The Reds kick off round eight with a historic game against Moana Pasifika in Apia on Friday afternoon.
It will be the Auckland-based club’s first home game in Samoa.
Keep checking in for all the latest Super Rugby Pacific team news.
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MOANA PASIFIKA vs REDS in Apia, Friday 2.05pm AEST
MOANA (TBC)
REDS (TBC):
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
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BRUMBIES vs DRUA in Canberra, Friday 7.35pm AEST
Scotsman Sam Thomson will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Brumbies after coach Stephen Larkham decided to field a new lock pairing for the home match against the Drua.
Thomson is a well travelled 29-year-old who has played professionally in Scotland, France and Japan but not yet in Australia.
Thomson was an unused substitute against the Waratahs in round six but will start alongside Wallabies second rower Darcy Swain on Friday.
“Our locks have put in some really big minutes over the first seven rounds so we had to freshen them up but we won’t lose anything with Darcy coming and we’ve got full confidence in Sam to execute his role for us,” Larkham said.
Nick Frost is on the bench while Cadeyrn Neville is rested after playing his 100th match last weekend.
The other changes see Ryan Lonergan start ahead of Nic White at halfback, Ollie Sapsford replace Tamati Tua in the centres while Ben O’Donnell is on the left wing for Corey Toole, who was concussed by Angus Blyth.
“It’s critical we finish this block of the season well and we’re aware the Drua pose a unique threat in this competition so we’ve gone with as strong a lineup as we could put out for Friday night,” Larkham said.
BRUMBIES (15-1): Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford, Ben O’Donnell, Noah Lolesio, Ryan Lonergan, Pete Samu, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Sam Thomson, Darcy Swain, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Lachlan Lonergan, James Slipper
Reserves: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith
DRUA (15-1): Kitione Taliga, Eroni Sau, Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre , Teti Tela (c), Peni Matawalu, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave
Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua, Leone Rotuisolia, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Michael Naitokani, Ilaisa Droasese
Referee: Damon Murphy
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HURRICANES vs CHIEFS in Wellington, Saturday 12.35pm AEST
HURRICANES (TBC)
CHIEFS (TBC)
Referee: Jordan Way
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WARATAHS vs FORCE in Sydney, Saturday 7.35pm AEST
WARATAHS (TBC)
FORCE (TBC)
Referee: Angus Gardner
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