Hoskins Sotutu, of the Blues (second from left), breaks away to score a try during the match against the Highlanders at AAMI Park in Melbourne last weekend. Photo / Photosport
Hoskins Sotutu, of the Blues (second from left), breaks away to score a try during the match against the Highlanders at AAMI Park in Melbourne last weekend. Photo / Photosport
Each Wednesday you will find the latest squad news ahead of the weekend’s rugby: who is in, who is out and when all the footy is going ahead.
Blues team to face Hurricanes
Blues coach Vern Cotter has sent in-form Hoskins Sotutu to the bench for this weekend’s round, with the Blues set to travel to Wellington to take on the Hurricanes on Saturday at 7.05pm.
Recently re-signed loose-forward Anton Segner returns to the starting side at blindside, partnering captain Dalton Papali’i and Akira Ioane, who shifts to No 8 for the match.
Laghlan McWhannell and Cameron Suafoa will lock the Blues scrum this weekend after Sam Darry was ruled out for six to eight weeks with an MCL knee injury.
All Blacks Finlay Christie and Rieko Ioane return to the starting XV at halfback and centre respectively.
Hoskins Sotutu has five tries in the opening two rounds of Super Rugby Pacific. Photo / Photosport
Chiefs team to face Reds
The Chiefs have made a number of changes for round three as they take on the Queensland Reds this Saturday at 9.35pm at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Super debuts loom for North Harbour loose forward Wallace Sititi and Taranaki first five Josh Jacomb, who are both named on the bench.
After starting last week in the reserves, one-time All Black Josh Ioane gets the nod at fullback.
Simon Parker also moves into the starting line-up as openside flanker, as does Cortez Ratima at halfback and Daniel Rona in the midfield. Shaun Stevenson shifts to the wing to accommodate Ioane at fullback for a new-look backline.
Josh Ioane has a chance to impress at fullback for the Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images
Highlanders team to face Waratahs
Ethan de Groot will lead out the Highlanders for the first time as captain on Friday night when they face the New South Wales Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, Sydney kicking off at 9.35pm.
The most significant change can be seen in the loose forwards, with Tom Sanders set to make his Highlanders debut and earn his 47th cap after stints for both the Chiefs and Crusaders before his time in Japan.
Nikora Broughton also earns his first start while powerhouse Hugh Renton retains his spot at the back of the scrum. The Highlanders aim for consistency in their backline that showed promise in round two against the Blues, with the pairing of Rhys Patchell and Folau Fakatava proving fruitful.
Folau Fakatava was a standout for the Highlanders in round two. Photo / Photosport
Crusaders team to face Fijian Drua
Looking for their first win in the 2024 Super season, the Crusaders have named a couple of debutants ahead of their trip to north to take on the Fijian Drua, with kickoff at 2.05pm at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Riley Hohepa comes in to provide cover for Taha Kemara, after joining Rob Penney’s squad as injury cover for Rivez Reihana. Midfielder Jone Rova could also see a Crusaders debut.
Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Macca Springer and Dallas McLeod won’t play against the Drua, with Penney citing a stretch of three New Zealand derbies following their return from Fiji.
The Crusaders will be hoping to turn around last year's 25-24 loss to the Fijian Drua. Photo / Photosport
Moana Pasifika team to face Rebels
Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has made some changes to his Moana Pasifika side who will face the Melbourne Rebels at FMG Stadium, Waikato on Friday night. Kickoff is at 7.05pm.
Pepesana Patafilo rejoins the team at right wing, while Anzelo Tuitavuki gets a start on the left wing. Sione Havili Talitui will captain Moana Pasifika for a second week at openside flanker and Samiuela Moli earns a starting spot at hooker.
Manu Samoa halfback Melani Matavao and promising young hooker Tomasi Maka both have a chance to make their Super Rugby and Moana Pasifika debuts from the bench.
