The Silver Fern

Drua

Peni Ravai, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge (c), Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Baselala, Isikeli Rabitu

Reds

Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott (c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell

Replacements: Max Craig, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Heremaia Murray

BLUES TEAM NAMED FOR CRUCIAL FORCE CLASH — Blues Rugby

The Blues have named a refreshed matchday 23 for their crucial Round 12 clash against the Western Force at Eden Park this Friday night.    In the forward pack, Dalton Papali’i returns at openside flanker after recovering from an ankle injury, bringing his experience back into the l

1. Joshua Fusitu’a (31)
2. Ricky Riccitelli (45)
3. Marcel Renata (60)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (capt) (118)
5. Laghlan McWhannell (17)
6. Anton Segner (32)
7. Dalton Papali’i (91)
8. Hoskins Sotutu (73)
9. Taufa Funaki (30)
10. Beauden Barrett (38)
11. AJ Lam (52)
12. Xavi Taele (2)
13. Rieko Ioane (122)
14. Cole Forbes (24)
15. Stephen Perofeta (72)

Reserves: 16. Kurt Eklund (69), 17. Mason Tupaea (5), 18. Angus Ta’avao (76), 19. Josh Beehre (21), 20. Cam Christie (6), 21. Adrian Choat (49), 22. Sam Nock (78), 23. Corey Evans (22)

Players not considered due to injury: Caleb Clarke (thigh), Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season), Sam Darry (shoulder, season).

Highlanders team to play Moana.

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Soane Vikena
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Fabian Holland
5. Oliver Haig
6. Te Kamaka Howden
7. Sean Withy
8. Hugh Renton (cc)
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Cameron Millar
11. Jonah Lowe
12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc)
13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen
14. Sam Gilbert
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Impacts:
16. Jack Taylor
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Rohan Wingham
19. Mitch Dunshea
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Folau Fakatava
22. Taine Robinson
23. Jake Te Hiwi

Arguably one of the most important games of the season on Saturday for both sides, with everything to play for.

The Chiefs will be wanting to claim an outright lead atop the Super Rugby standings, while the Canes will be looking to strengthen their playoff position before their bye.

We already know the Chiefs will be without ABs Dmac and ALB, whereas the Canes will likely put out by far their strongest side of the season.

Three key matchups for me in this game are:

• Aumua vs Taukei'aho: the clash of the two AB hookers who are down on form will be a fascinating watch. If they both play well we should see plenty of tries scored due to their game breaking ability.
• Lakai vs Sititi: Lakai showed in the last 30 mins of the game against the Crusaders that when he ups his intensity he can dominate a footy match. On the other side you have arguably the ABs best player of 2024 who looked very good in his return game against the Force. I'm hoping Sititi starts because that match-up will be huge.
• Roigard vs Ratima: here's hoping the Chiefs give Ratima the start. Ranked the 1 and 2 halfbacks in the pecking order, this battle will likely go a long way in deciding the match. The one that stands out could be the front runner for the first starting jersey of the season.

What are the sites you read to get rugby news? If the answer is 'none' then there's no need to post in this thread

There's the obvious big ones like Stuff & NZH. Then there's good regional ones like the ODT

What else? Other regional ones with good content they create? Sources for editorials? Any good substacks etc?

I'll tag a couple of guys familiar with the local media: @SouthernMann @Smudge

3 votes

Savea brothers named for first Moana Pasifika game together in Drua clash  – Moana Pasifika

Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Fine Inisi, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili

Replacements: Tomasi Maka, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Allan Craigm Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Julian Savea

Unavailable due to injury: James Lay (neck), Lotu Inisi (knee), Michael Curry (neck), Neria Fomai (knee/season), Sama Malolo (shoulder), Samiuela Moli (rib), Sione Mafile’o (neck), Solomon Alaimalo (foot).