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
For the Brumbies it’s all about who will replace Sam Carter in the second row for the rest of the season. Jordan Smiler impressed as he got over for a try in their last-start against the Bulls, but Blake Enever has been pushing his claims at training this week. Matt Toomua is desperate for game time but the Brumbies don’t want to rush him back if it means he will re-injure his ankle.
ForcE
Sias Ebersohn was forced off against the Reds after a seemingly innocuous hit, his status is unknown leading into the Brumbies clash. Sam Wykes again featured off the bench last weekend, and staked a solid claim for a starting spot. Star fullback Dane Haylett-Petty is being monitored after copping a head knock early on in the defeat to the Reds.
Rebels
Paul Alo-Emile is set to come into the front row to replace the suspended Laurie Weeks. Alo-Emile shone for the undermanned Rebels, who took the game to the Sharks. Sefanaia Naivalu is set for an extended period on ths sidelines after breaking his leg against the Sharks while Luke Burgess left the field in the first half leaving Nic Stirzaker to star in his absence.
Reds
It’s finally starting to click together for Richard Graham but his injured troops have all returned at the wrong end of the season. Quade Cooper dominated in a 60-minute showing, expect him to run out the full 80 against the Chiefs this weekend. Karmichael Hunt left the field with a leg complaint while Beau Robinson got through 15 minutes in his long-awaited return.
Waratahs
Rob Horne has joined Tolu Latu and Will Skelton in the suspended starting XV, Peter Betham is expected to slot straight in to fill his void on the wing, while Jono Lance will join the team in South Africa as extra cover. Tatafu Polota-Nau will again be put through a concussion test before getting back into contact. In his absence (and Latu’s) Hugh Roach got through 80 minutes in his first career start.
