Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has stirred up some excitement for the upcoming Super Rugby State of Origin match on Saturday by humorously expressing his desire to deliver a “head high” tackle on Taniela Tupou “off the ball” during their clash at Suncorp Stadium. Tupou, now donning the NSW sky blue, had previously been a key player for Queensland before his tenure with the Melbourne Rebels.
Salakaia-Loto, who is currently sidelined due to injury, took to social media to share a cheeky post featuring Tupou in his Waratahs kit. His playful comment drew a quick response from Tupou, who acknowledged Salakaia-Loto’s support for him and the Waratahs this week.
In related match previews, the Super Rugby fixtures for Friday and Saturday include some enticing matchups. The Highlanders are set to face the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night. The Hurricanes, last year’s minor premiers, find themselves at the bottom of the ladder. They will have the advantage of welcoming back All Blacks front rowers Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax from injury, who have been named on the bench.
Meanwhile, the ACT Brumbies will compete against the Fijian Drua in Canberra, as the latter seeks redemption following a previous loss to the Brumbies. Stephen Larkham’s squad is bolstered by the return of Wallabies flyhalf Noah Lolesio from concussion.
Saturday features the Crusaders taking on the Western Force in Christchurch, following the Crusaders’ resounding victory over the Reds, solidifying their return to form. The Force, having lost to the Waratahs recently, aim to bounce back.
In a clash of titans, the Chiefs will face the Blues in Hamilton. Both sides are eager to recover from recent defeats, with the Chiefs having previously bested the Blues earlier in the season. Star players Damian McKenzie and Shaun Stevenson will be returning for the Chiefs.
The highly anticipated match between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs will round off the weekend in Brisbane. The Reds will see the return of Hunter Paisami and Tom Lynagh to their backline, while Teddy Wilson steps in at halfback for the Waratahs due to a knee injury sustained by captain Jake Gordon.
Excitement is palpable for this round of Super Rugby, with key players set to influence the outcomes of these crucial matches.