Super Rugby Round 9 Team News: Beale Returns, Hurricanes Debut Rookies

Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific features several intriguing matchups as teams jockey for playoff positioning. The Fijian Drua host the unbeaten Hurricanes in Suva on Friday night, while the Queensland Reds welcome the Highlanders to Brisbane. On Saturday, the Blues take on the ACT Brumbies in a top-four clash, followed by the Western Force hosting the Crusaders in Perth.

The Hurricanes have made several changes to their starting lineup for the trip to Fiji, handing debuts to lock Ben Grant and prop Siale Lauaki. Veteran hooker Asafo Aumua, prop Pita Laki, and first-five Ruben Love will provide impact off the bench. The Drua, who upset the Hurricanes last season, have named a strong side featuring dangerous wingers Selestino Ravutaumada and Epeli Momo.

The Highlanders have dropped All Blacks halfback Folau Fakatava for their clash with the Reds , opting for the pairing of Cameron Millar at first-five and James Arscott at scrum-half. The Reds welcome back Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou but will be without suspended duo Tate McDermott and Fraser McReight. Kalani Thomas earns a start at halfback, with John Bryant filling in at openside flanker.

The Blues continue to be without injured All Blacks Stephen Perofeta, Finlay Christie, and Zarn Sullivan for their match against the Brumbies. However, lock Sam Darry returns from injury for a bench role. The Brumbies have made minimal changes, with Rob Valetini set for a key battle against Blues counterpart Akira Ioane in a rematch of last year's semi-final.

The Western Force have named Kurtley Beale for his first Super Rugby appearance since 2020, slotting in at fullback against the Crusaders. The veteran Wallaby will face off with rising star Chay Fihaki in an intriguing individual matchup. The Crusaders have rotated their front row, with Joe Moody, Brodie McAlister, and Owen Franks taking the starting spots, but will be without injured winger Johnny McNicholl.

Why this matters: The outcomes of these Round 9 matches will have significant implications for the Super Rugby Pacific playoff race. With several teams vying for top-four spots and home playoff games, every win is vital at this stage of the season.

The Hurricanes will look to maintain their unbeaten record against a dangerous Fijian Drua side that has already proven capable of upsets. According to Drua head coach Mick Byrne, "We know the Hurricanes are a quality side, but we have confidence in our ability to compete with anyone at home." The Reds and Highlanders, both coming off losses, need a victory to keep pace in the congested mid-table standings. As Reds coach Brad Thorn noted, "This is a must-win game for us. We've had a tough couple of weeks but we're determined to turn it around in front of our home fans."

Key Takeaways

• Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific features several crucial matchups.
• Hurricanes make changes for trip to Fiji to face Fijian Drua.
• Highlanders drop All Blacks halfback Folau Fakatava for Reds clash.
• Blues continue to be without injured All Blacks players vs Brumbies.
• Kurtley Beale set for first Super Rugby appearance since 2020 for Force.