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There is a new format for team announcements in the Super Rugby Pacific competition this season and The Roar will be updating the latest news as it happens.
Last season the Australian franchishes dropped their teams at the same time on a Wednesday afternoon, but the Kiwi teams were a law unto themselves.
In an effort to bring some structure to the team announcements the competition organisers will require clubs to name their sides two days out from the game day.
The teams for Friday’s two matches are now in and this story will be updated when new team news drops.
(All times are AEDT)
Friday
Crusaders v Chiefs, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch 5.05pm
All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock has been ruled out for the opening match of his final season with the Crusaders after suffering a head knock in a trial against the Hurricanes. Mitchell Dunshea, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, will replace hm alongside captain Scott Barrett.
Will Jordan is also missing with midfielder David Havili shifting to the fullback.
The Chiefs have named 11 current or recent All Blacks in their squad with Damian McKenzie named in the No. 10 jersey on his return to Super Rugby after a season in Japan. Josh Ioane is on the bench and Bryn Gatland was left out of the 23.
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrettm, Mitchell Dunshea, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo’unga, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, David Havili.
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Zach Gallagher, Christian Lio-Willie, Willi Heinz, Fergus Burke, Macca Springer.
Chiefs (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Solomon Alaimalo, Shaun Stevenson.
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, John Ryan, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe.
Key facts: Crusaders have won six of their last eight against the Chiefs including last year’s semifinal match Their last loss to the Chiefs was at home last season. The Crusaders won their last seven games last season to claim the title. The Chiefs won six of their last seven regular season games.
The Crusaders have won 27 and lost 17 of their 44 matchups.
NSW Waratahs v ACT Brumbies, Allianz Stadium, Sydney 7.35pm
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has packed his bench for his Super Rugby return against the Waratahs with Wallabies skipper James Slipper, halfback Nic White and flyhalf Noah Lolesio all out of the starting side for the season opener. Darcy Swain is also named as a replacement as his Wallabies teammates Cadeyrn Neville and Nick Frost start as the locks. Larkham has gone for former Rebels playmaker Jack Debreczeni in the No.10 jersey.
There is a Super Rugby debut for young star Max Jorgensen for the Tahs while Tane Edmed is preferred at No.10 over Ben Donaldson, who plays at No.15.
Charlie Gamble – who will become eligible for Wallabies selection this year – has been named at No.8 while there is no place in the 23 for Tolu Latu as Sarren Coleman opts for a 6-2 bench split.
Waratahs (1-15): Angus Bell, David Porecki, Archer Holz, Jed Holloway, Taleni Seu, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper, Charlie Gamble, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Max Jorgensen, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Ben Donaldson.
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Te Tera Faulkner, Hugh Sinclair, Langi Gleeson, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Nemani Nadolo.
Brumbies (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Connal McInerney, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper, Rhys Van Nek, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Noah Lolesio, Ollie Sapsford.
Referee: Nic Berry
Key facts: The Brumbies have won their last nine games against the Waratahs, their longest run against their rivals. The Tahs have won three of their past four games against Australian opposition having lost 10 in a row before that.
The Brumbies enjoy a 23-17 win-loss record against the Tahs in their 40 meetings.
Saturday
Moana Pasifika v Fijian Drua, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland 2.35pm
Pasifika: TBC
Drua: TBC
Referee: James Doleman
Key facts: This is the second meeting between the teams with the Drua winning 34-19 last year. Moana Pasifika beat the Brumbies in their final game of 22 after losing the previous 10. They scored 20+ points n their final three games, having done that once in their first four games.
Highlanders v Blues, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 5.05pm
Highlanders: TBC
Blues: TBC
Referee: Paul Williams
Key facts: The Blues have won seven of their last eight against the Highlanders including the last four. The Highlanders have lost their last 10 games against Kiwi opposition – a record losing run for any team against their own countrymen in the competition.
The Blues enjoy a 24-17 wn loss record from 41 games.
Reds v Hurricanes, QLD Country Bank Stadium, Townsville 7.35pm
Reds: TBC
Hurricanes: TBC
Referee: Angus Gardner
Key facts: The Hurricanes have won 11 of their last 12 games against the Reds including seven straight – their longest winning run against the Reds.
The Canes lead the head-to-head 18-6 from 24 games.
Western Force v Melbourne Rebels, HBF Park, Perth 10pm
Force: TBC
Rebels: TBC
Referee: Damon Murphy
Key facts: Melbourne Rebels have won eight of their previous 10 away matches to Western Force in Super Rugby including their last three. All eight wins have been by seven points or fewer including three by a single point.
The Force have lost their last four home games against Australian opposition after winning two in a row before that. Two of those losses have been by a point.
The Rebels lead the head-to-head 13-6 from 19 games.
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