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Rebels star Filipo Daugunu is expected to miss a second straight Super Rugby Pacific game as a dispute over $7000 of relocation costs continues to rumble on.
Daugunu missed last week’s 53-26 loss to the Reds for “personal reasons” and the former Wallabies winger was also absent for Monday’s training session in Melbourne.
Keep checking in for all the latest round five team news with all 12 lineups revealed on Wednesday at 2pm AEDT.
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HURRICANES vs REBELS in Palmerston North, Friday 5.05pm kickoff AEDT
Filipo Daugunu is expected to be missing from the Rebels team sheet when the side to play the competition leading Hurricanes is announced.
The 29-year-old moved from Brisbane to Melbourne in the offseason and is seeking reimbursement for $7000 of travel costs.
The cash strapped Rebels are now run by Rugby Australia after entering voluntary administration in January.
Daugunu returned to training on Tuesday but that was not enough to earn a spot on the plane to Wellington when the team flies on Wednesday.
“Obviously Lipo pulled out for personal reasons, that’s what we have been told,” Rebels captain Rob Leota said on Tuesday.
“And also we know he has been receiving a lot of support. For us, we just have to keep going on. It was good to have him back today within our training and execute well, and help us prepare for our game. It was really good having him back and seeing him smile and happy around the group.”
HURRICANES (15-1):
Reserves:
REBELS (15-1):
Reserves:
Referee: Nic Berry
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BRUMBIES vs MOANA PASIFIKA in Canberra, Friday 7.35pm kickoff AEDT
The Brumbies will be without three key players when they host Moana Pasifika in round five.
Backs Len Ikitau and Andy Muirhead both picked up knee injuries in last week’s win over the Highlanders while prop Blake Schoupp – who played at last year’s Rugby World Cup – has a shoulder problem.
“Andy Muirhead came off with a bit of blood, but also picked up a knee injury as well and is most likely not available this week and most likely out for a couple of weeks,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
“Len Ikitau, also with a knee, is probably slightly worse than Andy, so not expecting him to be right this week nor next week.”
BRUMBIES (15-1):
Reserves:
MOANA (15-1):
Reserves:
Referee: Jordan Way
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FIJIAN DRUA vs WARATAHS in Lautoka, Saturday 12.05pm kickoff AEDT
DRUA (15-1):
Reserves:
WARATAHS (15-1):
Reserves:
Referee: James Doleman
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CHIEFS vs HIGHLANDERS in Hamilton, Saturday 2.35pm kickoff AEDT
CHIEFS (15-1):
Reserves:
HIGHLANDERS (15-1):
Reserves:
Referee: Paul Williams
BLUES vs CRUSADERS in Auckland, Saturday 5.05pm kickoff AEDT
The winless Crusaders have copped yet another setback with the loss of experienced prop Owen Franks to suspension.
Franks, who has played 108 Tests for the All Blacks, copped a two week ban for his dangerous cleanout of Hurricanes lock Justin Sangster on Saturday.
Franks was yellow carded in Christchurch after Sangster scored what proved to be the match winning try.
“Owie is a big beast of a man, steaming in to do a job at the breakdown, and he’s (Sangster) popped his head up,” Crusaders coach Rob Penney argued.
“It’s like an oil tanker, you can’t turn him around in a second.”
BLUES (15-1):
Reserves:
CRUSADERS (15-1)
Reserves:
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
FORCE vs REDS in Perth, Saturday 7.35pm kickoff AEDT
Reds centre Isaac Henry has been ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season after rupturing his patella tendon in last week’s win over the Rebels.
“This has been some of the most enjoyable rugby I’ve been involved in for a long time so there’s double disappointment to miss out on what is still ahead for the Reds.”
FORCE (15-1):
Reserves:
REDS (15-1):
Reserves:
Referee: Damon Murphy
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