Super Rugby Pacific only has four rounds of regular season. The ladder couldn’t be further clogged.
This week there are important best clashes between the Crusades and the Chief, but Waratha and the Force are facing potentially must-see Derbys, Reds and Brumbies, respectively.
Read all lineups, tips and injuries updates.
Good luck with your tips.
Friday, May 9th
Physian Rua vs. Blues
HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 5:05pm (aest)
Drua: Ponipate Loganimation, Selestino Ravaumada, Vuate Karawalevu, Innia Taniela, Rakaro, Valtini Valette, Cululululululi Simione; Kytione Salawa, Iso Tuwai, Joseva Team, Iso Iso Iso Nasilsla, Vocevoce Mesake, Mesuke Doge, Zuriel Toggiama, Haerei Hetet. Alternatives: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Basalala, Isahih Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu
Blues: Corey Evans, Cole Forbes, Rico Ioane, Zabi Tere, Azi Lamb, Boden Barrett, Taufa Funki, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Pappalli, Anton Segner, Raglan McWannell, Patrick Tuyprotou (capture fusitu’a). exchange: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupae, Angsus, Beehre, Adrian, Adrian Center, Finlay Christie, Harry Plumer, Sarn Sullivan.
Official:
prediction: The Blues overcame the strength of last week, but still seem to have a short rhythm. Drua found a way to pinch the Reds’ results and played the best offensive rugby of the season. This could be another high-scoring event, and maybe the visitors are just holding the edge? Blues By 5.
Top Fantasy Picks: Find a big game from Hoskins Sotutu.
Odds (tab.com.au): Drua $2.75, +6.5$1.85; Blues $1.42, -6.5$1.90
NSW Waratahs vs. Queensland Reds
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, 7:35pm (AEST)
Watasu: Joseph Oucho Souri, Andrew Keraway, Henry O’Donnell, Joy Walton, Tristo Riley, Thein Edded and Jake Gordon. Langii Gleeson, Charlie Gamble, Rob Leota, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Leta, Daniel Botha, Dave Porkki, Angus Bell. Alternatives: Mao Valanu, Tom Lambert, Lader Fall, Ben Grant, Tedri Club, Jack Bowen, Jamby Lancaster.
red: Jock Campbell, Lachie Anderson, Oil Prick Popoo, Dorekao, Team Ryan, Tom Linaga and Tatt McDermott. John Biant, Plazer Macrite, Sel Ur, seriously Sarotal Lot Lot Lot, Josh Canham, Zene Nogour, Richie Asia, Faagaze Sev. Alternatives: Josh Nasser, Jeffrey Thomaga Allen, Massimo de Lutis, Ryan Smith, Angus Bryce, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin Phillips.
Official
prediction: Waratha was enhanced by the return of Dave Polekki. It should help their set pieces and locks Fergus Lee Warner. Meanwhile, Tane Edmed will make his first run-on-start since round three. Reds has some good news in terms of injury as Filipo Daugunu has returned. The Tahs cannot afford to drop this if they want to play the final and are undefeated at home. After a tough hitout in Fiji last week, travel factors may worry the Reds. 3 by 3.
Top Fantasy Picks:
Odds: Watts $2.30, +3.5 $1.90; Reds $1.60, -3.5 $1.90
Saturday, May 10th
Crusades vs. Chiefs
Apollo Project Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm (aest)
Crusades: Jordan, Chai Fihaki, Braydon Ennoll, David Havili (captain), Cebu Reese, Rives Reihana and Noah Hotsham. Christian Rio Willie, Tom Christie, Karen Grace, Antonio Charhoun, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Cody Taylor, Tamaite Williams. Alternatives: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.
chief: Sean Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, Daniel Rona, Quinn Tupaea, Leroy Carter, Damian Mackenzie, Cortez Latima, Wallace Cityie, Luke Jacobson (captain), Simon Parker, Tupou Vaai, Night a A Kuoi Alternatives: Samosign, 1 year old. There is a mesalary and resala.
Official:
prediction: This tabletop collision is a clear game of rounds. The Crusades chose Rivez Reihana at 10am, and James O’Connor expected to offer an important touch later. The Chiefs will have Damian Mackenzie back a few weeks later and will want to bounce back after last week’s poor late cane. Maybe a tight host? Crusades 2.
Top Fantasy Picks: Codie Taylor It could be an option for a close fight in advance.
Odds (tab.com.au): Crusades $1.68, -2.5$1.87; Chiefs $2.10, +2.5$1.87
The Power of the West vs. ACT Brumbies
Sky Stadium, Wellington, 5:35pm (aest)
force: Kurtley Beale, Harry Potter, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Mac Grealy, Ben Donaldson, Henry Robertson; Nick Champion de Crespine, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams, Tom Robertson, Nick Dolly, and Ryan Coxon. Alternatives: Tom Horton, Wright, Sauer Army, Reed Princes, Nick White, Max Buley, Smooth Tominson
Brumbies: Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Len Ikitau, David Feliuai, Corey Toll, Noah Laurecio, and Ryan Ronergan. Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Rob Barrechini, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Frost, Alan Araratoa, Lachlan Lonergan, James Slippers. Alternatives: Liam Bowron, Lington Leli, Rhys Van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford.
Official:
prediction: This is another tough game to call, especially after the Force confused Canberra’s Brunby at the beginning of the year. They have the ability to do it again, but Brunby is much better now. The hosts really need to win this if they play the finals, but Brunby managed to return to the top two with a victory. 3 by 3.
Top Fantasy Picks: Carlo Tizzano I’ll keep finishing it in the week.
Odds (tab.com.au): Force $2.55, +5.5 $1.87. Brumbies $1.48, -5.5 $1.87
Injury zone
Brumby
Jack Debretzeni – Gro dia, 3-4 weeks Ben O’Donnell – Hamstring operation, 3-4 weeks Charlie Kale – Lower back injuries, 4-5 weeks Tevita Aratini – ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, Timeline TBC Break Shepp – Akira rupture, over 8 months
Blues
Caleb Clark (thigh), Leon Paul (shoulder), offa tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).
chief
Damian Mackenzie, hand, quickly back, Ethene Nanai Seturo, hamstring, soon Caleb Trask, ankles, TBC Liam Coomb Fabring, knee, mid-term Anton Linath Brown, collarbone, collarbone, medium-term Malachi Ramling, hamstring, medium-term Ramypi,
Cross Army
Ethan Blackader (hamstring/TBC), Dongardiner (foot/TBC), Johnny Lee (calf/4 weeks), Luis Ponini (calf/4-6 weeks), Braydon Ennor (hamstring/2 weeks), George Bell (foot/4-6 weeks), Finlay Brews (shoulder/season)
Physia and Rua
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre Knees, Short-term vilive Miramira – Knees, Short-term Elisadoroars – Wrist, Wrist, Short-term Epeli Momo – Long-term Frankromani – Shoulders, Long-term Calebmanz – Shoulders, Short-term Meriderenaragi – Long-term
Highlanders
Caleb Tangitau (gro diameter 1-2 weeks) Tanielle Terrea (hamstring 1-2 weeks) Jonah Nareki (knee 1-2 weeks) Nicola Broughton (knee MCL 4-6 weeks) Finn Harley (quad, season), Hayden Michaels (hamstring 1-2 weeks) Ayay Faleferga (broken hand)
Hurricane
Brett Cameron (knee, season) Devan Flanders (ankle, round 14) Harry Godfrey (lower limbs, round 15) Peter Umaga Jensen (shoulder, TBC)
pacific ocean
Moralshouse (shoulder) Concus (concus) Japan’s delivery (neck) Smoll policy (neck) Taceoloo Polight (FOEE).
NSW Waratas
Max Jorgensen (Syndesmosis), Dave Porecki (Calf), Charlie Gamble (Calf), Jimmy Hendren (Broken Wrist)
Queensland Reds
George Black, E. Philippo Daugnu, Matt Festle, R. Josh Froke, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Mason Gordon, Will McCulloch, Josh Nasse, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
Western forces,
Violini Equasi (shoulder) Harry Johnson Holmes (knee, season) Harry Hoopport (knee, season) Tom Horton (head injury protocol)
suspension
Blues: Mark Telea
Highlanders: Sean Wyth (Round 12)
All odds are correct at the time of publication.