As the Super Rugby Pacific heats up, all eyes are on Brumbies' stalwart James Slipper, who is on the brink of setting a new record for most appearances in the tournament. The seasoned prop is slated to play his 203rd game this Friday against the Chiefs, surpassing former record-holder, Wyatt Crockett. Meanwhile, the Crusaders face a setback as they will be without their skipper, David Havili, due to a heel injury, sidelining him for about four weeks.
James Slipper, the Wallabies' most capped player, began his Super Rugby journey with the Reds back in 2010, clocking in 104 appearances before joining the Brumbies in 2019. As he gears up for his record-breaking game, Slipper shared his thoughts:
"It's an honor to reach this milestone. Every match is a new challenge, and I'm just as excited as I was in my debut season."
On the other side, the Crusaders are grappling with the loss of David Havili. The center’s absence is a significant blow to the team as they prepare to face Moana Pasifika in Auckland. This match is crucial as the Crusaders aim to maintain their formidable form despite missing their key player.
This weekend's fixtures are packed with action. The Highlanders and Hurricanes will clash in Dunedin, promising a thrilling encounter with both teams showcasing strong line-ups. Additionally, the Fijian Drua will take on the Reds in what's expected to be a fiercely contested battle in Lautoka.
The team rosters are as follows:
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Reesjan Pasitoa, Folau Fakatava, Hugh Renton, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Veveni Lasaqua, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Tanielu Tele’a.
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Bailyn Sullivan.
Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Kye Oates, Kadin Pritchard, Hudson Creighton, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Darcy Breen, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Al
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As the Super Rugby Pacific heats up, all eyes are on Brumbies' stalwart James Slipper, who is on the brink of setting a new record for most appearances in the tournament. The seasoned prop is slated to play his 203rd game this Friday against the Chiefs, surpassing former record-holder, Wyatt Crockett. Meanwhile, the Crusaders face a setback as they will be without their skipper, David Havili, due to a heel injury, sidelining him for about four weeks.
James Slipper, the Wallabies' most capped player, began his Super Rugby journey with the Reds back in 2010, clocking in 104 appearances before joining the Brumbies in 2019. As he gears up for his record-breaking game, Slipper shared his thoughts:
"It's an honor to reach this milestone. Every match is a new challenge, and I'm just as excited as I was in my debut season."
On the other side, the Crusaders are grappling with the loss of David Havili. The center’s absence is a significant blow to the team as they prepare to face Moana Pasifika in Auckland. This match is crucial as the Crusaders aim to maintain their formidable form despite missing their key player.
This weekend's fixtures are packed with action. The Highlanders and Hurricanes will clash in Dunedin, promising a thrilling encounter with both teams showcasing strong line-ups. Additionally, the Fijian Drua will take on the Reds in what's expected to be a fiercely contested battle in Lautoka.
The team rosters are as follows:
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Reesjan Pasitoa, Folau Fakatava, Hugh Renton, Lucas Casey, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Oliver Haig, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Veveni Lasaqua, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Tanielu Tele’a.
Hurricanes: Callum Harkin, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Fehi Fineanganofo, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Warner Dearns, Caleb Delany, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Replacements: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Brad Shields, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Ereatara Enari, Bailyn Sullivan.
Brumbies: Andy Muirhead, Kye Oates, Kadin Pritchard, Hudson Creighton, Corey Toole, Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan, Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Darcy Breen, Billy Pollard, James Slipper. Replacements: Liam Bowron, Blake Schoupp, Tevita Al