It’s now or never for those hoping to feature in the Super Rugby finals.
After 14 weeks, 11 teams still are in the running to reach the final eight knockout stages. To find out how your side is placed, we’ve crunched the numbers and spelled out all the permutations.
Super Rugby Rd 15 teams: All times AEST
Friday
Blues vs Highlanders at Eden Park. Kick-off 5:05pm
Dalton Papalii’s return headlines the Blues’ side to take on the Highlanders on Friday night.
The Blues captain missed the previous two weeks because of suspension, but his return is a timely one on the eve of the Super Rugby finals.
Star All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett has once again been kept on the sidelines, after the two-time World Rugby player of the year picked up a concussion against the Reds earlier in the month.
As such, Harry Plummer continues in the No.10 jersey after his fine showing against the Hurricanes last week. Stephen Perofeta returns via the bench.
Dalton Papalii (L) is back for the Blues but Beauden Barrett remains sidelined. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
The Highlanders have also named a settled side for their must-win clash at Eden Park, with Scott Gregory’s move onto the right-wing the only change to the starting XV.
Blues (1-15): Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ricky Riccitelli, Nepo Laulala, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), James Tucker, Tom Robinson, Anton Segner, Dalton Papalii, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Jordan Lay, Marcel Renata, Rob Rush, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, AJ Lam
Highlanders (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Andrew Makalio, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks, Shannon Frizell, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Freddie Burns, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Matt Whaanga, Scott Gregory, Mitch Hunt
Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Connor Garden-Bachop, Fetuli Paea
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Brumbies vs Rebels at GIO Stadium. Kick-off: 7:35pm
The Brumbies have welcomed back Wallabies Nic White and Cadeyrn Neville for their last match of the regular season against the Rebels, but have made eight changes to their starting side for Friday night’s clash.
While Jack Debreczeni will wear the No.10 jersey, with Noah Lolesio not risked after experiencing concussion symptoms following their 31-21 loss to the Chiefs.
It’s a brand new front-row for the Brumbies, with James Slipper given the week off following the birth of his first child. Connal McInerney comes in at hooker for Lachie Lonergan while Sefo Kautia starts at tight-head prop following Allan Alaalatoa’s season-ending injury.
Cadeyrn Neville makes a timely return in the second-row and partners Nic Frost, which sees Tom Hooper shift to blindside flanker. The move will see Pete Samu come off the bench.
Nic White has made a welcomed return for the Brumbies. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
It’s also a brand new halves pairing, with Debreczeni partnering Nic White, who returns after missing the past two matches.
Ollie Sapsford meanwhile starts at inside centre, with Tamati Tua to come off the bench.
“It’s great for us to have Nic and Cadeyrn back, especially with Allan likely to miss some time through injury,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
“Family comes first for the club and after welcoming his first child, Slips needed to be with his family this week and it’s a fantastic opportunity for Fred to get his first start.
“Friday night’s an important game for us, a special night for Pete on his 100th, and we’ll recognise the contribution of our departing players and staff but the first job is to perform for our home crowd and that’s our focus.”
Reece Hodge will play his 100th Super Rugby in the Rebels’ must-win clash against the Brumbies on Friday night. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the Rebels have named a settled side for their must-win clash.
Kevin Foote has made just the one change, with Nick Jooste starting at inside centre alongside Reece Hodge, who will play his 100th Super Rugby match.
Brumbies (1-15): Fred Kaihea, Connal McInerney, Sefo Kautai, Nick Frost, Cadeyrn Neville, Tom Hooper, Jahrome Brown, Rob Valetini, Nic White (c), Jack Debreczeni, Corey Toole, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Pete Samu, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Tamati Tua, Jesse Mogg
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Matt Philip, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Richard Hardwick, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, Nick Jooste, Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Replacements: Alex Mafi, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Pone Fa’amausili, Trevor Hosea, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Stacey Ili, Joe Pincus
Referee: Angus Gardner
Saturday
Drua vs Reds at HCF Bank Stadium
Drua: TBC
Reds: TBC
Referee: Paul Williams
Hurricanes vs Crusaders at Sky Stadium. Kick-off: 2:35pm
Hurricanes: TBC
Crusaders: TBC
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Waratahs vs Moana Pasifika at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off: 7:35pm
Moana Pasifika: TBC
Waratahs: TBC
Referee: Graham Cooper
Force vs Chiefs at HBF Park. Kick-off: 10pm
Force: TBC
Chiefs: TBC
Referee: Nic Berry
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