Hurricanes player Cam Roigard ruptured his left knee’s patella tendon, causing him to miss the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
After their bye week in round seven, the Hurricanes revealed on Tuesday that All Blacks halfback Roigard had undergone surgery. As a result, TJ Perenara would be relied upon at No. 9.
Force vs. BLUES in Auckland, Friday, 5.05 p.m. AEDT
On Friday, Dalton Papalii will lead the Blues in lieu of usual captain Patrick Tuipulotu.
“We’re fortunate to have Dalton step in and lead the side with such a short turnaround,” Blues coach Vern Cotter stated.
“Considering that he captained at the beginning of the season and is a well-known voice in the leadership group, the changeover went smoothly. We must give the task at hand our complete attention since we are aware that the Force is here to disturb us.”
With Harry Potter out due to an ankle injury, Max Burey will start at fullback for the Force, while former Wallabies lock Sam Carter has been elevated to the starting XV.
BLUES (15-1): Akira Ioane, Laghlan McWhannell, Josh Beehre, Angus Ta’avao, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii (c),
Sam Nock, Lucas Cashmore, Caleb Tangitau, Soane Vikena, Joshua Fusitu’a, Marcel Renata, Anton Segner, Adrian Choat, and
FORCE (15-1): Reed Prinsep, Carlo Tizzano, Tim Anstee, Tom Franklin, Sam Carter, Santiago Medrano, Tom Horton, Ryan Coxon, Max Burey, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Hamish Stewart, Chase Tiatia, Ben Donaldson, Nic White (c),
Friday, 7.35 p.m. AEDT start in Melbourne between REBELS and FIJIAN DRU
In midfield, Daugunu will once more partner with David Feliuai, and they will have their hands full dealing with the lethal Drua ball runners.
“I enjoy participating in defense,” Daugunu, a Fijian, declared.
“I envision myself being more involved in midfield there. My first goal after switching from wing to center was to strengthen my defense and make it a stronger component of my style.”
REBELS (15-1): Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens, Tuaiana Taii Tualima, Maciu Nabolakasi, Angelo Smith, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Sam Talakai, Jordan Uelese, Matt Gibbon, Nick Jooste, Darby Lancaster, Filipo Daugunu, David Feliuai, Glen Vaihu, Matt Gibbon, and Carter Gordon
Reserves: James Tuttle, Matt Proctor, Mason Gordon, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Daniel Maiava, Taniela Tupou, Alex Mafi, and Isaac Kailea
DRUA (15-1): Iosefo Masi, Apisalome Vota, Epeli Momo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese, Frank Lomani, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Leone Rotuisolia, Mesake Vocevoce, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, and Meli Derenalagi (c). Hetet Haereiti
Reserves: Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Waqa Nalaga, Taniela Rakuro, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Zuriel Togiatama
