As the Super Rugby Pacific barrels into its second round, all eyes are locked on James Slipper, the venerable Wallabies prop, who is poised to mark his 200th Super Rugby appearance. This milestone will be achieved in a high-tension face-off between his team, the Brumbies, and the Crusaders in Christchurch come Sunday. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are gearing up with a reinforced lineup, welcoming back an All Blacks trio, as they prepare to clash with the Highlanders in what promises to be a riveting encounter.
James Slipper, who hung up his international boots last year, continues to be a formidable force in the domestic league. His journey through the ranks of Australian rugby is nothing short of legendary, having amassed 104 caps with the Reds before his ongoing stint with the Brumbies. This weekend, not only will he celebrate a personal milestone, but also edge closer to the Super Rugby appearance record, currently held by Wyatt Crockett at 202 games.
"Reaching 200 games in such a demanding competition is a testament to James' durability and skill. He's been an incredible asset to Australian rugby,"
noted a former teammate.
On the other hand, the Chiefs are buoyed by the return of Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, and Simon Parker from the All Blacks camp. Carter is set to ignite the left wing, while Narawa and Parker are slated to come off the bench, potentially injecting fresh vigor into the match against the Highlanders.
The weekend's matches kick off with the Hurricanes hosting Moana Pasifika at Sky Barr Stadium, Wellington, where Jordie Barrett captains the Hurricanes. The Waratahs will play against the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, promising another set of thrilling encounters.
As the teams line up this weekend, the stakes are unmistakably high, not just for the players hitting personal milestones like Slipper, but for every team fighting to establish dominance early in the season. Each match, loaded with strategic and personal battles, is set to be a showcase of rugby at its finest.
Teams for the upcoming matches are as follows:
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Jordie Barrett (c), Fehi Fineanganofo, Brett Cameron, Ere Enari, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Hugo Plummer, Siale Lauaki, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Matolu Petaia, Brad Shields, Arese Poliko, Cam Roigard, Billy Proctor.
Moana Pasifika: Simon Peter Toleafoa, Israel Leota, Glen Vaihu, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama, Patrick Pellegrini, Siaosi Nginingini, Dominic Ropeti, Konrad Toleafoa, Semisi Paea, Alefosio Aho, Veikoso Poloniati, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Sami
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As the Super Rugby Pacific barrels into its second round, all eyes are locked on James Slipper, the venerable Wallabies prop, who is poised to mark his 200th Super Rugby appearance. This milestone will be achieved in a high-tension face-off between his team, the Brumbies, and the Crusaders in Christchurch come Sunday. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are gearing up with a reinforced lineup, welcoming back an All Blacks trio, as they prepare to clash with the Highlanders in what promises to be a riveting encounter.
James Slipper, who hung up his international boots last year, continues to be a formidable force in the domestic league. His journey through the ranks of Australian rugby is nothing short of legendary, having amassed 104 caps with the Reds before his ongoing stint with the Brumbies. This weekend, not only will he celebrate a personal milestone, but also edge closer to the Super Rugby appearance record, currently held by Wyatt Crockett at 202 games.
"Reaching 200 games in such a demanding competition is a testament to James' durability and skill. He's been an incredible asset to Australian rugby,"
noted a former teammate.On the other hand, the Chiefs are buoyed by the return of Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, and Simon Parker from the All Blacks camp. Carter is set to ignite the left wing, while Narawa and Parker are slated to come off the bench, potentially injecting fresh vigor into the match against the Highlanders.
The weekend's matches kick off with the Hurricanes hosting Moana Pasifika at Sky Barr Stadium, Wellington, where Jordie Barrett captains the Hurricanes. The Waratahs will play against the Fijian Drua at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, promising another set of thrilling encounters.
As the teams line up this weekend, the stakes are unmistakably high, not just for the players hitting personal milestones like Slipper, but for every team fighting to establish dominance early in the season. Each match, loaded with strategic and personal battles, is set to be a showcase of rugby at its finest.
Teams for the upcoming matches are as follows:
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Bailyn Sullivan, Jordie Barrett (c), Fehi Fineanganofo, Brett Cameron, Ere Enari, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Hugo Plummer, Siale Lauaki, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Matolu Petaia, Brad Shields, Arese Poliko, Cam Roigard, Billy Proctor.
Moana Pasifika: Simon Peter Toleafoa, Israel Leota, Glen Vaihu, Faletoi Peni, Tuna Tuitama, Patrick Pellegrini, Siaosi Nginingini, Dominic Ropeti, Konrad Toleafoa, Semisi Paea, Alefosio Aho, Veikoso Poloniati, Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, Sami