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Angus Bell’s Super Rugby Pacific season is over, giving newly-appointed Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt a huge headache.
The NSW Waratahs have confirmed the prop is out for the rest of the season after suffering a foot injury in their 40-16 loss to the ACT Brumbies.
Exactly when Bell will return is still to be determined with Bell set to see several specialists before deciding a course of rehabilitation.
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, with every match ad free, live and and on demand on Stan Sport
It’s believed the injury is the same one that sidelined Bell for last year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Waratahs said there are complications with the injury due to the structural reconstruction that took place last year.
So dire is the situation for Bell that former Wallabies player Stephen Hoiles has suggested Bell and the Waratahs consider a position change to take pressure off his foot.
“I heard a bit of talk that they have to go and have a look at how they fix this toe long-term,” Hoiles said on Stan Sport show Between Two Posts.
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“He puts a lot of pressure on the injury he has got (from) scrummaging. Is there a thought process that he might not be able to play prop? He’s good enough to play other positions. That is something that is going to need to be considered now.
“I’m not speaking out of school here. This is his third time he’s injured that same toe. He’s gone and had part of it removed the second time around. They’ve removed a part of the body so he doesn’t have the injury that occurred on the weekend. It’s quite an unusual one.”
The Waratahs will play the Crusaders at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday at 7.35pm AEST.
MOANA PASIFIKA vs REDS in Whangarei, Friday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will start at flyhalf for the Reds on Friday night when they face Moana-Pasifika north of Auckland in Whangarei.
That’s one of four week-on-week changes Suliasi Vunivalu comes into the starting side while prop Alex Hodgman and lock Angus Blyth return to the bench.
“Harry deserves a start and we freshen up Tom (Lynagh). We are fortunate with our stocks at No.10 but also aware of the player management needed over a long season,” Reds head coach Les Kiss said.
“Both are getting invaluable experience and playing plenty of minutes. Lawson (Creighton) has positive time under his belt as well and gives us versatility on the bench.
“Suli returns on the wing. Again, we have given consideration to player management with Mac, who has played a lot of minutes and will give us his flair in the back end of the game.”
MOANA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Irie Papuni, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, Danny Toala
Reserves: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao, Christina Lealiifano, Nigel Ah Wong
REDS (1-15): Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell
Reserves: Josh Nasser, Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy
Referee: Angus Mabey
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WARATAHS vs CRUSADERS in Sydney, Friday 7.35pm kickoff AEST
The Waratahs welcome back Ned Hanigan and Triston Reilly to the starting squad.
The Tahs defeated the Crusaders in round two, winning 37-24 in what remains their sole triumph of the season.
Hanigan’s return from a knee injury comes at Fergus Lee-Warner’s expense, while Langi Gleeson will start in the No.8 jersey to drop Hugh Sinclair to the reserves.
“It’s great to have Ned back,” said coach Darren Coleman.
“He was one of our better performers prior to his knee issue.
“You just get wholehearted energy from Ned. He’s such a good all-rounder. He’s got a good carry, good in the ruck, and sharp in the lineout. He really cares about the team, so we’re excited to have Ned back.
“Langi is also another welcome addition to the side this week and has proven how valuable he can be in Super Rugby and at international level.”
WARATAHS (1-15): Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Julian Heaven, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jed Holloway, Ned Hanigan, Lachlan Swinton, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Triston Reilly, Max Jorgensen
Reserves: Theo Fourie, Lewis Ponini, Tom Ross, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, Joey Walton
CRUSADERS (1-15): George Bower, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Quinten Strange, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Tom Christie (c), Cullen Grace, Noah Hotham, Riley Hohepa, Johnny McNicholl, Dallas McLeod, Levi Aumua, Sevu Reece, Chay Fihaki
Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Dominic Gardiner, Christian Lio-Willie, Mitch Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer
Referee: Nic Berry
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HURRICANES vs CHIEFS in Wellington, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEST
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw has turned to experienced halfback TJ Perenara to replace the injured Cam Roigard for the big Kiwi derby against the Chiefs.
“It’s going to be a massive battle,” Laidlaw said.
“The Chiefs are last year’s finalists. They’re full of very good players and coaches. They’ve got threats right across the field when they get on the front foot.
“There’s the obvious threat around Damian McKenzie and how well he’s been playing, so we’re expecting the hardest game of the year.
“But the team is feeling energised, refreshed, and ready for this.”
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (c), Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby, Ruben Love
Reserves: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Richard Judd, Peter Umaga-Jensen
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Reserves: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Xavier Roe, Josh Ioane, Rameka Poihipi
Referee: James Doleman
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REBELS vs HIGHLANDERS in Melbourne, Saturday 7.35pm kickoff AEST
The Rebels welcome back Andrew Kellaway and Josh Kemeny to the squad for their all-important clash against the Highlanders.
Fresh off back-to-back wins, the Rebels have risen to fifth in the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai (c), Tuaina Taii Tualima, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
Reserves: Alex Mafi, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Matt Proctor, Nick Jooste
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Pari Pari Parkinson, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Ajay Faleafaga, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves: Ricky Jackson, Ethan de Groot, Rohan Wingham, Hugo Plummer, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Matt Whaanga, Connor Garden-Bachop
Referee: Paul Williams
BYES: BLUES, BRUMBIES, DRUA, FORCE
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