Tag: Rugby

The Reds have announced that talented scrum-half Moses Sorovi has re-committed to the Brisbane-based outfit after signing a new contract.

Sorovi will call Ballymore home for at least another two seasons, after signing through to 2020.

Still only 22 years old, Sorovi made his Super Rugby debut last year and further established himself in 2018, featuring in the matchday 23 for the Reds’ last nine games of the season.

Hailing from Yam Island in the Torres Strait, Sorovi moved to Brisbane to further his education at St. Peters Lutheran College, but stayed to pursue opportunities in rugby.

Known for his speed of service and knack for challenging the defensive line, Sorovi has progressed through the Queensland Rugby pathway, excelling with the Queensland U20s and McInnes Wilson Lawyers Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship, before getting an opportunity in Super Rugby.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby at Ballymore and I feel confident about the way I’m developing as a player,” Sorovi told the Reds’ official website.

“It was good to get a lot of game time at the back end of the Super Rugby season, I got into a good rhythm. I’m looking forward to 2018 and hope I can give more back to the team and the Rugby community.”

Sorovi is one of three scrum-halves in the Reds squad and head coach Brad Thorn said the competition was driving high standards within the group.

“It’s good to see Moses commit to the Reds for another couple of years,” said Thorn.

“He really staked his spot in the squad in 2018 and he is an exciting young player. He’s one of a number of young players who have committed to what we’re trying to do here at Ballymore.

“One of the most pleasing things we’re seeing with this squad is how we’re starting to build depth. There’s genuine competition for spots and that is healthy. You want everyone pushing each other to get the best out of themselves and the team.”

Sorovi has been named in Brisbane City’s squad for the upcoming National Rugby Championship season, which kicks off this weekend with a home match against the Western Force at Norths Rugby Club in Brisbane on Sunday, September 2.

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The All Blacks have suffered a setback with the news that loosehead prop Joe Moody will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship due to injury.

Moody injured his thumb in New Zealand’s Bledisloe Cup-winning Test over Australia in Auckland at the weekend.

All Blacks Head coach Steve Hansen said: “Moods has had an X-ray which has revealed a fracture in his left thumb. He doesn’t need surgery but will be in a cast for six weeks and, unfortunately, will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship. The good news is he’ll be back in time for the Northern Tour to Japan and Europe.”

With All Blacks replacement prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen carrying an injury, Taranaki and Chiefs prop Angus Ta’avao has been called into the All Blacks squad as a replacement.

Hansen said with Moody injured, fellow All Blacks prop Karl Tu’inukuafe would now cover the loosehead prop position, and so the selectors had opted to bring in a tighthead in Ta’avao.

“Angus had a big season for the Chiefs during the Super Rugby season, was part of a very good Chiefs pack and has made big strides on the technical aspects of his position,” he added.

“We look forward to him joining the squad.”

The All Blacks squad will reassemble in Nelson on Sunday to prepare for the Rugby Championship Test against Argentina on Saturday, September 8.

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Marvin Orie will captain the Golden Lions in the absence of Ross Cronje when they take on the Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Cronje, who captained the side last weekend, has been left out of the squad altogether because he will tour Australasia with the Springboks next week for the away leg of the Rugby Championship.

The Lions do, however, welcome back centre Lionel Mapoe, who scored his maiden Springbok try last weekend against Argentina, while there are other Boks in the form of Andries Coetzee, Courtnall Skosan and Orie in the side.

Golden Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Sylvian Mahuza, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Howard Mnisi, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Shaun Reynolds, 9 Dillon Smit, 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, 7 Len Massyn, 6 James Venter, 5 Marvin Orie (c), 4 Rhyno Herbst, 3 Johannes Jonker, 2 Corne Fourie, 1 Sti Sithole
Replacements: 16 Pieter Jansen, 17 Danie Mienie, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Vincent Tshituka, 21 Madosh Tambwe, 22 Wandisile Simelane

Date: Saturday, September 1
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Kick-off: 16:05 local (15:05 BST, 14:05 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Jaco Pretorius, Ricus van der Hoven
Television match official: Willie Vos

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Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has named an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday’s Currie Cup match with the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

There is one change amongst the replacements, with Tera Mthembu unfortunately picking up a knee injury (meniscus tear) in the last match. His place on the bench has been taken by Luke Stringer.

The Sharks will once again be captained by Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle, who is joined in the front-row by John-Hubert Meyer and Juan Schoeman while Hyron Andrews and Gideon Koegelenberg pack down in the second-row.

Dan du Preez starts at number eight alongside Tyler Paul and Wian Vosloo, who are the two flankers, with Robert du Preez at fly-half and Louis Schreuder starts at scrum-half.

Marius Louw and Jeremy Ward are the centre combination while Curwin Bosch continues at full-back with Kobus van Wyk and Lwazi Mvovo on the wings.

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Wian Vosloo, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 John-Hubert Meyer, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle (c), 1 Juan Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Khutha Mchunu, 18 Andrew Evans, 19 Luke Stringer, 20 Cameron Wright, 21 Johan Deysel, 22 Aphelele Fassi

Date: Saturday, September 1
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 14:00 local (13:00 BST, 12:00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Divan Uys
TMO: Lourens van der Merwe

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Springbok scrum-half Rudy Paige will captain a new-look Free State Cheetahs side when they host the Sharks in their Currie Cup encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Paige is one of 12 changes to the Cheetahs’ starting line-up for this encounter made by their head coach Daan Human.

This, after most of their first-choice players were called up to play in the PRO14 which starts this weekend.

Paige forms a new half-back partnership with his former Bulls team-mate Louis Fouche in a backline which has six alterations to the one which started in last weekend’s 32-0 defeat against Western Province in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, the forwards also has six changes with the experienced Niell Jordaan a noticeable inclusion at number eight.

Free State Cheetahs: 15 Adriaan Carelse, 14 Ali Mgijima, 13 Carel-Jan Coetzee, 12 Tersius Kruger, 11 Lloyd Greeff, 10 Louis Fouce, 9 Rudy Paige (c), 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Gerhard Olivier, 6 Stephan Malan, 5 Dennis Visser, 4 Louis Conradie, 3 Gunther Janse van Vuuren, 2 Reinach Venter, 1 Kevin Stevens
Replacements: 16 Jannes Snyman, 17 Johan Kotze, 18 Luigi van Jaarsveld, 19 Abongile Nonkontwana, 20 Dian Badenhorst, 21 Vuyani Maqina, 22 Reinhart Erwee

Date: Saturday, September 1
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 14:00 local (13:00 BST, 12:00 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant referees: Ben Crouse, Divan Uys
TMO: Lourens van der Merwe

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The 2018/19 Premiership season kicks off at Ashton Gate on Friday where newly promoted Bristol host Bath in a highly-anticipated West Country derby.

Six players will make their competitive debuts for the Bears.

Pat Lam’s men face Bath in front of a club record crowd at Ashton Gate and the head coach hands maiden starts to Luke Daniels and Nic Stirzaker in the backline.

Meanwhile, in the pack, Yann Thomas, Harry Thacker and John Afoa form a new-look front row partnership, while George Smith is included at openside.

New Zealand international Steven Luatua will skipper the side for the round one West Country derby clash.

Charles Piutau (shoulder) misses out, while another new arrival – Aly Muldowney (neck) – is also unavailable for selection.

Meanwhile, Matt Garvey will captain Bath against their West Country rivals.

Garvey starts at second-row alongside Dave Attwood, who impressed in the victories over Edinburgh and Scarlets in an unbeaten pre-season campaign for the Blue, Black and White. Jack Walker lines up at hooker, with Nathan Catt and Henry Thomas completing a powerful front-row.

Zach Mercer starts at openside with Sam Underhill at blindside, and Taulupe Faletau completing the back-row at number eight.

Chris Cook will link-up with Rhys Priestland in the half-back combination, as Bath look to get their campaign off to a flying start. Jamie Roberts and Jackson Willison, who joined the Club from Harlequins and Worcester Warriors respectively over the summer, form an all new centre partnership.

Joe Cokanasiga starts on the left wing after scoring a brace against Scarlets, and the new arrival will be looking to bring his attacking power into Friday’s game. Semesa Rokoduguni makes his Premiership return on the right wing, with Tom Homer at full-back.

Form: This fixture is the opening game of the 22nd Premiership Rugby season. Bristol Bears were promoted after winning the RFU Championship last season and are bidding to become the third promoted team in the last four seasons to win their opening fixture in Premiership Rugby. The Bears lost only one league game last season, 34-38 at home to Jersey Reds in March. Bath have begun their season with a victory in Round 1 for the past eight years and finished off their last campaign with wins at Gloucester and at home to London Irish. The only occasions that the two clubs have met since season 2008/09 were all in 2016/17 with Bath taking three victories (two in the European Challenge Cup) and Bristol winning 12-11 at Ashton Gate in the Premiership. Bath have made five previous visits to Ashton Gate, winning twice.

The teams:

Bristol: 15 Luke Daniels, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Will Hurrell, 12 Tusi Pisi, 11 Alapati Leiua, 10 Ian Madigan, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 George Smith, 6 Steven Luatua (c), 5 Chris Vui, 4 Ed Holmes, 3 John Afoa, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Yann Thomas
Replacements: 16 Shaun Malton, 17 Jake Woolmore, 18 Jake Armstrong, 19 Joe Latta, 20 Jack Lam, 21 Andy Uren, 22 Callum Sheedy, 23 Ryan Edwards

Bath: 15 Tom Homer, 14 Semesa Rokoduguni, 13 Jackson Willison, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Joe Cokanasiga, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Chris Cook, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Zach Mercer, 5 Matt Garvey (c), 4 Dave Attwood, 3 Henry Thomas, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Nathan Catt
Replacements: 16 Tom Dunn, 17 Will Vaughan, 18 Anthony Perenise, 19 Elliott Stooke, 20 Francois Louw, 21 Max Green, 22 Freddie Burns, 23 Aled Brew

Date: Friday, August 31
Venue: Ashton Gate
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (18:45 GMT)
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant Referees: Adam Leal, Wayne Falla
TMO: Rowan Kitt

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Former Blitzbok and Western Province outside back Cheslin Kolbe has been added to the Springbok squad for the forthcoming Australasian leg of the Rugby Championship as the only uncapped player.

The fleet-footed Kolbe was on Thursday named in the 31-man Springbok squad for the two Tests away to Australia and New Zealand. South Africa face the Wallabies on September 8 in Brisbane, and the following week they take on the All Blacks in Wellington.

Rassie Erasmus, the SA Rugby Director of Rugby, has added six players to the squad that returned on Tuesday from Argentina. They are the 24-year-old Kolbe, Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende (both centres), Ross Cronje (scrum-half), Schalk Brits (hooker) and Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward).

Kolbe, a former Junior Springbok full-back who was a non-playing member of the 2016 Springbok tour squad to Europe, has established himself as a key backline player for Toulouse since joining the French club from Western Province. He is equally at home out wide on the wing.

According to Erasmus, the new additions give the squad added experience in some areas while also providing him the chance to continue building squad depth for next year’s Rugby World Cup.

De Allende has shrugged off his injury while Cronje, a regular in the Bok starting line-up last year, comes into the squad in a straight rotational switch with Ivan van Zyl, who will be get some game time with his province in the Currie Cup.

“Cheslin has certainly grabbed his opportunities for his French club and he has earned his spot in the squad. He is in good form and we are delighted have him in the group,” said Erasmus.

“Damian was close to full fitness during our recent training camp, while Ross, Jesse and Notshe got some valuable game time while playing for their provinces in the Currie Cup last weekend.”

De Allende and Wilco Louw have been released to play in the Currie Cup for Western Province on Friday evening and will link up with the squad before their departure in Johannesburg on Saturday.

The other players who had been training with the squad but will not travel Down Under, Van Zyl, Lwazi Mvovo, Lionel Mapoe, Marvin Orie and Akker van der Merwe, are also released back to their respective provinces.

“We would like to ensure these players remain match fit and the Currie Cup is the ideal place for them to ensure they don’t get rusty, which is why we decided it would be in their best interest to return to their provinces so that they can be considered for selection,” explained Erasmus.

The Bok squad will assemble on Saturday in Johannesburg and they fly out to Brisbane later on the same day.

Springbok squad:

Forwards: Schalk Brits, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Siya Kolisi (c), Francois Louw, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Tendai Mtawarira, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Warren Whiteley

Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Ross Cronjé, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Aphiwe Dyantyi, André Esterhuizen, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Embrose Papier, Handré Pollard, Damian Willemse

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Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi says he is still two months away from a return to action, despite initially having been scheduled to return in late September.

Kerevi sustained a torn bicep in the Wallabies’ 2-1 series defeat to Ireland in June and underwent surgery in July. However, the 24-year-old says his recovery is taking longer than expected.

“Rehab is coming along quite slow but I want to do it properly before I get back to playing,” Kerevi told Rugby Australia’s website. “Probably another eight to 10 weeks until I’m back playing.”

It comes as bad news to Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, especially with the midfield injury crisis shrouding the dressing-room at the moment.

Brumbies number 13 Tevita Kuridrani is another out with a long-term injury, which has meant utility back Reece Hodge has had to step up to fill the void. And Kerevi believes Hodge has done a good job in that regard.

“I thought he did an awesome job,” Kerevi said. “There’s a lot of depth in that spot still. We have Curtis Rona and Billy Meakes who can play there as well.”

The Wallabies next face a wounded Springboks side in Brisbane on September 8.

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Four matches are scheduled to take place in the PRO14 on Saturday with Ulster facing the Scarlets at Kingspan Stadium the pick of the games.

Connacht vs Glasgow Warriors

New Connacht signing Kyle Godwin is set to make his debut as Andy Friend’s side take on Glasgow Warriors in the Sportsground in the opening game of their PRO14 campaign.

Godwin forms a midfield partnership with last season’s Connacht Fans’ Player of the Season, Tom Farrell.

The backline also includes the ever present Tiernan O’Halloran at full-back with Connacht’s record try scorer Matt Healy and Cian Kelleher on the wings.

In the front-row, Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham start at loosehead and tighthead respectively with Mayo native Dave Heffernan given the nod at hooker.

Newly appointed captain Jarrad Butler is selected at openside with Academy player Paul Boyle named at blindside after impressive performances in the pre-season fixtures.

Meanwhile, Stuart Hogg and Peter Horne both start for Glasgow Warriors as they begin their 2018/19 PRO14 campaign in Galway.

It is the third consecutive year that the Warriors have kicked off their season at the Sportsground, winning both matches in 2016 and 2017.

Hogg and Horne start at full-back and inside centre respectively, both having represented Scotland on this year’s June tour, with Hogg captaining his country for the first time against the USA.

DTH van der Merwe and Tommy Seymour start on either wing and Nick Grigg joins Horne in midfield.

Adam Hastings and George Horne made their international debuts this summer and combine for their club once more this weekend.

Zander Fagerson returns to the front-row, starting alongside George Turner and Oli Kebble with Scott Cummings and Jonny Gray providing the weight behind them.

Rob Harley joins co-captains Callum Gibbins and Ryan Wilson in the back-row to complete the starting XV.

On the bench Australia international Nick Frisby is in line to make his competitive Warriors debut.

Niko Matawalu is also among the replacements having scored three tries in Glasgow’s two pre-season fixtures.

The teams:

Connacht: 15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 Cian Kelleher, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Tom Farrell, 11 Matt Healy, 10 Jack Carty, 9 Caolin Blade, 8 Eoin McKeon, 7 Jarrad Butler, 6 Paul Boyle, 5 James Cannon, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Finlay Bealham, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Denis Buckley
Replacements: 16 Shane Delahunt, 17 Peter McCabe, 18 Conor Carey, 19 Quinn Roux, 20 Cillian Gallagher, 21 James Mitchell, 22 Craig Ronaldson, 23 Niyi Adeolokun

Glasgow: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Nick Grigg, 12 Peter Horne, 11 DTH van der Merwe, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 George Horne, 8 Ryan Wilson (cc), 7 Callum Gibbins (cc), 6 Rob Harley, 5 Jonny Gray, 4 Scott Cummings, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Oli Kebble
Replacements: 16 Fraser Brown, 17 Alex Allan, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Adam Ashe, 20 Chris Fusaro, 21 Nick Frisby, 22 Alex Dunbar, 23 Niko Matawalu

Venue: The Sportsground
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Referee: Ian Davies (Wales)
Assistant referees: Adam Jones (Wales), Eddie Hogan-O’Connell
Television match official: Olly Hodges (Ireland)

Ulster vs Scarlets

New signings Will Addison, Billy Burns and Henry Speight will all make their PRO14 debuts after being named in Ulster’s starting backline.

Ireland internationals John Cooney and Iain Henderson will also start after missing the two pre-season fixtures.

Cooney and Burns are paired in the half-back positions for the first time, while Stuart McCloskey and Darren Cave will provide a familiar look to the midfield.

Addison and Speight are joined in the back three by Craig Gilroy, who scored 10 tries in as many PRO14 matches last season.

Academy graduate Tom O’Toole, who signed his first senior contract earlier this week, will start at tighthead prop, earning his sixth cap. He will be joined in the front-row by Andy Warwick and John Andrew.

Alan O’Connor will captain the side from the second-row, where he will be partnered by Henderson. Marcell Coetzee, who made a welcome return to action last weekend in the game against Wasps, will combine in the back-row with Sean Reidy and Nick Timoney.

Meanwhile, club captain Ken Owens makes a return to the starting line-up to lead the Scarlets in the opening round of the PRO14.

Head coach Wayne Pivac has named a strong side for the opening round despite the long injury list that includes some of the region’s frontline players.

Ulster have a strong record at their Kingspan Stadium home with Scarlets the only Welsh region to emerge victorious from the Belfast base since February 2013, doing so with a single point victory in February 2016.

The last four fixtures between the two sides were all been won by the home side, whilst Ulster were unbeaten in their last five matches last season losing only twice at the Kingspan Stadium.

The teams:

Ulster: 15 Will Addison, 14 Craig Gilroy, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 Nick Timoney, 7 Sean Reidy, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Iain Henderson, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 John Andrew, 1 Andrew Warwick
Replacements: 16 Adam McBurney, 17 Eric O’Sullivan, 18 Ross Kane, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Chris Henry, 21 Dave Shanahan, 22 Angus Curtis, 23 Angus Kernohan

Scarlets: 15 Clayton Blommetjies, 14 Tom Prydie, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Kieron Fonotia, 11 Steff Evans, 10 Rhys Patchell, 9 Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, 8 Josh Macleod, 7 James Davies, 6 Blade Thomson, 5 Steve Cummins, 4 David Bulbring, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Ken Owens (c), 1 Rob Evans
Replacements; 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Phil Price, 18 Simon Gardiner, 19 Ed Kennedy, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Dan Jones, 23 Ioan Nicholas

Venue: Kingspan Stadium
Kick-off: 17:15 BST (16:15 GMT)
Referee: Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Assistant referees: Andrea Piardi (Italy), John Carvill (Ireland)
Television match official: Leo Colgan (Ireland)

Munster vs Cheetahs

New signings Arno Botha, Mike Haley and Neil Cronin will make their PRO14 starting debuts for Munster, while Joey Carbery is set to make his debut in red if sprung off the bench.

Academy and Ireland 7s player Shane Daly is another making his debut as he joins Haley and Darren Sweetnam in the back three.

The pre-season centre combination of Rory Scannell and Dan Goggin remains unchanged for the tournament opener.

Neil Cronin, who last featured in the competition as a replacement in March 2015, partners up with JJ Hanrahan in the half backs.

In the front-row returning international prop John Ryan makes his first appearance of the season as he scrums down next to Mike Sherry and Dave Kilcoyne.

Captain Billy Holland and Jean Kleyn continue their partnership in the second-row with Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell and Botha forming the back-row.

Included in the replacements are Rhys Marshall and Stephen Archer who are in line to make first appearances of the season, with Archer overcoming the pec injury he sustained against Edinburgh in May.

After impressing in the pre-season campaign Academy back-row Gavin Coombes is included in his first Guinness PRO14 squad.

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs will be led by flanker Oupa Mohoje on Saturday.

Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Tian Schoeman, Luan de Bruin, JP du Preez, Walt Steenkamp, Aidon Davis and Ryno Eksteen will all make their PRO14 debuts.

The teams:

Munster: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Darren Sweetnam, 13 Dan Goggin, 12 Rory Scannell, 11 Shane Daly, 10 JJ Hanrahan, 9 Neil Cronin, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Tommy O’Donnell, 6 Dave O’Callaghan, 5 Billy Holland (c), 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 John Ryan, 2 Mike Sherry, 1 Dave Kilcoyne
Replacements: 16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Brian Scott, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Darren O’Shea, 20 Gavin Coombes, 21 James Hart, 22 Joey Carbery, 23 Sammy Arnold

Cheetahs: 15 Malcolm Jaer, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Nico Lee, 11 William Small-Smith, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Shaun Venter, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Oupa Mohoje (c), 6 Junior Pokomela, 5 JP du Preez, 4 Justin Basson, 3 Luan de Bruin, 2 Jacques du Toit, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Joseph Dweba, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Aranos Coetzee, 19 Walt Steenkamp, 20 Aidon Davis, 21 Tian Meyer, 22 Ernst Stapelberg, 23 Ryno Eksteen

Venue: Thomond Park
Kick-off: 17:15 BST (16:15 GMT)
Referee: Dan Jones (Wales)
Assistant referees: Craig Evans (Wales), Mark Patton (Ireland)
Television match official: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

Dragons vs Benetton Rugby

Lewis Evans will make his 150th PRO14 appearance as the Dragons open the season with a home clash against Benetton Rugby at Rodney Parade.

Back-row Evans – who made his league debut for Dragons in 2006 – will hit the major milestone as the Men of Gwent look to make a winning start to the new campaign on home soil.

Head coach Bernard Jackman hands full six PRO14 debuts in Dragons colours to Jordan Williams, Dafydd Howells, Rhodri Williams, Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard and Brandon Nansen.

Gavin Henson is named at fly-half for the encounter while there is also a call-up for Ollie Griffiths who slots in at number eight.

Centre Jack Dixon has recovered from illness to return in the backline while lock Cory Hill will captain the team.

Summer signings Josh Lewis and Huw Taylor are named among the replacements.

Meanwhile, Benetton name Jayden Hayward at full-back while Ratuva Tavuyara and Monty Ioane are on the wings this weekend.

Tommaso Benvenuti and Alberto Sgarbi are in the midfield while the half-backs are Tito Tebaldi and Tommaso Allan.

Dean Budd leads the side from lock alongside Alessandro Zanni while Abraham Steyn, Sebastian Negri and Marco Barbini form a strong back-row.

The teams:

Dragons: 15 Jordan Williams, 14 Dafydd Howells, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Gavin Henson, 9 Rhodri Williams, 8 Ollie Griffiths, 7 Aaron Wainwright, 6 Lewis Evans, 5 Cory Hill (c), 4 Brandon Nansen, 3 Leon Brown, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Ryan Bevington
Replacements: 16 Elliot Dee, 17 Brok Harris, 18 Lloyd Fairbrother, 19 Matthew Screech, 20 Huw Taylor, 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Josh Lewis, 23 Adam Warren

Benetton Rugby: 15 Jayden Hayward, 14 Ratuva Tavuyara, 13 Tommaso Benvenuti, 12 Alberto Sgarbi, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Tommaso Allan, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Marco Barbini, 7 Sebastian Negri, 6 Abraham Steyn, 5 Dean Budd (c), 4 Alessandro Zanni, 3 Tiziano Pasquali, 2 Hame Faiva, 1 Federico Zani
Replacements: 16 Engjel Makelara, 17 Derrick Appiah, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Marco Fuser, 20 Federico Ruzza, 21 Marco Lazzaroni, 22 Giorgio Bronzini, 23 Tommaso Iannone

Venue: Rodney Parade
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Frank Murphy, Simon Rees (Wales)
Television match official: Sean Brickell (Wales)

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Three games take place on Friday in the opening round of the 2018/19 PRO14 season with champions Leinster starting their campaign away at Cardiff Blues.

Cardiff Blues v Leinster

Ellis Jenkins returns to captain Cardiff Blues as they kick off their PRO14 campaign against the reigning champions Leinster at Cardiff Arms Park.

Jenkins, who was named club captain last month, is one of four players to come straight back into competitive action with Rey Lee-Lo, Kristian Dacey and Nick Williams also handing the Blues a boost with their first appearances of the season.

Jason Harries, Rory Thornton and Dmitri Arhip all make their PRO14 debuts for the region following their summer moves to Cardiff Arms Park.

Blues head coach John Mulvihill admits Leinster – the PRO14 and European champions – present a formidable challenge but it is one Wales’ capital region are relishing and he is counting down the minutes until the mouth-watering clash.

“It is a great way for us to kick-off the season – the European Challenge Cup champions against the PRO14 and Champions Cup winners. It promises to be an awesome occasion in Cardiff and we cannot wait to get started,” he said.

Meanwhile, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has named a strong matchday squad to start the defence of their title.

There is a debut for new signing Joe Tomane, while Caelan Doris will make his first start in blue having made his debut away to Connacht last season off the bench.

Elsewhere the back three consists of Dave Kearney, Adam Byrne and last season’s PRO14 top try scorer Barry Daly. The 17-times capped Australian international Tomane is joined in the centre by Irish international Rory O’Loughlin.

In the half-backs, Luke McGrath is partnered by Ross Byrne who wins his 50th cap for the province. The front-row consists of Peter Dooley, James Tracy and Michael Bent, with Ross Molony and Scott Fardy in behind.

In the back-row, Josh Murphy and captain Rhys Ruddock start on the flanks with Doris at number eight.

The teams:

Cardiff Blues: 15 Matthew Morgan, 14 Jason Harries, 13 Willis Halaholo, 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Owen Lane, 10 Jarrod Evans, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Ellis Jenkins (c), 6 Josh Turnbull, 5 Rory Thornton, 4 Seb Davies, 3 Dmitri Arhip, 2 Kristian Dacey, 1 Brad Thyer
Replacements: 16 Rhys Gill, 17 Ethan Lewis, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 George Earle, 20 O Robinson, 21 Tom Williams, 22 Steven Shingler, 23 Garyn Smith

Leinster: 15 Dave Kearney, 14 Adam Byrne, 13 Rory O’Loughlin, 12 Joe Tomane, 11 Barry Daly, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Rhys Ruddock (c), 6 Josh Murphy, 5 Scott Fardy, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Michael Bent, 2 James Tracy, 1 Peter Dooley
Replacements: 16 Bryan Byrne, 17 Ed Byrne, 18 Andrew Porter, 19 Mick Kearney, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Noel Reid, 23 Fergus McFadden

Date: Friday, August 31
Venue: Cardiff Arms Park
Kick-off: 19:35 BST
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse (Wales), Gwyn Morris (Wales)
TMO: Jon Mason (Wales)

Ospreys v Edinburgh

Tom Botha, Aled Davies, Scott Williams and George North make their Ospreys debuts, while Dan Baker, Olly Cracknell, Ma’afu Fia, Gheorghe Gajion, Keelan Giles, Paul James, Lesley Klim, Rob McCusker, Sam Parry and Gareth Thomas are all unavailable through injury.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill has named four debutants in the starting XV.

Summer recruits Henry Pyrgos and Simon Hickey are selected at half-back, whilst recent signings Pierre Schoeman and Luke Hamilton are named at loosehead prop and blindside flanker respectively.

Elsewhere, Matt Scott – who this summer re-joined the club from Gloucester following two seasons in the English Premiership – gets the nod at inside centre and anchors a backline featuring 101 Scotland caps.

On his selection, Cockerill, said: “We’ve named an experienced outfit, which we believe has the mentality and toughness to compete against a combative Ospreys side.

“It’s imperative that we lay down an early marker in the championship. We are prepared as we possibly can and will travel to Wales with confidence.”

Blair Kinghorn returns to action at full-back following a breakout June tour in the dark blue of Scotland. The 21-year-old starts alongside Dougie Fife and last season’s top try scorer, Duhan van der Merwe.

Mark Bennett is named at outside centre alongside the aforementioned Scott.

Club captain Stuart McInally is named at hooker and packs down alongside Schoeman and Simon Berghan – who makes his 50th appearance for the club. Locks Grant Gilchrist and Ben Toolis are selected in the boiler room.

Scotland star Hamish Watson is named at openside flanker and makes his first league appearance since undergoing season-ending surgery in April. Hamilton and Fijian international Bill Mata complete the back-row.

Ospreys: 15 Dan Evans, 14 George North, 13 Scott Williams, 12 Owen Watkin, 11 Hanno Dirksen, 10 Luke Price, 9 Aled Davies, 8 James King, 7 Justin Tipuric (c), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Tom Botha, 2 Scott Otten, 1 Nicky Smith
Replacements: 16 Scott Baldwin, 17 Rhodri Jones, 18 Alex Jeffries, 19 Adam Beard, 20 Sam Cross, 21 Tom Habberfield, 22 Sam Davies, 23 Joe Thomas

Edinburgh: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Dougie Fife, 13 Scott Bennett, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Simon Hickey, 9 Henry Pyrgos, 8 Bill Mata, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Luke Hamilton, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Ben Toolis, 3 Simon Berghan, 2 Stuart McInally (c), 1 Pierre Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Alan Dell, 18 Murray McCallum, 19 Fraser McKenzie, 20 Jamie Ritchie, 21 Sean Kennedy, 22 Jaco van der Walt, 23 James Johnstone

Date: Friday, August 31
Venue: Liberty Stadium
Kick-off: 19:35 BST
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Sean Gallagher (Ireland), Wayne Davies (Wales)
TMO: Tim Hayes (Wales)

Zebre v Southern Kings

Zebre have named eight Italian internationals in their line-up to face the Kings in their PRO14 opener at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Friday.

Tommaso Castello captains the team from midfield alongside Giulio Bisegni with Marcello Violi and Carlo Canna the half-back combination.

Hooker Massimo Ceciliani, prop Giosué Zilocchi, lock Apisai Tauyavuca and fly-half Francois Brummer could make their debut from the bench.

Meanwhile, Kings coach Deon Davids has included six debutants in his matchday squad for their opening PRO14 game against the Italian side.

Full-back Michael Botha, second-row Schalk Oelofse and flanker Henry Brown make first starts for the Port Elizabeth side while second-row JC Astle, centre Ulrich Beyers and prop Lupumlo Mguca are on the bench.

In a surprise move Masixole Banda starts in the number 10 jersey and joins Rudi van Rooyen as the half-back combination.

Zebre: 15 Matteo Minozzi, 14 Mattia Bellini, 13 Giulio Bisegni, 12 Tommaso Castello (c), 11 Giovanbattista Venditti, 10 Carlo Canna, 9 Marcello Violi, 8 Renato Giammarioli, 7 Johan Meyer, 6 David Sisi, 5 George Biagi, 4 Leonard Krumov, 3 Dario Chistolini, 2 Oliviero Fabiani, 1 Andrea Lovotti
Replacements: 16 Massimo Ceciliani, 17 Daniele Rimpelli, 18 Giosué Zilocchi, 19 Apisai Tauyavuca, 20 Jimmy Tuivaiti, 21 Guglielmo Palazzani, 22 Francois Brummer, 23 Edoardo Padovani

Kings: 15 Michael Botha, 14 Michael Makase, 13 Harlon Klaasen, 12 Berton Klaasen, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Masixole Banda, 9 Rudi van Rooyen, 8 Ruaan Lerm, 7 Tienie Burger, 6 Henry Brown, 5 Bobby de Wee, 4 Schalk Oelofse, 3 Luvuyo Pupuma, 2 Michael Willemse (c), 1 Justin Forwood
Replacements: 16 Alandre van Rooyen, 17 Schalk Ferreira, 18 Luphumlo Mguca, 19 JC Astle, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Godlen Masimla, 22 Martin du Toit, 23 Ulrich Beyers

Date: Friday, August 31
Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
Kick-off: 20:35 local (19:35 BST)
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Keith Allen (Scotland), Manuel Bottini (Italy)
TMO: Stefano Pennè (Italy)

 

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