On the radar: round 18

Tue, Jun 9, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

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

It’s all about ankles for the Brumbies! Henry Speight joining Matt Toomua in the limping lot, both hoping to be fit for their final regular season clash. Toomua only started running on his ankle earlier this week while Speight’s isn’t thought to be as serious, considering he managed to play out 60 minutes before heading off. Sam Carter’s absence was admirably filled by Blake Enever while Jordan Smiler did the job off the bench.

Waratahs

It’s not so much a case of who is missing but who is set to come back for the Waratahs. Tatafu Polota-Nau finally cleared to play while Will Skelton has served his two-game suspension. Israel Folau’s shin is fine, despite the Cheetahs’ best efforts to trip him up on his way to a hat-trick.

Rebels

Tamati Ellison was a late scratching from the Bulls win, and will the Rebels final match of the season against the Force. Ellison’s withdrawal led to a backline re-shuffle with Dom Shipperley into outside centre and Bryce Hegarty on the wing. Sefa Naivalu (broken leg) is the only other major injury in an otherwise fully fit side.

Force

Sam Wykes went off against the Brumbies after copping a bad poke in the eye but did return to the field later, and is expected to line-up for his final game in Force colours this weekend. Angus Cottrell went down in the second half after a heavy head knock and will be monitored this week.

Reds

The Reds are again expected to field the same starting 15 for the third week running. The Tahs clash will be the final Super Rugby game for James Horwill and Will Genia while James Hanson will have his last game in Red before moving to the Rebels. Saia Faingaa will have something to say about that though, the hooker finally returned from a chest injury in last Saturday night’s loss to the Chiefs.

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