Who’s in and who’s out for your Asteron Life Super Rugby team this week, we have all the whispers from around the grounds.
Brumbies
A week off for the men from the Capital but is that enough time for Matt Toomua’s ankle? The centre went down in the Brumbies 10-point win over the Lions and wants time to stake his Wallabies claim. There’s less doubt surrounding Scott Sio, the prop all but assured a return to the front row for their clash with Bulls, after two months out with a knee injury.
Rebels
Plenty of experience and pace to return for the Rebels with prop Toby Smith over a back complaint, while Sefanaia Naivalu is fit and firing after a week out with concussion. Tamati Ellison is still in doubt with a groin injury though, but Dom Shipperley has been in fine form in the centres for Melbourne recently.
Force
Co-captain Sam Wykes returned via the bench against the Highlanders, is he set for a starting role against the Reds this weekend? And has Alby Mathewson done enough to knock Ryan Louwrens out of the nine jersey? Solomon Jnr Rasolea is still battling an ankle injury that ruled him out of the Highlanders clash.
Reds
Quade Cooper is finally ready to return against the Force and he’ll be keen to put on a show to stake his Wallabies claim after missing the last 7 weeks. Saia Faingaa has been restricted with a chest injury but also wants to get into match fitness before the Wallabies squad is announced. Lachie Turner missed the Sharks clash with concussion and will be tested this week.
Waratahs
Tolu Latu’s suspension is an untimely nightmare for the Waratahs with Michael Cheika set to call on third-choice hooker Hugh Roach for their clash with the Lions. Tatafu Polatu-Nau (concussion) didn’t travel with the Tahs but may join them next week. Will Skelton’s absence in South Africa will be felt as well, but are the Tahs set to welcome Dean Mumm back into the fold to fill the big man’s shoes?
