Super Rugby Pacific Round 14: Crusaders Face Waratahs Without Key All Blacks

Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific sees the Crusaders take on the Waratahs without key All Blacks, setting the stage for a thrilling clash.

Super Rugby Pacific Round 14 Preview

As the Super Rugby Pacific season nears its climax, Round 14 promises to deliver some of the most intense and exciting matches yet. With just three rounds left in the regular season, every game is crucial for teams jostling for playoff positions.

Key Matchups

Hurricanes vs. Highlanders

The Hurricanes are in fine form, coming off a strong performance against the Chiefs. Their second-half display was some of the best rugby seen this season. The Highlanders, however, are struggling with injuries and lack the depth to compete at the highest level. Prediction: Hurricanes by 23.

NSW Waratahs vs. Crusaders

The Waratahs have been dealt a blow with the loss of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for the rest of the season. Despite this, they have a good record against the Crusaders, especially in Sydney. The Crusaders, fighting for a top-two spot, will be highly motivated. Prediction: Waratahs by 2.

Fijian Drua vs. Western Force

The Force are clinging to their playoff hopes as they face the Drua in Lautoka, a notoriously difficult place to play. The Drua, despite a poor showing last week, are tough to beat at home. Prediction: Drua by 10.

Moana Pasifika vs. Blues

This local derby is a must-win for Moana Pasifika if they hope to make the playoffs. The Blues, coming off a strong performance against the Drua, will be a tough opponent. Prediction: Blues by 5.

Brumbies vs. Queensland Reds

This is the game of the round, with both teams missing their regular fly-halves but still boasting depth in their squads. The Brumbies need a win to secure a top-two spot. Prediction: Brumbies by 10.

Injury Ward

  • Brumbies: Jack Debreczeni (groin), Ben O'Donnell (hamstring), Charlie Cale (lower back), Tevita Alatini (ACL), Blake Schoupp (achilles)
  • Blues: Reon Paul (shoulder), Ofa Tu'ungafasi (neck), Sam Darry (shoulder)
  • Chiefs: Etene Nanai-Seturo (hamstring), Kaleb Trask (ankle), Liam Coombes-Fabling (knee), Anton Lienert Brown (collarbone), Malachi Wrampling (hamstring), Fiti Sa (shoulder), Rameka Poihipi (knee)
  • Crusaders: Ethan Blackadder (hamstring), Dom Gardiner (foot), Jonny Lee (calf), Lewis Ponini (calf), Finlay Brewis (shoulder), Will Jordan (knee)
  • Fijian Drua: Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (knee), Vilive Miramira (knee), Ilaisa Droasese (wrist), Epeli Momo (knee), Frank Lomani (shoulder), Caleb Muntz (shoulder), Meli Derenalagi (knee)
  • Highlanders: Caleb Tangitau (groin), Tanielu Tele'a (hamstring), Jona Nareki (knee), Nikora Broughton (knee), Finn Hurley (quad), Hayden Michaels (hamstring), Ajay Faleafaga (hand), James Arscott (shoulder)
  • Hurricanes: Brett Cameron (knee), Devan Flanders (ankle), Harry Godfrey (lower leg), Peter Umaga-Jensen (shoulder)
  • Moana Pasifika: Alamanda Motuga (shoulder), Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou (concussion), Fine Inisi (ankle), James Lay (neck), Lotu Inisi (knee), Michael Curry (neck), Neria Fomai (knee), Sama Malolo (shoulder), Samiuela Moli (rib), Sione Mafile'o (neck), Solomon Alaimalo (foot)
  • NSW Waratahs: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (jaw), Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis), Jimmy Hendren (wrist)
  • Queensland Reds: George Blake, Matt Faessler, Josh Flook, Matt Gibbon, Frankie Goldsbrough, Will McCulloch, Josh Nasser, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
  • Western Force: Vaiolini Ekuasi (shoulder), Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee), Harry Hoopert (knee), Tom Horton (head), Brandon Paenga-Amosa (ankle), Divad Palu (shoulder), Marley Pearce (shoulder), Dylan Pietsch (quad), Matt Proctor (shoulder)

Suspensions

  • Blues: Mark Tele'a
  • Highlanders: Sean Withy (Round 12)

All odds are correct at the time of publication. Good luck with your tips!

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