Rugby – Page 11 – BLOGGERPARUNG

Isi Naisarani makes Rebels switch

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

Brumbies flanker Isi Naisarani will move south for the 2019 Super Rugby season after putting pen to paper on a one-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels.

The back-rower lit up Super Rugby in his time at the Brumbies but will re-join former coach Dave Wessels in Melbourne.

Naisarani won the Nathan Sharpe Medal as the Western Force best-and-fairest under Wessels in 2017, as well as the RUPA Medal of Excellence before moving to Canberra.

The 23-year old will become eligible for the Wallabies in April 2019, as he pushes his case for selection at the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.

“It’s been a big two years for me. I’m really excited to get down to Melbourne and team up with Dave at the Rebels. He’s had a big impact on me, and helping me to improve as a player,” he said.

“It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was playing for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship but I know that I have to keep on working hard to improve myself as a player.

“The World Cup in Japan is a big dream of mine and obviously to pull on that Gold jersey would be something very special,” Naisarani said.

Melbourne Rebels coach Wessels said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Isi to Melbourne and it’s a testament to the high performance program we’re creating here at the Rebels to attract a player of Isi’s quality.

“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to work with Isi again.

“He made a real impression straight away at the Western Force in his first year of Super Rugby, which is no easy feat to step straight into one of the toughest provincial rugby competitions in the world.

“Isi brings professionalism and work ethic on and off-the-track to everything he does.

“He adds a real touch of X-factor and versatility in the backrow and we think he’ll compliment the strength of our forward pack,” Wessels said.

Born in Suva, Naisarani first rose to prominence with Souths in Queensland Premier Rugby in 2016, impressing with his incredible ball carrying and big engine.

Naisarani was rewarded with selection in the Brisbane City squad for the 2016 National Rugby Championship and made the most of his opportunity, as the 195cm backrower scored five tries and lead the competition in offloads despite a disappointing season for his team.

Naisarani then moved to Perth for his Super Rugby chance before teaming with the Dan McKellar at the Brumbies for the 2017 season.

Meanwhile, the Wallabies will convene for a training camp in Sydney next week with an extended squad aiming for selection in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test.

Beast back for Sharks

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has largely stuck with last week’s side in naming his team to host the Jaguares at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.

That this is a must win match, a knock-out or final if you will, cannot be more emphasised and the team know only too well the importance riding on the outcome of the match.

Continuity is like gold and minimal changes means the side will look to finish the pool stages on a high.

As expected, Beast Mtawarira returns in place of Juan Schoeman after having his workload reduced last week, while Kobus van Wyk replaces the injured Sbu Nkosi on the wing.

Scans have indicated that Nkosi has a syndesmosis sprain on his left ankle and will unfortunately be out for approximately eight to 12 weeks. The good news is that Daniel du Preez has been cleared to play and takes his place at number eight.

One player who is enjoying his extended playing role is lock Tyler Paul who has come in to replace the injured Stephan Lewies and has taken his opportunities with both hands.

“As a player, you want to be in the mix, starting regularly because that’s how you get noticed further down the line,” he explains. “It’s unfortunate that we’ve had some injuries, but it’s been nice for me to get opportunities to start week in and week out.

“But with that comes responsibilities; obviously performing primarily, doing my job on matchday.”

There is no getting away from the fact that there is enormous pressure on the Sharks this week, but Paul emphasises that this is not something the players shy away from.

“You want to play in high pressure games in professional rugby, these are the moments that make or break players or teams. So, this weekend is do or die for us, we have to win. Unfortunately there is another result we have to count on but if that goes our way and we pull out all the stops in our match then we will be fine.

“The vibe in the camp has been good, training has gone well and the guys are ready and will be at their best.”

The first round match against the Jaguares was won by the Argentineans in Buenos Aires but that has no bearing on this match.

“Going there is never easy, the travel factor is a major influence, but we can’t use that as any excuse for the result there,” he points out. “They are coming here to our home ground, and if we match them upfront – the Jaguares are known for their physicality – and lay a good platform, our backs should do well.

“And if we can maintain composure and keep calm in the high pressure situations and remain focused, then hopefully we’ll prevail.”

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (c), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Makazole Mapimpi

Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17:15 local (16:15 BST, 15:15 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant Referees: Egon Seconds, Archie Sehlako
TMO: Willie Vos

All Blacks trio return for Crusaders

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson has made five changes to the side that defeated the Blues for Saturday’s quarter-final against the Sharks at AMI Stadium.

Robertson’s team includes three changes in the forwards and two in the backs.

All Blacks front-rowers Codie Taylor and Owen Franks return to the starting line-up at hooker and tighthead respectively, meaning Andrew Makalio and Michael Alaalatoa move to the reserves bench.

Scott Barrett also returns from a rest week to resume his role at lock, and Luke Romano will once again provide cover on the bench. The loose forward trio of Jordan Taufua, Matt Todd and Kieran Read remains unchanged, with Read having recovered from the wrist/thumb injury he sustained against the Blues.

Bryn Hall and Mitchell Drummond will again switch for this game, so that Hall takes the starting spot at scrum-half and Drummond moves to the bench. The only other change sees David Havili rejoin the squad at full-back in place of Israel Dagg.

Crusaders: 15 David Havili, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Bryn Hall, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Samuel Whitelock (c), 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tim Perry
Replacements: 16 Andrew Makalio, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Mitchell Drummond, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele

Date: Saturday, July 21
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)

Team Tracker: Super Rugby, Round 19

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

Check out the team line-ups ahead of Round 19 of Super Rugby with the action kicking off in Hamilton.

Friday

Chiefs v Hurricanes
FMG Stadium, Hamilton

Chiefs: 15 Solomon Alaimalo, 14 Toni Pulu, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Shaun Stevenson, 10 Marty McKenzie, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Jesse Parete, 7 Mitchell Karpik, 6 Lachlan Boshier, 5 Tyler Ardron, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Liam Polwart, 1 Sam Prattley
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Karl Tu’inukuafe, 18 Jeff Thwaites, 19 Michael Allardice, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22 Tiaan Falcon, 23 Johnny Faauli

Hurricanes: 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Wes Goosen, 12 Ngani Laumape, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Blade Thomson, 7 Sam Henwood, 6 Brad Shields (c), 5 Sam Lousi, 4 Michael Fatialofa, 3 Jeff Toomaga-Allen, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Toby Smith
Replacements: 16 James O’Reilly, 17 Chris Eves, 18 Ben May, 19 Gareth Evans, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Ihaia West, 23 Julian Savea

Reds v Sunwolves
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Reds: 15 Jono Lance, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Jordan Petaia, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Hamish Stewart, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Scott Higginbotham (c), 7 Liam Wright, 6 Caleb Timu, 5 Lukhan Tui, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 JP Smith
Replacements: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Ruan Smith, 19 Angus Blyth, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Adam Korczyk, 22 Moses Sorovi, 23 Teti Tela

Sunwolves: 15 Jason Emery, 14 Yoshikazu Fujita, 13 Michael Little, 12 Harumichi Tatekawa, 11 Akihito Yamada, 10 Hayden Parker, 9 Yutaka Nagare (c), 8 Willie Britz, 7 Edward Quirk, 6 Michael Leitch, 5 Wimpie van der Walt, 4 James Moore, 3 Takuma Asahara, 2 Yusuke Niwai, 1 Craig Millar
Replacements: 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Keita Inagaki, 18 Hencus van Wyk, 19 Kazuki Himeno, 20 Rahboni Warren-Vosayaco, 21 Fumiaki Tanaka, 22 Rikiya Matsuda, 23 Ryoto Nakamura

Saturday

Highlanders v Rebels
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Highlanders: 15 Josh Ioane, 14 Waisake Naholo, 13 Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 12 Teihorangi Walden, 11 Tevita Li, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Kayne Hammington, 8 Liam Squire, 7 James Lentjes (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Jackson Hemopo, 4 Alex Ainley, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Liam Coltman, 1 Aki Seuili
Replacements: 16 Greg Pleasants-Tate, 17 Daniel Lienert-Brown, 18 Kalolo Tuiloma, 19 Tom Franklin, 20 Dillon Hunt, 21 Josh Renton, 22 Matt Faddes, 23 Josh McKay

Rebels: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Sefa Naivalu, 13 Tom English (c), 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Reece Hodge, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Amanaki Mafi, 7 Colby Fainga’a, 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Ross Haylett-Petty, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Fereti Sa’aga
Replacements: 16 Nathan Charles, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Jermaine Ainsley, 19 Sam Jeffries, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Harrison Goddard, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Lopeti Timani

Crusaders v Blues
AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Seta Tamanivalu, 13 Jack Goodhue, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Mitchell Drummond, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Matt Todd, 6 Jordan Taufua, 5 Sam Whitelock (c), 4 Quinten Strange, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Andrew Makalio, 1 Tim Perry
Replacements: 16 Sam Anderson-Heather, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Donald Brighouse, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Pete Samu, 21 Bryn Hall, 22 Mitchell Hunt, 23 Manasa Mataele

Blues: 15 Matt Duffie, 14 Melani Nanai, 13 Michael Collins, 12 Rieko Ioane, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Stephen Perofeta, 9 Augustine Pulu (c), 8 Akira Ioane, 7 Blake Gibson, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ben Nee-Nee, 4 Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 3 Ofa Tuungafasi, 2 Matt Moulds, 1 Alex Hodgman
Replacements: 16 Ross Wright, 17 Pauliasi Manu, 18 Sione Mafileo, 19 Jacob Pierce, 20 Murphy Taramai, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Bryn Gatland, 23 Tamati Tua

Waratahs v Brumbies
Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Waratahs: 15 Israel Folau, 14 Cam Clark, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Kurtley Beale, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 Bernard Foley (c), 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Michael Wells, 7 Will Miller, 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Jed Holloway, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Damien Fitzpatrick, 1 Tom Robertson
Replacements: 16 Tolu Latu, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Paddy Ryan, 19 Tom Staniforth, 20 Brad Wilkin, 21 Jake Gordon, 22 Alex Newsome, 23 Bryce Hegarty

Brumbies: 15 Tom Banks, 14 Henry Speight, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Andrew Muirhead, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Joe Powell, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 David Pocock, 6 Blake Enever, 5 Richie Arnold, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Connal McInerney, 17 Nic Mayhew, 18 Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin, 19 Sam Carter, 20 Lachlan McCaffrey, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 Wharenui Hawera, 23 Lausii Taliauli

Lions v Bulls
Emirates Airlines Park, Johannesburg

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Warren Whiteley (c), 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Marvin Orie, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Jacques van Rooyen
Replacements: 16 Corne Fourie, 17 Johannes Jonker, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Lourens Erasmus, 20 Marnus Schoeman/Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Ross Cronjé, 22 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 23 Howard Mnisi/Shaun Reynolds

Bulls: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Johnny Kotze, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Hanro Liebenberg, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 RG Snyman (c), 4 Jannes Kirsten, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Matthys Basson, 18 Mornay Smit, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Nick de Jager, 21 5 Embrose Papier, 22 Boeta Hamman, 23 Divan Rossouw

Sharks v Jaguares
Jonsson Kings Park, Durban

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Ruan Botha (c), 4 Tyler Paul, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Wian Vosloo, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Marius Louw, 23 Makazole Mapimpi

Jaguares: 15 Ramiro Moyano, 14 Bautista Delguy, 13 Matias Moroni, 12 Bautista Ezcurra, 11 Sebastian Cancelliere, 10 Joaquín Díaz Bonilla, 9 Martin Landajo, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera (c), 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Matias Alemanno, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Julian Montoya, 1 Javier Diaz
Replacements: 16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Santiago Garcia Botta, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Guido Petti, 20 Javier Ortega Desio, 21 Gonzalo Bertranou, 22 Nicolas Sanchez, 23 Emiliano Boffelli

Lions start for Courtnall Skosan

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

The Lions have been boosted by the return from injury of wing Courtnall Skosan for their clash with the Bulls in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Skosan plays his first match this Super Rugby season and takes the place of Aphiwe Dyantyi, who this week moves to the replacements bench.

Head coach Swys de Bruin has also included Nic Groom at scrum-half while Jacques van Rooyen comes in at loosehead as the Lions look for a victory that would secure top spot in the South African Conference. They could however still finish top if the Jaguares lose at the Sharks.

Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15:05 local (14:05 BST, 13:05 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs, Stephan Geldenhuys
TMO: Christie du Preez

Sbu Nkosi faces lengthy spell on the sidelines

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

The Sharks have confirmed that Sbu Nkosi will face a spell of eight to 12 weeks out after scans revealed a syndesmosis sprain on his left ankle.

Nkosi will miss the Sharks’ final regular season game against the Jaguares at Kings Park on Saturday and will be replaced by Kobus van Wyk in the starting line-up.

The Sharks need a win and hope that the Rebels slip up against the Highlanders – if they are to secure their progress to the Super Rugby play-offs.

22-year-old Nkosi shone in the recent Test series against England, having made his debut in the opening match and going on to play all three games from the start, grabbing two tries in the process.

Mass changes to Jaguares side

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

The Jaguares have made wholesale changes to their starting line-up for their final regular-season game of the campaign against the Sharks.

With a play-off spot already secured, head coach Mario Ledesma has rung the changes in order to rest his first-team ahead of next weekend.

Up front there is a new front-row as Javier Diaz, Santiago Medrano and Julian Montoya come in while second-row Tomas Lavanini, flank Marcos Kremer and number eight Juan Manuel Leguizamón are the other new faces in the pack.

The backline is also freshened up as Martin Landajo and Joaquín Díaz Bonilla are the half-backs, Bautista Ezcurra comes in at 12 while Sebastian Cancelliere is on the left wing, with Ramiro Moyano moving to full-back.

Australia name Rugby World Cup Sevens squads

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

Australia have named their strongest squads for next week’s Rugby World Cup Sevens with several players shaking off injuries to make the trip to San Francisco.

The Aussie women have had a host of injury concerns in recent months but Ellia Green (knee), Emilee Cherry (hamstring), Alicia Quirk (knee), Sharni Williams (ankle) and Emma Tonegato (shoulder) have all been included in their squad.

Quirk, Green and Williams all missed the final World Series tournaments this season as their team-mates collected the World Series trophy in Paris and will be desperate to view for some silverware with the side in San Francisco.

Dom du Toit is the only big name missing through injury, with the youngster ruled out of the season with a broken collarbone, while Emma Sykes has missed selection after a shoulder concern hindered her progress.

Women’s coach John Manenti said the return of the experienced group was a major boost for the side ahead of the final 2018 tournament.

“Obviously being knockout, it’s really hard to plan,” he told Rugby Australia’s official website.

“You can have any number of teams depending on how you go and how they go.

“You can’t buy experience and the fact that most of the squad have been through it and done it over the years, and more recently in Paris last month, that will put them in good stead.

“There is sure to be close games in the World Cup and I think experience will help us through that when they come.”

For the men, Tom Connor is the unlucky man to miss out after the return of former Rebels speedster Henry Hutchison to the Sevens fold.

Veteran Jesse Parahi has won the race to be fit for the tournament after battling an ongoing knee concern that he picked up in Singapore.

Men’s coach Tim Walsh said his side had prepared as much as possible for the different format of the World Cup.

“We are used to playing six games over two days and not four games over three days, so in order to replicate the Rugby World Cup format we have adjusted our training and strategies to assist with our mental preparation,” he said.

“More so than ever our ‘Process driven and Performance based’ thinking, is relevant.

“Liam (McNamara) has had a tough run with injuries over the last while but really came back strong in Paris last month to force my hand. He’s a great ball player with awareness, time and composure so I’m looking forward to seeing him play to his potential.”

The Aussie men open their campaign against the winner of a preliminary match against France and Jamaica while the women take on Papua New Guinea.

The Sevens World Cup kicks off on Friday July 20, running until July 22.

Australia women’s Sevens squad: Lauren Brown, Charlotte Caslick, Emilee Cherry, Ellia Green, Demi Hayes, Page McGregor, Yasmin Meakes, Shannon Parry (cc), Evania Pelite, Alicia Quirk, Cassie Staples, Emma Tonegato, Sharni Williams (cc)

Australia men’s Sevens squad: Lachlan Anderson, Tim Anstee, Lewis Holland (c), Henry Hutchison, Boyd Killingworth, Maurice Longbottom, Tom Lucas, Liam McNamara, Sam Myers, Ben O’Donnell, Jesse Parahi, John Porch, Brandon Quinn

Preview: Crusaders v Blues

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

The Crusaders will be aiming to finish the league phase of the competition on a high when they host the Blues in Christchurch on Saturday.

The defending champions have, once again, been the pace-setters in the tournament and head into this match in a rich vein of form as they are currently on an 11-match winning streak.

The Crusaders have dominated this fixture in recent years as they have won their last seven games on the bounce against the Blues – a streak more than twice as long as any other by either team in the history of this fixture.

The Blues have not won an away match against the Crusaders since 2004 – losing 10 such fixtures in succession since that game – so it’s unsurprising the Crusaders head into this fixture as overwhelming favourites as they have won their last 16 home games in succession.

Although the Crusaders have rested several of their first-choice players, they still have game-breakers of the calibre of Richie Mo’unga, Kieran Read and Israel Dagg in their ranks while the Blues’ charge will be led by the likes of Rieko and Akira Ioane, their captain, Augustine Pulu and Jerome Kaino, who is playing in his final match for the Auckland-based outfit.

With this being their last match of the season, Blues head coach Tana Umaga wants his charges to focus on a quality performance against the best team in the competition.

“This game means a lot,” he said.

“We want to send Jerome off in the best possible fashion.

“We are going into a cauldron in Christchurch, but we have to go with eyes wide open and also take confidence from the game last week.

“We’ve worked on the areas that were pretty obvious in terms of our defence but there will be no lack of motivation to play against the Crusaders.

“Our forward effort was good last week but we know it needs to go another notch and I think some of the play by our backs, that in tough times they started to find their confidence.

“For us we have to do well on both sides of the ball. We had some individual lapses in defence and that’s something we’ve worked on.

“We need to stick to what we train. We need to be consistent in the execution of our plans and finish off opportunities when we create them. They are a quality side and have been for a long time but we are excited to get out there and do our best for us and for Jerome.”

The last time the teams met: The Crusaders claimed a hard-fought 32-24 win in a Round 14 encounter in Auckland during May. George Bridge, Quinten Strange, Matt Todd and Bryn Hall scored tries for the champions and Richie Mo’unga slotted three penalties and two conversions. For the Blues, Rieko Ioane scored a brace of tries and Matt Duffie and Michael Collins also dotted down. Their other points came via two conversions from Stephen Perofeta.

Players to watch:

For Crusaders: If the Crusaders forwards can provide good front-foot ball to their backs, expect Richie Mo’unga to dominate in the playmaking department. After making his Test debut for the All Blacks against France last month, Mo’unga hit the ground running when he returned to action for the Crusaders in last weekend’s win over the Highlanders and finished with a 25-point haul, courtesy of a try, four conversions and four penalties in that match. A similar performance this weekend is just what the Crusaders need ahead of the play-offs.

For Blues: This will be the last time that All Blacks enforcer Jerome Kaino runs out for the men from Auckland before he departs for France where he will further his career with Top 14 heavyweights Toulouse. Although he is in the twilight of his career, Kaino is renowned for his physicality and will want to make an impact in that facet of play. If he succeeds in doing that, it should help the Blues build some momentum.

Team news: Crusaders boss Scott Robertson has made six changes to his starting XV for this derby. Of the four changes in the forwards, the champions welcome the return of prop Tim Perry from the hamstring injury he sustained prior to the June international break.

At tighthead, Michael Alaalatoa moves from the bench to the starting side for this game. Quinten Strange will partner captain Sam Whitelock at lock, with Scott Barrett rested this week. In the loose forwards, Jordan Taufua will start in the number six jersey, and Pete Samu comes in to the reserves.

The only changes in the backs will see Mitchell Drummond wear the number nine jersey this week and Bryn Hall take a spot on the replacements bench. David Havili will also sit out this game, and has been replaced at full-back by Israel Dagg.

On the reserves bench, Otago hooker Sam Anderson-Heather joins the squad and could earn his first Crusaders cap this week. Anderson-Heather will provide cover for Andrew Makalio in the absence of Codie Taylor, who is another All Black rested for this match.

Meanwhile, Blues head coach Tana Umaga has made just one alteration to his starting line-up.

The only change from the pack which lost to the Hurricanes in Wellington last week is a start for Ben Nee-Nee after an injury to Matiaha Martin ruled him out, while the backline remains the same.

The Blues will aim to give long-serving star Jerome Kaino a fitting send-off in his final game for the Auckland-based club. Kaino, who heads to France after the season, will play his 139th game for the Blues, to sit second on the all-time Blues list behind Keven Mealamu.

Form: The Crusaders are the tournament’s form team at the moment as they have won 11 matches on the trot, with their last defeat registered on March 17 when they suffered a 25-17 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin. Last weekend, the champions returned to action – after the June Test break – and gained revenge against the Highlanders as they beat them 45-22 in Christchurch. They have won 13 out of 15 matches so far this season.

The Blues have won four and lost 11 of their matches this season and are in second last position in the overall standings and bringing up the rear in the New Zealand Conference. They have battled to build momentum this year and won just once from their last five matches – a 39-16 triumph against the Reds in Auckland in Round 17.

Prediction: The champions will have little trouble in taking this one. Crusaders to win by 10 points.

Previous results:

2018: Crusaders won 32-24 in Auckland
2017: Crusaders won 33-24 in Christchurch
2016: Crusaders won 26-21 in Auckland
2016: Crusaders won 28-13 in Christchurch
2015: Crusaders won 34-11 in Auckland
2015: Crusaders won 29-15 in Christchurch
2014: Crusaders won 21-13 in Christchurch
2014: Blues won 24-35 in Auckland

The teams:

Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:35 local (08:35 BST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Federico Anselmi
Assistant Referees: Jamie Nutbrown, Mike Fraser
TMO: Shane McDermott

Preview: Highlanders v Rebels

Posted on March 6, 2019 by BLOGGERPARUNG

The Melbourne Rebels can secure qualification for the quarter-finals with victory over the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Highlanders have won five of their previous six games against the Rebels, including their last three on the bounce and a fixture-record 39-point win in their last meeting.

Though that win was only last year, the Rebels have rapidly improved since then. However, it remains to be seen whether they have the big-match temperament to rise to the occasion in what is a vital game on Saturday if they are to advance to the play-offs.

The Rebels will know last weekend was a huge missed opportunity to seal their qualification and a prime example of choking when it mattered most – especially with their closest rivals the Sharks having slipped up against the Stormers. Now, they have the unenviable task of having to do the job against the mighty Highlanders.

The Sharks know that a loss for the Rebels in Dunedin and a win for them – against the Jaguares in Durban – will see the latter team advancing to the knockout stage.

But Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger doesn’t seem to be taking this game too seriously, making numerous changes as he gives plenty of youngsters a chance in something of a dead rubber for his side, as they have already qualified for the play-offs. Ben Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Elliot Dixon, Ash Dixon and Rob Thompson have all been rested.

The Otago outfit have won their last nine games on the bounce when hosting teams from Australia, last losing such a fixture in Round Five, 2014 against the Force (31-29).

The Rebels, meanwhile, will need to improve their penalty count as they are the worst-disciplined side in Super Rugby, while they have the second worst tackle efficiency. The Highlanders are an archetypal Kiwi side, in that they are so effective at capitalising on opposition mistakes. So the Rebels can ill-afford to be erroneous on the day.

The last time the teams met: The Highlanders cruised to a 51-12 victory in Dunedin in 2017, thanks to tries from Luke Whitelock, Richard Buckman, Gareth Evans, Greg Pleasants-Tate and a brace from Malakai Fekitoa, which proved far too much for the Rebels, who scored through Tom English and Reece Hodge. It was also a flawless kicking display off the tee from Marty Banks, who notched up five conversions and three penalties from as many attempts.

Players to watch:

For Highlanders: With boss Aaron Mauger having rested so many key players, the Highlanders will need the big names that are left in the side to stand up; most notably Liam Squire and Waisake Naholo, with the former particularly pivotal to his side at the breakdown and on defence. Squire leads by example with his commitment to the cause and never-say-die attitude and will relish the physical confrontation with the likes of Amanaki Mafi on Saturday.

For Rebels: Amanaki Mafi has consistently been at the top of the charts for the past couple of years in terms of ball-carrying. The one-man wrecking ball offers his side so much go-forward. Mafi has made 238 carries, almost 65 more than anyone else as well as the most metres in the competition (1279). Meanwhile, the Japan international will be looking to add to his tally of five tries for the season on Saturday.

Team news: Highlanders head coach Aaron Mauger has made numerous changes to his starting line-up.

Wellingtonian youngster Thomas Umaga-Jensen has been named to make his Super Rugby debut in the midfield alongside Josh Ioane, who will start for the first time at full-back.

Kayne Hammington comes into the starting number nine jersey and Tevita Li returns to the left wing.

In the forwards, veteran lock Alex Ainley returns to the starting team and joins with new All Blacks, Jackson Hemopo and Shannon Frizell, while James Lentjes captains the team from the openside flank.

Liam Squire moves to the back of the scrum to replace Luke Whitelock, who earns a well-deserved rest along with Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Rob Thompson.

Meanwhile, Melbourne Rebels head coach Dave Wessels has made four changes to his starting side.

This is a crucial game for the Rebels as they aim to secure the club’s first-ever Super Rugby play-off berth.

Injuries to full-back Dane Haylett-Petty (knee) and lock Geoff Parling (shoulder) have forced positional and personnel changes from last week’s match against the Reds. Meanwhile props Fereti Sa’aga and Sam Talakai earn starting spots in the Rebels’ pack in place of Tetera Faulkner and Jermaine Ainsley, who have moved to the bench.

Ross Haylett-Petty earns his first start since the Rebels’ Round 10 match against the Bulls, while Jack Maddocks shifts to full-back and Sefa Naivalu moves off the bench and onto the right wing.

Sam Jeffries and Lopeti Timani also make their returns to the matchday 23, as the Rebels opt for a 6-2 bench split.

Captain Adam Coleman (adductor) and scrum-half Will Genia (arm) will spend one more week on the sidelines, however reserve hooker Nathan Charles has shaken off any concussion concerns and will line up on the reserves bench.

Form: The Highlanders are on a poor run of form since returning from the international break and find themselves in danger of losing three games on the bounce for the first time since the end of the 2014 season. Those two defeats have come against the Crusaders and Chiefs, having beaten the Hurricanes in the last game prior to the hiatus.

Like the Highlanders, the Rebels have also lost two games on the bounce to their compatriots – those defeats coming on successive weekends against the Waratahs and Reds respectively. The Rebels won their opening three, before losing six of their next seven. They then bounced back with another three-game winning streak from since when they have suffered those two losses.

Prediction: The inexperience of this Highlanders side to allow the Rebels in for an historic victory. Rebels by 7.

Previous results:

2017: Highlanders won 51-12 in Dunedin
2016: Highlanders won 27-3 in Melbourne
2014: Highlanders won 33-30 in Dunedin
2013: Rebels won 38-37 in Melbourne
2012: Highlanders won 43-12 in Dunedin
2011: Highlanders won 40-18 in Melbourne

The teams:

Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 17:15 local (06:15 BST, 05:15 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Brendon Pickerill
TMO: Chris Hart