Super Rugby News Update
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With Super Rugby kicking off tomorrow we have collected all the top news before the season kicks off.
Weekend's lineups:
#SuperRugby round one line ups:
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 16, 2018
Pablo Matera set to captain the Jaguares for the first time 👊
Robert du Preez & Makazole Mapimpi set for Sharks debuts 🦈@WarrenWhiteley returns for the Lions 🦁
4⃣ Stormers players set to debut 🌩️ pic.twitter.com/jX7mmwcSpL
Hurricanes touring squad:
The Hurricanes have included nine new players in the squad tour South Africa with Asafo Aumua being left out due to his fitness, while Beauden Barrett is likely to miss the opening match of the season.
Backs: Jonah Lowe, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Ben Lam, Julian Savea, Wes Goosen, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett, Ihaia West, TJ Perenara, Jamie Booth.
Forwards: Blade Thomson, Gareth Evans, Ardie Savea, Brad Shields (capt), Vaea Fifita, Michael Fatialofa, Murray Douglas, Sam Lousi, Toby Smith, Chris Eves, Ben May, Fraser Armstrong, Alex Fidow, Ricky Riccitelli, James O'Reilly.
Etene Nanai-Seturo signs with New Zealand Rugby
New Zealand Rugby has signed the exciting youngster having reached an agreement with rugby league side the Warriors. Although he is expected to join the New Zealand 7s side at the Common Wealth Games but he has been linked with a deal to the Chiefs. Full story
Rebels confirm 2018 Super Rugby squad
The Melbourne Rebels have finalised their squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season following their final pre-season trial match. The playing squad, to be led by new recruit and captain Adam Coleman alongside club captain Tom English.
2018 Melbourne Rebels Squad
Tayler Adams, Jermaine Ainsley, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Ben Daley, Tom English, Colby Fainga’a, Tetera Faulkner, Will Genia, Harrison Goddard, Richard Hardwick, Dane Haylett-Petty, Ross Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, David Horwitz, Henry Hutchison, Sam Jeffries, Marika Koroibete, Rob Leota, Jack Maddocks, Amanaki Mafi, Jack McGregor, Billy Meakes, Tom Moloney, Sefa Naivalu, Geoff Parling, Matt Philip, Anaru Rangi, Michael Ruru, Fereti Sa’aga, Sam Talakai, Lopeti Timani, Sione Tuipulotu, Semisi Tupou, Jordan Uelese, Laurie Weeks.
Dalton Papali'i out for six weeks
Blues loose forward Dalton Papali'i has been ruled out for up to six weeks due to a fractured bone in his hand. Although this news won't be welcomed by Blues coach Tana Umaga, he will be delighted that Jerome Kaino and Jimmy Tupou look set to feature in the Blues opening Super Rugby fixtures. Full Story
Super Rugby preseason action
The Waratahs have shown why they will go close to topping the Australian conference in 2018 after beating the Melbourne Rebels 47-5 in preseason clash at Brookvale Oval.
The Queensland Reds received a wake up call in their tight 17-15 win over the second tier Fiji Warriors at a steamy Ballymore on Thursday night. The Reds struggled in the humidity with their ball control but avoided blushes when Hamish Stewart slotted a sideline conversion after winger Izaia Perese scored in the 75th minute.
The Hurricanes and Highlanders had the most to smile about after a pair of Super Rugby pre-season matches involving New Zealand teams on Thursday.
