Teams: Baby Waratahs named for daunting test

DRUA (15-1): Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese, Apisalome Vota, Michael Naitokani, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Teti Tela, Penia Matawalu, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Joseva Tamani, Leone Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Haereiti Hetet

Reserves: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Kalione Nasoko, Kitione Taliga

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

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REBELS vs CRUSADERS in Melbourne, Friday 7.35pm AEST

Rebels coach Kevin Foote has made five changes to his starting XV.

Experienced props Matt Gibbon and Sam Talakai replace Cabous Eloff and Pone Fa’amausili, while Stacey Ili is back at No.12.

Ili’s return sees Reece Hodge move to outside centre and Wallabies teammate Andrew Kellaway to fullback.

“It’s an important game for us after having the bye last week, and all the boys are just focused on laying it all out there, playing fast, fearless and resolute and putting in a great performance for ourselves and our fans,” Rebels playmaker Carter Gordon said.

REBELS (15-1): Andrew Kellaway, Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Stacey Ili, Monty Ioane, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Brad Wilkin (c), Josh Kemeny, Trevor Hosea, Josh Canham, Sam Talakai, Alex Mafi, Matt Gibbon.

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, Cameron Orr, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Lukas Ripley, Joe Pincus.

CRUSADERS (15-1): Fergus Burke, Pepesana Patafilo, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Macca Springer, Richie Mo’unga, Mitchell Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Dom Gardiner, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody

Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Willi Heinz, Jack Goodhue, Dallas McLeod.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

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BLUES vs WARATAHS in Auckland, Saturday 5.05pm AEST

A young Waratahs side faces a daunting challenge against the Blues as they prepare to field a severely understrength team at Eden Park.

Michael Hooper, Lalakai Foketi and Mark Nawaqanitawase are on Wallabies rest weeks while Test forwards Dave Porecki and Ned Hanigan (both HIA) have joined a lengthy injury list.

Lachie Swinton will miss the rest of the regular season with suspension.

“It’s a massive challenge for us this weekend playing the Blues in Auckland, we haven’t won there since 2009, so we’re cognisant of that fact,” Waratahs coach Darren Coleman said.

“It’s great to see Zac von Appen, Harry Wilson, and Hunter Ward get their starting debuts. All three have had a great summer and put in a lot of work to be in this position.

“We also welcome Nephi Leatigaga, Michael Icely, and Jack Bowen all to potentially play their first game for the Waratahs and there’s no better place to do it, than against the Blues at one of the most iconic venues in world rugby.

“It’s going to be a fight we’re well up for.”

BLUES (15-1): Stephen Perofeta, Mark Telea, Rieko Ioane, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Adrian Choat, Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Patrick Tyuipoulotu (c), Nepo Laulala, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tuungafasi

Reserves: Soane Vikena, Jordan Lay, James Lay, Cameron Suafoa, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, Zarn Sullivan

WARATAHS (15-1): Harry Wilson, Max Jorgensen, Izaia Perese, Joey Walton, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Jake Gordon (c), Will Harris, Hunter Ward, Taleni Seu, Zac von Appen, Jed Holloway, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert

Reserves: Tolu Latu, Nephi Leatigaga, Daniel Botha, Michael Icely, Charlie Gamble, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Mosese Tuipulpotu

Referee: Paul Williams

Force import’s contender for ‘try of the year’

FORCE vs HIGHLANDERS in Perth, Saturday 7.35pm AEST

Force coach Simon Cron has made four changes to his starting XV to take on the Highlanders at HBF Park.

Captain Michael Wells is back after three weeks on the sideline with an Achilles tendon strain while playmaker Bryce Hegarty also returns after recovering from back pain.

Winger Toni Pulu (knee) replaces Zack Kibirige (hamstring) while lock Felix Kalapu is also back.

The Highlanders have also had some mixed news on the injury front.

The bye break has allowed Freddie Burns, Fabian Holland, Connor Garden-Bachop, Will Tucker, Mitch Hunt and Josh Timu vital time to overcome injuries.

“It’s great to get a few players coming back but unfortunate that we had to leave Aaron Smith and Josh Dickson at home for personal reasons and also Folau Fakatava for illness,” Clarke Dermody said.

“(The Force are) a formidable team at home and they have already proven this season that they cannot be taken lightly by any team. They play fast, attractive rugby and we know we will have our hands full come Saturday, they’re a team that doesn’t clock off and we will certainly need an 80 minute performance.”

FORCE (15-1): Chase Tiatia, Manasa Mataele, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Zach Kibirige, Jake Strachan, Gareth Simpson (c), Jacob Norris, Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Jeremy Williams, Jackson Pugh, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Tom Robertson

Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Angus Wagner, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Felix Kalapu, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Bayley Kuenzle, George Poolman

HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Sam Gilbert, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, James Arscott, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell, Will Tucker, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de Groot

Reserves: Leni Apisai, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Freddie Burns, Josh Timu

Referee: Nic Berry

BYES: BRUMBIES, HURRICANES, MOANA PASIFIKA, REDS

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