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Super Rugby Pacific Round Four preview
The fourth round of Super Rugby Pacific gets underway on Friday night with a highly anticipated blockbuster between the Hurricanes and Waratahs at Sky Stadium.
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Harbouring ambitions of challenging for the title this season, both teams will be eager to bounce back from losses in round three with a victory in Wellington.
But that’s only the first of three Trans-Tasman derbies in round four, which includes another match between two of the fiercest rivals in the history of the competition.
Three Australian teams have travelled across the ditch for their matches against Kiwi opposition in round four, including an intriguing battle between the Highlanders and Force in Invercargill.
But the game of the round – it just has to be – is a Super Rugby Pacific final rematch between the Blues and champion Crusaders at Eden Park.
Hurricanes vs Waratahs
Kick-off: Friday, March 17 at 7:05pm NZT
Where: Sky Stadium, Wellington
Hurricanes: W-W-L
Waratahs: L-W-L
World-class backrower Ardie Savea is back for the Hurricanes after serving a one game suspension for a throat-slitting gesture against the Rebels in Super Round.
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After receiving a yellow card for a separate incident in round two, Savea made a gesture towards Melbourne Rebels halfback Ryan Louwrens.
The Hurricanes captain was cited for the incident, and was later ruled out of the teams blockbuster against the Blues in Wellington last weekend.
But Savea is back, and will undoubtedly be eager to make up for lost time against the NSW Waratahs in the opening match of round four.
Following their first loss of the season last Saturday, the Hurricanes have made three changes to their starting XV.
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All Blacks Ardie Savea and Asafo Aumua have been included in the run on side, alongside debutant Kini Naholo – who scored six tries in one half for the Hasting Boys’ High First XV in 2017.
The Hurricanes started their season with two impressive wins over Australian opposition, and they’ll be eager to make it three from three against the Tahs.
New South Wales have named a strong side for their first Trans-Tasman derby of the season, which included an exciting outside backs trio.
Rising star Max Jorgensen will get his first opportunity to play fullback for the Tahs on Friday night, having been named in the No. 15 jersey while Ben Donaldson moves to flyhalf.
It might only be round four, but this match is shaping up as a crucial clash for both teams.
After starting their season with two strong wins, the Hurricanes risk falling to a 2-2 record if they don’t get the job done in front of their home fans.
As for the Waratahs, they’ve only won one match this season. In a competition as tight as Super Rugby Pacific, another loss could spell disaster for the Australian powerhouse.
Chiefs vs Rebels
Kick-off: Saturday, March 18 at 4:35pm NZT
Where: FMG Stadium, Hamilton
Chiefs: W-W-W
Rebels: L-L-W
The ladder-leading Chiefs will look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday, but it won’t come easy.
After starting their season with three big victories – including a 21-point win over the Crusaders in Christchurch – the Chiefs have made mass changes to their matchday squad.
The Chiefs will take the field at FMG Stadium without a number of their key players, including playmaker Damian McKenzie.
All Blacks Brad Weber, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane have also been omitted from Clayton McMillan’s plans for this week, while Samisoni Taukei’aho has been relegated to the bench.
Loose forward Luke Jacobson will lead the team on Saturday night, and pack down in the back row alongside Samipeni Finau and Pita Gus Sowakula.
But the most intriguing selection is Bryn Gatland at flyhalf, while rising star Cortez Ratima is set to join him in the halves.
Fullback Shaun Stevenson has been the form player of Super Rugby Pacific so far this season, and the high-flying Chiefs will want his purple patch to continue against Melbourne.
As for the Rebels, they’re coming off a statement victory over the Waratahs at AAMI Park.
Playmaker Carter Gordon had his best match in a Rebels jersey, as the young star led the team to an impressive 34-27 victory at home.
While it was only their first win of the season, it certainly showed how dangerous this team can be when they get it right.
Blues vs Crusaders
Kick-off: Saturday, March 18 at 7:05pm NZT
Where: Eden Park, Auckland
Blues: W-L-W
Crusaders: L-W-L
History can’t be changed. Once a moment has come and gone, it can’t be altered – but for rugby teams and players, losses can be avenged.
While the Crusaders will go down in history as the 2022 champions, the Blues will have to bear the burden of being the runners up in that same season.
The Blues had won 15 matches in a row, but were slain by the champion Crusaders at Eden Park last year.
But their shot at redemption awaits them.
Beauden Barrett and co will host the Crusaders at Eden Park once again on Saturday, in a rematch of last year’s Super Rugby Pacific final.
The Blues are coming off a hard-fought win over the Hurricanes in Wellington, while the Crusaders are desperate to get their season back on track.
After losing their opening match of the season 31-10 to the Chiefs in Christchurch, the Crusaders bounced back with a vintage display against the Highlanders in Super Round.
But a surprising loss to the Fijian Drua in round three has seen the title holders fall to eighth on the ladder.
For the Blues, Saturday night’s match gives them the opportunity to avenge their disappointing loss in last year’s final. It won’t change the result, but they can make a statement with a win.
As for the Crusaders, they’re desperate. Injuries have ruled out some of their All Blacks, but they won’t want to make any excuses.
This is a champion team, but it’s up to them to prove it once again.
Brumbies vs Moana Pasifika
Kick-off: Saturday, March 18 at 7:35pm AEDT
Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Brumbies: W-W-W
Moana: L-L-L
Brumbies legend Christian Leali’ifano will run out onto Canberra’s GIO Stadium for the first time as a Moana Pasifika player on Saturday.
Playmaker Leali’ifano will go down in history as one of the greatest players to have ever donned a Brumbies jersey.
But on Saturday night, he won’t be trying to help the Brumbies.
Leali’ifano will lead Moana Pasifika out, as they look to end the Brumbies’ unbeaten start to the campaign.
The Brumbies were dealt a tough to the season, but have shown their class in response. After starting their campaign with a tough win over the Waratahs, they’ve gone on to beat the Blues and Reds.
The Brumbies mean business this season.
As for Moana, they’re yet to win a match this season – but sit second-last on the standings due to two losing points.
The Fijian Drua stunned the rugby world last week with a shocking win over the Crusaders, and Moana Pasifika will look to make their own history in Canberra.
Highlanders vs Force
Kick-off: Sunday, March 19 at 3:35pm NZT
Where: Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
Highlanders: L-L-L
Force: W-L-W
Some rugby fans may consider this to be a bit of a hot take, but the clash between the Highlanders and Force could be one of the games of the round.
This is a must-win for both teams.
The Highlanders have been quite disappointing this season. After starting their campaign with a 40-point loss to the Blues in Dunedin, the Landers conceded 50 against the Crusaders the following week
But after welcoming back some All Blacks for last Friday’s match against the Chiefs in Hamilton, the Dunedin-based team certainly looked better – if only for a half.
While Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson helped his side run away with the match in the second 40, the Highlanders had improved.
But their first win of the season continues to elude them.
Injuries have continued to plague their season ahead of round four, with former England playmaker Freddie Burns ruled out with a knee injury.
Instead, the Landers will turn to the experienced halves duo of Aaron Smith and Mitch Hunt as they search for their first victory of 2023.
As for the Force, they’re coming off a hard-fought win over Moana Pasifika in Perth. It was their second win over the campaign after beating the Rebels 34-27 in round one.
But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the team from the west coast.
The Force were beaten 71-20 by the Queensland Reds in Super Round – and a loss like that can’t be forgotten overnight.
But a win over their New Zealand rivals would go a long way to making amends.
Reds vs Fijian Drua
Kick-off: Sunday, March 19 at 3:00pm AEST
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Reds: L-W-L
Drua: W-L-W
The Fijian Drua’s stunning win over the Crusaders last week will go down in history as one of the greatest Super Rugby upsets of all time.
Debutant Kemu Valetini famously slotted a penalty after the 80th minute, to give his side an incredible 25-24 win over the defending champions.
It was a great win for the Drua, but they’ll want to keep the good times rolling in round four.
The Drua fell agonisingly short of a win in Brisbane last time out, having been beaten by the Reds 33-28. But they’re a very different team now – confidence will be high.
As for the Reds, they’re coming off a tough loss against Australian rivals the Brumbies in Canberra.
The Reds have only won one match this season, and will be desperate to bounce back with a win in front of their home fans.
Comments on RugbyPass
The World Cup has to be the gold standard, line in the sand. 113 teams compete for what is the opportunity to make the pool stages, and then the knockout games for the trophy. The concept is sound. This must have been the rationale when the World Cup was created, surely? But I’m all for Looking forward and finding new ways for the SH to dominate the NH into the future. The autumn series needs a change up. Let’s start by having the NH teams come south every odd year for the Autumn/Spring series games?
1 Go to commentsWhat’ll happen when the AI models of the future go back in time and try to destroy the AI models of the past standing in their way of certain victory?
41 Go to commentsThanks, Nick. We (Seanny Maloney, Brett and I) just discussed Charlie as a potential Wallaby No 8, and wondered if he has truly realised how big he is in contact (and whether he can add 5 kg w/o slowing down). Your scouting report confirms our suspicions he has the materiel. No one knows if he has the mentality (as Johann van Graan said this week about CJ, Duane and Alfie B) to carry 10-15 times a game.
57 Go to commentsHe would be a great player for the Stormers, Dobbo should approach the guy.
3 Go to commentsGood article. A few years back when he was playing for the Cheetahs, he was a quiet standout for exactly the seasons stated here. I occasionally get to see his games in the UK, and he has become a more complete player and in many ways like an Irish player. His work ethic is so suitable to the Leinster game. I wonder if Rassie would have him listed somewhere.
3 Go to commentsResults probably skewed by the fact that a few clubs have foreign fly halves in their 30s, but most teams have young English scrum halves. Results also likely to be skewed by the fact that many teams rely on centres and fullbacks to provide depth at 10, whereas they will need to stock a large number of specialist backup 9s.
1 Go to commentsI really get the sense that when all is said and done, the path of least resistance will end up being a merger of Wasps & Worcester that essentially kills the Worcester Warriors brand and sees Wasps permanently playing at Sixways. I’m not saying that’s what should happen or what I want to happen. I just think it’s the easiest rout to take and therefore, will be what happens. Wasps will definitely return to play first, and I suppose it all depends on if they can find support at Sixways. If people turn up and support Wasps in that community, at that ground, I bet they drop the Sevenoaks plan and just remain at Sixways. Under the radar but not totally unrelated, it looks as though London Irish are going to be brought back from the dead by a German consortium and look set to return, likely to the remade Championship. It’s set to have 12 clubs next season with 14 in 2025/26, what do you want to bet those extra 2 are Wasps and London Irish?
3 Go to commentsThe shoulder is a “joint” with multiple bones. You don’t “fracture” a shoulder, you fracture any one or more of the bones that make up a shoulder.
2 Go to commentsOh dear, bones too suspect to continue?
2 Go to commentsBold headline considering the Canes and Blues are 1 and 2 and the Brumbies were soundly beaten by the Chiefs and Blues. Biggest surprise is Rebels 4 Crusaders 12 - no one saw that coming. If Aus are improving that’s great 👍
1 Go to commentsAnna, You are right, we need to have patience whilst the others catch up to England and France. Also it is the PWR that has been the game changer for England. the RFU put money into that initially at the expense of the Red Roses. I was sceptical at first but it has paid off in spades.
1 Go to commentsI think Matt Proctor became a 1 test AB in the same fixture. Cameron is quality and has been great this season, can’t believe’s he only 27. Realistically how would he not be selected for ABs squad this year. Only Dmac is ahead of him as a specialist 10. With Jordan out, it will come down to where and when Beauden Barrett slots back in, and where they want to play Ruben Love. Cameron seems an absolute lock in for the wider squad though. Added benefit of TJ-Cameron-Jordie combination at 9, 10, 11 too.
1 Go to commentsFarcical, to what end would someone want to pay to keep this thing going.
1 Go to commentsHavili, our best 12 by a mile, will be in the squad, if he stays fit. JB is the most overrated AB in the last 50 years.
61 Go to commentsWe had during the week twilight footy, twilight cricket, tw golf plus there was the athletics club. Then the weekend was rugby 15s plus the net ball, really busy club scene back then but so much has changed and rugby has suffered. And it was all about changing lifestyles.
6 Go to commentsIn the 70s and 80s my club ran 5 Senior sides plus a Vets. Now it is 2 sides with an occasional 3rd team. Players have difficulty getting to training now, not sure why and the commitment is not there. It seems to me more a problem of people applying themselves and not expecting to turn up and play whenever they want to.
6 Go to commentsROG’s contract is until 2027. The conversation about a successor to Galthie after RWC 2027 may be starting now. We can infer that Galthie’s reign stops then. He is throwing the Irish Coaching Job angle in because he is Irish. The next Irish coach MUST be Leo Cullen. As well as being the best coach available, coaching the vast majority of Irish Internationals week in week out, he has shown incredible skill at recruiting the best coaching staff for the job in hand. That was a failing in France. Cullen is a shrewd guy and if there is a need for foreign coaches underneath him he won’t hesitate. Rightly so. Ireland does need to start to bring Irish coaches through. Not just at the professional level but we need to train coaches to man new pathways for developing kids from schools/clubs up through the divisions.
8 Go to commentsNo Islam says it must rule where it stands Thus it is to be deleted from this planet Earth
19 Go to commentsThis team probably does not beat the ABs sadly Not sure if BPA will be available given his signing for Force but has to enter consideration. Very strong possibility of getting schooled by the AB props. Advantage AB. Rodda/Skelton would be a tasty locking combination - would love to see how they get on. Advantage Wallabies. Backrow a risk of getting out hustled and outmuscled by ABs. Will be interesting to see if the Blues feast on the Reds this weekend the way they did the Brumbies we are in big trouble at the breakdown. Great energy, running and defence but goalkicking/general kicking/passing quality in the halves bothers me enormously. SA may have won the World Cup for a lot of the tournament without a recognised goalkicker but Pollard in the final made a difference IMO. Injuries and retirements leave AB stocks a bit lighter but still stronger. 12 and 13 ABs shade it (Barret > Paisami, Ione = Ikitau, arguably) Interesting clash of styles on the wings - Corey Toole running around Caleb Clark and Caleb running over the top of Toole. Reece vs Koro probably the reverse. Pretty even IMO. 15s Kelleway = Love See advantage to ABs man for man, but we are not obviously getting slaughtered anywhere which makes a nice change. Think talent wise we are pretty even and if our cohesion and teamwork is better than the ABs then its just about doable.
11 Go to commentsCompletely agree. More friday night games would be a hit. RFU to make sure every club has a floodlit pitch. Club opens again Saturday to welcome touch / tag. Minis and youths on Sunday
6 Go to comments