Mo’unga is easily one of the most glittering Super Rugby players of recent times, with back-to-back Super Rugby player of the year awards in New Zealand in 20. Player to watch – Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) It is tricky one to call, but it is set up for a hum-dinger in Waikato. Home advantage will be a factor for the Chiefs looking to claim points from the best-placed Australian side, but the form of the Brumbies will carry the Australians into the clash. Out wide, flyer Tom Wright leads the try-scorers list in Super Rugby Pacific with seven scores, and he will be looking to add to his tally in a fast, open game in Hamilton. Scrum-half and captain Nic White has been a commanding general, and that has had a positive knock-on effect for young playmaker Noah Lolesio, who has done an excellent job in connecting the dots for his outside players. Meanwhile, the Brumbies have been claiming scalp after scalp as the team seems to have hit their straps and streamlined their processes.Įxperience and power has been core to the success of the Brumbies’ pack which is littered with Wallabies in James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a, Rob Valentini and Pete Samu. Jonah Lowe scored four tries against the Waratahs, and the Brumbies should not underestimate his threat on attack.
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The form of fly-half Bryn Gatland has been solid, and the playmaker has done well to combine with the players outside of him with the help of All Black centre Quinn Tupaea. Sowakula is dynamic and energetic, adding massive value to the Chiefs forwards at the moment. Number eight, Pita Gus Sowakula, has shown remarkable consistency in his form and work rate this season. Expect their mobile forwards to set a good platform for the backline to run on, as they have done for the last month. The Chiefs’ pack is very settled and welcomes the return of captain Sam Cane who will only add to the solidity of the group. However, it will be challenging against a Brumbies side that seems to be going from strength to strength. The home side has been in great form, taking a clean sweep of wins in Australia and will be looking to continue their success against Australian sides. The Rebels’ improved form may not prove enough to win in New Zealand. The Blues are riding high and have played some beautiful rugby throughout the competition to date and will be happy to be back in Auckland with an opportunity to continue dictating terms. In a surprising move, Rebels head coach Kevin Foote dropped prop Cabous Eloff, who has been in excellent form both as a try-scorer and at scrum time. Wallaby scrum-half Joe Powell gets a start, and he will be looking to find a way to hold onto that starting spot with a good performance. The Melbourne side will be without their captain Michael Wells who has been magnificent in leading by example and his absence will be a significant loss during this encounter. The Rebels have finally found some synergy in their play, their set-piece has significantly improved, and their game awareness has sharpened up. Tuivasa-Sheck has begun finding his feet in rugby union after switching from rugby league. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Rieko Ioane pair up in the midfield in a partnership waiting to blossom. Akira Ioane made a good return from injury last week and will look to continue trending upwards to complement the mobile pack coach Leon MacDonald has at his disposal. That he embraces the responsibility of leadership, and no doubt it has grown him as a player.
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Still, utility back Stephen Perofeta comes into the role offering different attributes that can be as dangerous as times.Ĭaptain Dalton Papalii is playing tremendously well and has proved week in and week out this season The Blues will be without star playmaker Beauden Barrett who has been in scintillating form. Super Rugby Pacific’s top-placed side take on the resurgent Rebels, who have recently found their footing in the competition to sit in eighth on the table. Scott-Barrett-Crusaders-v-Blues-SRP-2022-PAĬheck out the teams ahead of Round 13 of the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season, which starts with the Highlanders v Western Force.Ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific Round 12, Planet Rugby previews the biggest talking points ahead of the action. Selena Gomez Stylishly Steps Out in Paris After Being Spotted With Nat Wolff © PA Images