Wallabies captain Michael Hooper has been named to start while Jake Gordon returns from injury for the Waratahs, while the Queensland Reds welcome back a “superstar” who has been on the long term injury list.
Gordon makes a return from a hamstring injury and plays his first match since Round three against the Brumbies.
“Getting Jake back is a huge boost for the team, and we are really happy how the past few weeks have panned out,” coach Darren Coleman said.
“We were tempted to play him before the bye with a bit of risk but we’re glad in hindsight we played the long game with him, as he’s now back and one hundred percent fit and ready for big minutes in a very important match for us.”
Charlie Gamble, who has been outstanding at No.7 in Hooper’s absence, rtains his place in the starting side, at No.6.
“It’s a little unconventional having two specialist sevens in the side, but I’m a firm believer in rewarding strong performances,” Coleman said.
“Both Charlie and Hugh Sinclair have been outstanding for us and deserve their opportunity in the starting side albeit in slightly different positions.
“We know the energy that having both Charlie and Hoops on the field together will give our team right across the park and I’m looking forward to seeing how that unfolds on the weekend.”
Queensland Reds code-hopper Suli Vunivalu returns to Melbourne, where he starred for the Storm in the NRL, for his first outing this season.
Vunivalu has been hampered by persistent hamstring issues, playing just seven times in two years at the Reds, and captain Tate McDermott was excited to see him selected.
“Suli, how good, back in Melbourne, hopefully he brings a couple of Melbourne Storm fans with him,” said McDermott.
“He started to hit his straps last year then his hammy went. We were absolutely gutted for him. I spent a bit of time in rehab with him and he’s someone who’s awesome to be around – just his aura – so James will put up a couple of kicks for him and see what he can do.
“I imagine he would have been incredibly frustrated but he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t show it. He’s been awesome for this team, the boys love him, love having a superstar around, it’s awesome for our club.”
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is set to resume his bid for an All Blacks jersey after being named on the Blues’ bench to face the Crusaders on Friday.
The former Warriors NRL star has been out of action for a month after suffering a shoulder injury against the Chiefs during the side’s third round victory.
The Blues are proceeding strongly this season, with the latest success a 25-0 shut out of the Chiefs.
“We packed the three games in seven days into one basket, and then coming off that, our away game win over the Chiefs. The short week to take on the Crusaders is our next challenge to give an accurate measure of our progress,” said Blues head coach Leon MacDonald.
“It does not get any tougher than the Crusaders in Christchurch and we would not want it any other way.”
Super Rugby Pacific Round 9 teams (ALL TIMES AEST)
Crusaders vs Blues
Friday 5:05pm, Orangetheory Stadium
Crusaders (1-15): Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Oli Jager, Scott Barrett (c), Zach Gallagher, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Bryn Hall, Richie Mo’unga, Leichester Fainga’anuku, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan.
Reserves: Ricky Jackson, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dominic Gardiner, Pablo Matera, Mitchell Drummond, Fergus Burke, George Bridge.
Blues (1-15): Alex Hodgman, Kurt Eklund, Ofa Tuungafasi, Luke Romano, Josh Goodhue, Tom Robinson, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Mark Telea, Bryce Heem, Rieko Ioane, AJ Lam, Stephen Perofeta.
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, Nepo Laulala, James Tucker, Adrian Choat, Taufua Funaki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Zarn Sullivan/Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Rebels vs Reds
Friday 7:45pm, AAMI Park
Rebels (1-15): Matt Gibbon, James Hanson, Cabous Eloff, Matt Philip, Josh Hill, Michael Wells (c), Richard Hardwick, Tamati Ioane, James Tuttle, Matt To’omua, Glen Vaihu, Stacey Ili, Andrew Kellaway, George Worth, Reece Hodge.
Reserves: Efi Ma’afu, Cameron Orr, Rhys Van Nek, Josh Canham, Brad Wilkin, Sam Wallis, Joe Powell, Carter Gordon.
Reds (1-15): Feao Fotuaika, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Connor Vest, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jordan Petaia.
Reserves: Matt Faessler, Harry Hoopert, Taniela Tupou, Lopeti Faifau, Angus Scott-Young, Kalani Thomas, Josh Flook, Lawson Creighton.
Chiefs vs Moana Pasifika
Saturday 2:35pm, FMG Stadium
Chiefs TBC
Moana Pasifika TBC
Highlanders vs Hurricanes
Saturday 5:05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium
Higlanders TBC
Hurricanes TBC
Force vs Waratahs
Saturday 7:45pm, HBF Park
Force (1-15): Harrison Lloyd, Feleti Kaitu’u (c), Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Ryan McCauley, Fergus Lee-Warner, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Manasa Mataele, Bayley Kuenzle, Kyle Godwin, Toni Pulu, Jake Strachan.
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Bo Abra, Greg Holmes, Jackson Pugh, Ollie Callan, Michael McDonald, Jake McIntrye, Richard Kahui.
Waratahs (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Michael Hooper, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Alex Newsome.
Reserves: Mahe Vailanu, Tetera Faulkner, Archer Holz, Geoff Cridge, Rahboni Warren-Yosayaco, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Jamie Roberts.