Super Rugby Pacific Round Three Preview

Thu, Mar 7, 2024, 12:32 PM
Nathan Williamson


Round Three of Super Rugby Pacific has a host of exciting match-ups as teams look to make their mark on the competition.

It kicks off with Moana Pasifika hosting Melbourne Rebels as both teams come off a win, followed by last week's shock victors NSW Waratahs facing the Highlanders.

The Fijian Drua and Crusaders head to Fiji looking for their first win whilst the ACT Brumbies look for revenge against the Western Force after last year's defeat helped prevent a top four finish.

The round finishes with rivals Blues and Hurricanes facing off in the NZ capital whilst the impressive Chiefs travel to Brisbane to face the Queensland Reds.


Friday 8 March 5:05 pm AEDT – Moana Pasifika v Melbourne Rebels at FMG Stadium, Hamilton, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

Teams
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Sama Malolo, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu, Pepesana Patafilo, Danny Toala

RESERVES: Tomasi Maki, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Irie Papuni, Melani Matavao, Christian Lealiifano, Kyren Taumoefolau

REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jake Strachan

RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Glen Vaihu, Lukas Ripley

Stats
The Rebels have won both of their matches with Moana Pasifika, scoring four tries of each of their two wins
Melbourne Rebels have only won one of their last nine games away from AAMI Park whilst Moana has won only one of their last 17 games in NZ
The Rebels have made 16.5 attacking 22m entries per game, whilst only conceding 7.5 attacking 22m entries - leading the comp in both

Key Match Up
Henry Taefu v Filipo Daugunu

Taefu is the key spark around Moana’s backline, unlocking the electric backline that tormented Fijian Drua last week.

The former Force centre continues to get better and faces a tough task against winger-turned-centre Filipo Daugunu.

Daugunu impressed in his move to the centres for the Reds last year, with his defence an underrated strength of his game

Prediction
Rebels by 5


Friday 8 March 7:35 pm AEDT – NSW Waratahs v Highlanders at Allianz Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen

RESERVES: Julian Heaven, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Teddy Wilson, Harry Wilson, Mosese Tuipulotu

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (c), Henry Bell, Jermaine Ainsley, Fabian Holland, Max Hicks, Tom Sanders, Nikora Broughton, Hugh Renton, Folau Fakatava, Rhys Patchell, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele'a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

RESERVES: Ricky Jackson, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon, James Arscott, Ajay Faleafaga, Jonah Lowe

Stats
The Waratahs have won back-to-back games over the Highlanders, their longest winning streak against the side since 2000
The Waratahs will be aiming for back-to-back wins against NZ teams for the first time since 2015
The Highlanders (335) and Waratahs (357) have gained the fewest metres per game of any team
Key Match Up

Max Jorgensen v Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Two of the most exciting young players in Super Rugby get the chance to test themselves against each other.

Jorgensen had a breakout season in 2023 and is slowly building from his return from a broken leg.

As for Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, he has shone after taking the opportunity to leave the Blues and has thrived in the opening fortnight of the competition

Prediction
Waratahs by 3


Saturday 9 March 12:05 pm AEDT – Fijian Drua v Crusaders at Churchill Park, Lautoka, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

Teams
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Epeli Momo, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Junior Ratuva

CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett (c), Quinten Strange, Dominic Gardiner, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Taha Kemara, Manasa Mataele, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki

RESERVES: Ioane Moananu, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Mitchell Drummond, Jone Rova, Riley Hohepa

Stats
The last time the Crusaders were on a two game winning streak was the inaugural Super season, where they lost their first three games of the campaign
Fijian Drua have won five of their last six games in Fiji
The Crusaders have made just nine line breaks in two rounds, which is tenth in the competition, only ahead of the Highlanders and Reds (both four)

Key Match Up
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula v Taha Kemara

Two young halves who are desperate to lead the side to their first win of the season.

Armstrong-Ravula has a bright future for Fiji after spending time in the NPC, still finding his feet in Super Rugby.

As for Kemara, he had a tough starting debut against the Waratahs and has to learn quickly how to deal with the pressure that comes with guiding the Crusaders around the park

Prediction
Crusaders by 10


Saturday 9 March 2:35 pm AEDT – ACT Brumbies v Western Force at GIO Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Sosefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Darcy Swain, Tom Hooper, Luke Reimer, Rob Valetini, Ryan Lonergan (c), Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, Tamati Tua, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright

RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Lachlan Shaw, Jahrome Brown, Klayton Thorn, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford

FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Tom Franklin, Jeremy Williams (c), Michael Wells, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Max Burey

RESERVES: Feleti Kaitu’u, Charlie Hancock, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Tim Anstee, Lopeti Faifua, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman

Stats
The Force snapped a 14-game losing streak against the Brumbies last year, going for back-to-back wins against the Brumbies for the first time since 2009
The Brumbies have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby ages at GIO Stadium.
The Force have conceded 40+ games in each of their last four Super Rugby matches

Key Match Up
Ryan Lonergan v Nic White

Nic White will have all the attention on him as he returns to Canberra for the first time in Force colours.

White is a ‘natural target’ according to team-mate Michael Wells but he will still have a soft spot in Brumbies fans' hearts after his years of service.

Meanwhile, Lonergan can show why the Brumbies have put their future in his hands if the captain can outplay his opposite nine and get the win

Prediction
Brumbies by 8

Saturday 9 March 5:05 pm AEDT – Hurricanes v Blues at Sky Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

Teams
HURRICANES (1-15): Tevita Mafileo, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, James Tucker, Isaia Walker-Leawere, TK Howden, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Cam Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor (co-c), Josh Moorby, Ruben Love

RESERVES: James O'Reilly, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Devan Flanders, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi

BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu'a, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Suafoa, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali'i (c), Akira Ioane, Finlay Christie, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele'a, Zarn Sullivan

RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Beehre, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Cole Forbes

Stats
The Blues have won six of their last eight matches against the Hurricanes, only enjoying a longer winning run in their first eight meetings in Super Rugby
The Hurricanes have won seven of their last nine matches at Sky Stadium, scoring 6.1 tries per game across the nine games.
The Hurricanes have made 40 tackle breaks per game in the 2024 season, the most of any team.

Key Match Up
Zarn Sullivan v Ruben Love

Both fullbacks will be eager to impress to establish their credentials as an All Blacks bolter.

Sullivan has been quietly impressive for the Blues at the back, forming a great partnership along with Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea and Rieko Ioane.

Love spent the off-season with renowned sprint coach Roger Fabri and is showing the fruits of his labour in the first two games.

Prediction
Blues by 4


Saturday 9 March 7:35 pm AEDT – Queensland Reds v Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

Teams
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Tom Lyngah, Mac Grealy, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suli Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

RESERVES: Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan

CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Dyer, Tupou Vaa'i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson, Josh Ioane

RESERVES: Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Reuben O'Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown

Stats
Each of the last five meetings between the Reds and Chiefs has been decided by single figure margins
The Chiefs have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby matches away from FMG Stadium, scoring 37 points per game across that span
The Reds (18) and Chiefs (17.5) have made more successful defensive 22m exits per game than any other side

Key Match Up
Harry Wilson v Luke Jacobson

Both number eights are crucial to the side’s fortunes and have started the season on fire.

Wilson has come out with a point to prove after once again missing Wallabies selection.

A strong performance against a Black regular in Jacobson will be crucial to announcing his intention, with Jacobson at his consistent best in the opening two rounds

Prediction
Chiefs by 12

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