Sowakula, Savea tussle looms
Fijianborn Chiefs No.8 Pita Gus Sowakula has made his third starting line-up in Super Rugby Aotearoa clash against Hurricanes in Hamilton tomorrow.
And an exciting clash looms at the FMG Waikato Stadium against Hurricanes and All Blacks No.8 Ardie Savea.
Veteran Chiefs first five eight Aaron Cruden has reminded the senior players that they have a major role to play as they try to win their first game. “Although the reality is we are 0 and 3 I am still as competitive as I always have been,’’ Cruden said.
“I have got a desire to win and I feel like the whole group does, that it (a win) is not too far away. “Certain aspects of my game are going very well, but in terms of being the general, being the organiser, I am pretty hard on myself.
“I think I can certainly take charge of some of those roles a little bit more, to help our team to get a victory.’’
Japan move for Barrett
All Blacks star Beauden Barrett is headed to Japan in a move that will reportedly ease the financial pain of COVID-19 on NZ Rugby.
The Auckland-based franchise has confirmed Barrett will take next season off to play for the Suntory Sungoliath club on a deal believed to be worth FJD$2.1m, which he will take up after this year’s All Blacks programme.
“For me, it made sense to go next year and then have two years back with the Blues and hopefully the All Blacks in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup,” Barrett said.
“My wife and I are excited to head to Japan next year. It is an appealing place for a young family and comparatively safe in health terms.”
Chiefs: 1. Aidan Ross, 2.
Bradley Slater, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Mitchell Brown, 5. Naitoa Ah Kuoi (9), 6. Lachlan Boshier, 7. Sam Cane,
8. Pita Gus Sowakula, 9. Brad Weber, 10. Aaron Cruden, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Quinn Tupaea,
13. Tumua Manu, 14. Sean Wainui,
15. Damian McKenzie.
Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho,
17. Reuben O’Neill, 18. Ross Geldenhuys, 19. Tupou Vaa’I, 20. Dylan Nel, 21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 22. Kaleb Trask, 23. Solomon Alaimalo
Hurricanes: 1. Fraser Armstrong,
2. Dane Coles, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. James Blackwell, 5. Scott Scrafton,
6. Reed Prinsep, 7. Du’Plessis Kirifi,
8. Ardie Savea, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Ben Lam,
12. Ngani Laumape, 13. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14. Kobus Van Wyk, 15. Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: 16. Ricky Riccitelli, 17. Ben May, 18. Alex Fidow, 19. Vaea Fifita, 20. Devan Flanders/Liam Mitchell, 21. Jamie Booth, 22. Billy Proctor, 23. Wes Goosen.