficiency and astute decision making – nothing changes on Friday night.”
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Meanwhile, the Brumbies have been boosted by the return of Wallabies prop James Slipper.
The veteran loosehead had been sidelined with a calf injury but will shore up the Brumbies scrum against a powerful Blues pack.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has also opted for Rory Scott at openside flanker ahead of Jahrome Brown.
Brown is one of six forwards on the bench.
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, James Thompson, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
BRUMBIES (1-15): 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
HURRICANES (1) vs CHIEFS (4) in Wellington, Saturday 2.35pm kickoff AEST
The Hurricanes have been boosted by the returns of Tyrel Lomax and Ruben Love to offset the loss of standout prop Xavier Numia.
Numia tore his calf in the quarter-final win over the Rebels but prop Lomax (ankle) and fullback Love (knee) return to the starting lineup against the Chiefs.
“The Rebels really came out and took it to us with their physicality which is what we had expected,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“We obviously have a lot of empathy toward their players, staff and fans. The Chiefs will provide another tough challenge for us, and one we are really excited for.”
Laidlaw has powered up with six forwards on his bench, leaving just Richard Judd and Bailyn Sullivan to cover the backs.
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Captain Brad Shields also returns to the starting lineup with Jordie Barrett relieved of the official leadership duties.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have named an unchanged team from the one that blitzed the Reds in the quarter-finals.
”Our key focus is accuracy and discipline,” Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said.
“We improved significantly against the Reds, and that alone enabled us to play the type of game we know we have always been capable of playing. It is also encouraging that we have a fit and fresh squad who are chomping at the bit, and for the first time this year, we are able to name an unchanged matchday 23.”
HURRICANES (1-15): Pouri-Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Justin Sangster, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
Reserves: James O’Reilly, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, James Tucker, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona
Referee: Angus Gardner