Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan has answered an SOS in what will be a “bittersweet” NSW farewell against Queensland on Friday for several departing stars.
And the Force have lost their No.10 for the must win match against the Brumbies on Saturday.
Read on for all the latest round 15 Super Rugby Pacific team news.
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CRUSADERS vs MOANA PASIFIKA in Christchurch, Friday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
Coach Rob Penney confirmed that Joe Moody, Willi Heinz, Ryan Crotty and Owen Franks will call time on their Crusaders careers at the end of the season.
Both Moody and Crotty appear in this week’s starting XV, while Franks will come off the bench.
The Crusaders are 10th ahead of the final round.
“We’ve got an opportunity as Crusaders fans to stand up in a united embrace of those four men in particular heading into this weekend, and celebrate what they’ve given to Crusaders rugby,” Penney said.
“We’re focused on Moana Pasifika now as that’s all we can control. We’ll sit back and see what unfolds over the weekend.”
CRUSADERS (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor (c), Tamaiti Williams, Antonio Shalfoon, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Fergus Burke, Macca Springer, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Taine Robinson, Heremaia Murray
MOANA PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sekope Kepu, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, William Havili, Pepesana Patafilo. Julian Savea, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi, Kyren Taumoefolau
Reserves: Tomasi Maka, Ivan Fepuleai, Suetena Asomua, Ola Tauelangi, Alamanda Motuga, Aisea Halo, Christian Lealiifano, Nigel Ah Wong
Referee: Angus Gardner
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WARATAHS vs REDS in Sydney, Friday 7.35pm kickoff AEST
Paddy Ryan has answered an SOS and will start at loosehead prop for the injury ravaged Waratahs on Friday.
Ryan played over 100 matches for the Waratahs prior to his stint in Japan.
“It was great of Paddy to answer the SOS and his experience in the front-row will be invaluable,” NSW coach Darren Coleman said.
The Waratahs cannot avoid the wooden spoon this season and will farewell departing players Ned Hanigan, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Lachie Swinton, Will Harrison, Mosese Tuipulotu and Harry Wilson.
“Definitely mixed emotions for me this week,” Perese said.
“It’s been a good four seasons here at the Tahs and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity they presented me back in 2021.
“It is bittersweet. I’m nothing but grateful to the fans that have supported us through thick and thin, through the highs and the lows.
“There’s never a dead rubber in rugby. Even though we’re not in finals contention we’ve got pride on the line. I’m still going to go out there and give it my all and wear my heart on my sleeve.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Paddy Ryan, Jay Fonokalafi, Tom Ross, Jed Holloway, Miles Amatosero, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Jack Bowen, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Triston Reilly, Mark Nawaqanitawase
Reserves: Ben Sugars, Lewis Ponini, Brad Amituanai, Hugh Sinclair, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Izaia Perese
REDS (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggor, Connor Vest, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott (co-c), Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Tim Ryan, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Ryan Smith, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Taj Annan
Referee: James Doleman
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FIJIAN DRUA vs REBELS in Lautoka, Saturday 12.05pm kickoff AEST
Brothers Carter and Mason Gordon will make their first Rebels starts together after being named in the run on team to play the Drua.
Carter is back at five-eighth after recovering from concussion while Mason has been named at fullback.
The seventh placed Rebels have already locked in their maiden finals appearance while the eighth placed Drua must win to confirm their own spot.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Waqa Nalaga, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz
REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feiluai, Nick Jooste, Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Kellaway, Mason Gordon
Reserves: Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, James Tuttle, David Vaihu, Jake Strachan
Referee: Paul Williams
HURRICANES vs HIGHLANDERS in Dunedin, Saturday 2.35pm kickoff AEST
The Hurricanes have welcomed back star hooker Asafo Aumua to their starting lineup for Saturday’s key clash with the Highlanders.
Aumua’s return from injury is a timely one after Raymond Tuputupu copped a three week suspension earlier on Wednesday.
The second placed Hurricanes are behind the Blues on points differential heading into the final round.
“It’s our house, and a place we are proud to play – we’re proud to play for our members, fans, partners and our families,” Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“We’d love to see a big crowd there as we push toward the finals.”
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Pasilio Tosi, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett (c), Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
Reserves: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Justin Sangster, Peter Lakai, Jordi Vijoen, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Fabian Holland, Max Hicks, Billy Harmon (co-c), Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Ajay Falegaga, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop, Finn Hurley
Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Tom Sanders, Hayden Michaels, Folau Fakatava, Jake Te Hiwi, Martín Bogado
Referee: Nic Berry
BLUES vs CHIEFS in Auckland, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
The ladder leading Blues welcome back All Blacks halfback Finlay Christie to their squad for the ‘Battle of the Bombays.’
Christie has been named on the bench after recovering from a groin injury while tighthead prop Marcel Renata is also back as a starter.
The Blues lost to the Crusaders last week.
“Our performance wasn’t good enough last week, we know that, we’ve talked about it and we aim to improve it against the Chiefs,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.
“This game is crucial in determining the playoff standings – I would be encouraging anyone in the Blues region to head along on Saturday night, this game has the potential for real fireworks.”
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Finlay Christie, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jimmy Tupou, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
RESERVES: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Sione Ahio, Simon Parker, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Quinn Tupaea, Peniasi Malimali
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
FORCE vs BRUMBIES in Perth, Saturday 7.35pm kickoff AEST
Former Wallabies lock Sam Carter returns to the Force starting XV for Saturday’s must win game at HBF Park.
Carter has been out since round 10 due to a hamstring injury while Max Burey will start at five-eighth after Ben Donaldson’s groin injury.
The ninth placed Force need the Rebels to beat or draw with the Drua to keep their finals hopes alive.
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Sam Carter, Izack Rodda, Jeremy Williams (c), Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep, Nic White, Max Burey, Ronan Leahy, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman, Kurtley Beale
Reserves: Ben Funnell, Marley Pearce, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Michael Wells, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Sam Spink
BRUMBIES (1-15): Blake Schoupp, Billy Pollard, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Reserves: Connal McInerney, Harry Vella, Sosefo Kautai, Cadeyrn Neville, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Jack Debreczeni, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Jordan Way