WARATAHS vs DRUA, Friday 7.45pm AEDT in Sydney
New Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has named two debutants in his starting side and another on the bench for Friday’s season opener against the Drua.
Former Australian sevens star Dylan Pietsch will be unleashed on the right wing, Kiwi import Geoff Cridge starts at lock while Welsh great Jamie Roberts will be eased in via the bench.
“It’s pretty surreal, I tried to hold back my tears during the team meeting but didn’t really do a good job of it because I’ve wanted to play Super Rugby since I started at Leeton Phantoms when I was four,” Tokyo Olympian Pietsch said.
Super Rugby Pacific kicks off this weekend with Waratahs vs Drua, Chiefs vs Highlanders, Crusaders vs Hurricanes, Reds vs Rebels and Brumbies vs Force – all streaming ad-free, live and on demand only on Stan Sport
“Playing sevens was incredible, but this is something I’ve always dreamed of doing and it’s weird that I’m achieving it because not many people in my family get to do what they want in their life.”
Ben Donaldson gets first crack in the No.10 jersey with Will Harrison out injured and Tane Edmed on the bench.
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper is sidelined with a foot injury.
WARATAHS (15-1): Alex Newsome, Dylan Pietsch, Izaia Perese, Lalakai Foketi, James Turner, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harris, Charlie Gamble, Lachie Swinton, Geoff Cridge, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Dave Porecki, Angus Bell
Reserves: Tom Horton, Tetera Faulkner, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Hugh Sinclair, Carlo Tizzano, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Jamie Roberts
DRUA (15-1): Selesitino Ravutaumada, Kitione Ratu, Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vinaya Hobosi, Baden Kerr, Simione Kuruvoli, Nemani Nagusa (c), Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua
Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Saulo, Viliame Rarasea, Vilive Miramira, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Onisi Ratave
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CHIEFS vs HIGHLANDERS, Saturday 2.35pm AEDT in Queenstown
CHIEFS (TBC):
HIGHLANDERS (TBC):
CRUSADERS vs HURRICANES, Saturday 5.05pm AEDT in Dunedin
CRUSADERS (TBC)
HURRICANES (TBC)
Another Lynagh stars for Queensland
REDS vs REBELS, Saturday 7.45pm AEDT in Brisbane
James O’Connor will start his 100th Super Rugby game from five-eighth while young backs Spencer Jeans and Lawson Creighton are poised to make their Reds debuts from the bench against the Rebels.
“It’s great we’re at home to kick off the season,” Reds coach Brad Thorn said.
“Spencer Jeans and Lawson Creighton have both impressed in the pre-season and deserve their selection. The Rebels will provide a tough contest. They’ve got an experienced side with plenty of players who have represented their country. We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Meanwhile, rising Rebels star Carter Gordon will start at No.10 as Wallabies veterans Reece Hodge and Matt To’omua slot in at fullback and inside centre respectively.
Former Storm and Titans flyer Young Tonumaipea is on the bench.
REDS (15-1): Jock Campbell, Jordan Petaia, Josh Flook, Hamish Stewart, Filipo Dagunu, James O’Connor, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry Wilson, Liam Wright (co-c), Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angus Blyth, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, Dane Zander
Reserves: Josh Nasser, Harry Hoopert, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Fraser McReight, Spencer Jeans, Hunter Paisami, Lawson Creighton
REBELS (15-1): Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Stacey Ili, Matt To’omua, Glen Vaihu, Carter Gordon, Joe Powell, Michael Wells (c), Brad Wilkin, Sam Wallis, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip, Cabous Eloff, Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr
Reserves: Matt Gibbon, James Hanson, Sef Fa’agase, Thomas Nowlan, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Raymond Nu’u , Young Tonumaipea
BRUMBIES vs FORCE, Sunday 2pm AEDT in Canberra
Former Wallaby Jesse Mogg is poised to make his first Brumbies appearance in seven years after being named on the bench for Sunday’s season opener against the Force.
Outside back Mogg, 32, has been plying his trade in France for Montpellier and Pau and will provide experienced cover for starters Tom Banks, Tom Wright and Muirhead.
There are two potential debutants on the bench in loose forward Ed Kennedy and centre Ollie Sapsford.
“We’re in a strong position heading into round one and fortunate to be able to pick a team full of guys with experience and who have been with us for a number of years,” Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said.
“We believe those established combinations will be key for us especially in these early rounds, but those selected will know there’s quality in the squad pushing them hard for spots.
Meanwhile, former Brumbies Reesjan Pasitoa and Bayley Kuenzle will pull the strings against their old club in their Force debuts.
Five-eighth Pasitoa and inside centre Kuenzle were recruited to Perth after struggling to gain regular gametime with the Brumbies.
Former Crusaders flyer Manasa Mataele will start on the left wing.
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Banks, Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Irae Simone, Andy Muirhead, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Folau Fainga’a, James Slipper
Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Scott Sio, Tom Ross, Nick Frost, Ed Kennedy, Ryan Lonergan, Ollie Sapsford, Jesse Mogg
FORCE (15-1): Jake Strachan, Toni Pulu, Kyle Godwin, Bayley Kuenzle, Manasa Mataele, Reesjan Pasitoa, Ian Prior, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Izack Rodda, Fergus Lee-Warner, Santiago Medrano, Feleti Kaitu’u (c), Tom Roberston
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Harry Lloyd , Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley , Ollie Callan , Issak Fines-Leleiwasa , Jake McIntyre , Richard Kahui
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