Super Rugby
Waratahs 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific fixtures revealed
The NSW Waratahs’ fixtures for the 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season have been revealed.
Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific’s full potential will be unleashed in 2023 with the announcement of a schedule that will ignite trans-Tasman and Pasifika rivalries like never before.
The defending Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific Champion Crusaders will kick the competition off against the Chiefs during an opening round that focuses on traditional rivalries, while the NSW Waratahs open their tenure at Allianz Stadium in Sydney against the ACT Brumbies.
Opening weekend will also see Pasifika pride on the line as Moana Pasifika host the Fijian Drua at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland in what will be the start of historic campaigns for last year’s two competition newcomers. The Drua will play six home matches in Fiji, while Moana Pasifika will take a home match to Apia in what will be the second Super Rugby game in Samoa and a first for Moana Pasifika.
The final fixtures of the opening weekend will see the Highlanders host the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, the Hurricanes travel to Brisbane to play the Reds, and the Force host the Rebels in Perth.
Round 2 is the previously announced Super Round at AAMI Park in Melbourne where all 12 teams will gather for a high-stakes festival of rugby.
The 2023 draw will see all 12 teams play 14 matches during the regular season, 11 round-robin fixtures, and three additional rivalry matches, which will see each team play a home and away series against three other teams.
Family friendly afternoon kick-offs are a feature of the draw with 24 daytime matches in total with all 91 matches live and exclusive on Stan Sport, including the eight-team finals series, which kicks off in the second weekend of June.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Andy Marinos said: “Being able to play regularly in front of home fans, and to travel across the Tasman and around the Pacific is massive for the competition, especially for fans, who can support their teams through a full home schedule.”
“Everyone saw what Super Rugby Pacific had to offer in its first season and all 12 clubs have taken that excitement into the off-season and will be primed for a shot at the title in 2023.”
After spending the past four seasons playing out of multiple venues across Sydney and its greater metropolitan area, the Waratahs will return home to Allianz Stadium for all home matches in 2023.
Darren Coleman’s team is set to open their campaign at home in Round one with a blockbuster clash against traditional rivals the ACT Brumbies on Friday 24 February.
The Waratahs’ home fixtures then include the Chiefs (Round 5), Force (Round 8), Highlanders (Round 10), Rebels (Round 12), Fijian Drua (Round 13), before rounding out the season against Moana Pasifika (Round 15).
NSW Waratahs CEO Paul Doorn said, “We are finally home.”
“I’d like to thank our members, fans, partners, and Venues NSW for their continued support through the re-development of Allianz Stadium and cannot wait to usher in a new era for the Waratahs and NSW Rugby when we host the Brumbies in round one.
“Our home at Allianz Stadium is the envy of the competition, offering a game-day rugby experience like no other in the country.
“Alongside our new home, we are also launching a brand-new membership offering on sale this Wednesday – the NSW Rugby Waratahs Club, which allows the rugby community to connect and help grow the game while enjoying a range of world-class benefits which can be bundled with discounted ticket packages.”
In line with previous seasons all registered NSW junior rugby players aged 16 and under will be able to attend Waratah’s home matches free of charge.
For more information on Waratahs 2023 memberships click here
Content & Images from – Waratahs Rugby
The Crusaders have named their side to face the Waratahs in Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific ’23.
It’s the team’s last home game of the regular season before we get into finals. Kick off is Saturday at 4.35pm.
Codie Taylor takes up captaincy with Scott Barrett making the most of a rest week before some big showdowns. He’s joined in the front row by Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Tamaiti Williams.
Sam Whitelock returns this week, itching to take the field after a few weeks sidelined by injury. Both Codie Taylor and Scott Robertson spoke on Thursday morning about looking forward to having his leadership and wisdom back on the grass.
The dynamic duo of Mitch Drummond and Richie Mo’unga return at halfback and first five, their routine well-polished by now.
Look for some antics and acrobatics from Leicester Fainga’anuku and Dallas McLeod on the left and right wings, and a safe pair of hands at the rear with Fergus Burke as fullback.
Reuben O’Neill is set to make his Crusaders debut off the bench this week, the current Taranaki and former Chiefs player bolstering the front row stocks. He’s slotted in well with the team during trainings, Robertson saying he was “familiar to us” and helped relieve the burden on a front row depleted by injury. Brodie McAlister and Seb Calder make up the rest of the replacement front row.
The Crusaders go into this one second on the table, the Waratahs in sixth. There’s no discounting an Aussie side still within reach of a home quarter if the cards fall right for them. Expect a big contest.
Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby
The Highlanders will use the last home game of the year against the Reds on Friday 26th May to farewell Aaron Smith – their most capped player ever. All things going to plan Smith should play his 184th game against the Reds.
Smith joined the club in 2011 at the behest of the then new Highlander’s coach, Jamie Joseph, having previously been in the Blues wider training group, the rest as they say is history.
Widely recognised as one of the best halfbacks in the game his performances over the years have left fans, fellow players and the media in awe of his consistency, energy, skill level and competitiveness.
However, all good things come to an end and on Friday 26th May at 7.05pm Smith will suit up in his Highlanders jersey and run out of the stadium tunnel to be greeted by a home crowd for the last time, from next year he is signed to play in the Japanese League.
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark appreciates it will be a significant moment in the club’s history.
“Aaron has given so much to the club and rugby public in this region. Saying good-bye is not a moment that many will be looking forward to, but he so richly deserves this one last opportunity to sign off an amazing Highlanders career in front of his home crowd. No doubt It will be a very special occasion for Aaron, Teagan and his children Luka and Leo, we hope it will be a night to remember for all.”
Head Coach Clarke Dermody acknowledges it will be an extra special night for his All-Black halfback.
“He’s been leading our team around the park for the last decade or so and he epitomises everything that a professional player should be – always prepared, highly skilled, competitive, and passionate about his team. He deserves all the recognition he gets, and he has worked very hard for it. Knowing Aaron, he will treat it like any other week, go through his routines, preparing accurately and give it his best on the night. I know I won’t be alone in reflecting on his enormous contribution to rugby in our region as his last home game comes to an end.”
Fans will have another opportunity to watch the master in action when the Highlanders take on the Rebels this Saturday at 4.35pm.
Book your seat to witness history here
ENDS
Content & Images from – Highlanders Rugby
Quin Strange, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace round out the back five. Earlier in the week veteran prop Joe Moody said, “we know we have the power throughout our back give, so…we need to keep the front row up so we can utilise that power”. Expect a big push through these guys, hoping to reap rewards.
Mitchell Drummond resumes his starting position at halfback after Noah Hotham started last week. The youngest ever player to clock 100 games for the franchise, Drummond brings maturity and huge experience. He lines up alongside Richie Mo’unga. When these two long-term team mates are on the field together, intuition is high.
Leicester Fainga’anuku runs the left wing, Dallas McLeod runs the right. These guys are a different breed, so keep an eye out for straight line breaks and aerial acrobatics.
David Havili and Braydon Ennor round out the centre, with playmaker Will Jordan in fullback for his second start of the season.
There you have it. All that’s left is the anticipation of kick off. Crusaders v Blues. The showdown is on.
Will you be there?
Content & Images from – Crusaders Rugby
Fourie and Orie return for Vodacom URC Grand Final
Wayne Smith appointed as Performance Coach for the Black Ferns and All Blacks
Team Naming: Whitelock Back for Waratahs Game
-
Champions Cup6 days agoMunster Rugby Departing Players Confirmed
-
URC1 week agoAlun Wyn Jones announces retirement from international rugby
-
URC1 week ago
Munster Travelling Squad Named For URC Grand Final
-
URC1 week ago
Munster v Barbarians Double-Header At Thomond Park
-
Premiership1 week agoJuarno Augustus signs new deal with Northampton Saints
-
Premiership6 days ago
Salakaia-Loto to leave Saints with immediate effect
-
International4 days agoWayne Smith appointed as Performance Coach for the Black Ferns and All Blacks
-
Super Rugby4 days agoTeam Naming: Whitelock Back for Waratahs Game