Super Charged: Trans-Tasman rivalry continues with Richie Mo’unga set to shine

Ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific Round 12, Planet Rugby previews the biggest talking points ahead of the action.

Super Rugby Pacific’s top-placed side take on the resurgent Rebels, who have recently found their footing in the competition to sit in eighth on the table.

The Blues will be without star playmaker Beauden Barrett who has been in scintillating form. Still, utility back Stephen Perofeta comes into the role offering different attributes that can be as dangerous as times.

Captain Dalton Papalii is playing tremendously well and has proved week in and week out this season

that he embraces the responsibility of leadership, and no doubt it has grown him as a player. Akira Ioane made a good return from injury last week and will look to continue trending upwards to complement the mobile pack coach Leon MacDonald has at his disposal.

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Rieko Ioane pair up in the midfield in a partnership waiting to blossom. Tuivasa-Sheck has begun finding his feet in rugby union after switching from rugby league.

The Rebels have finally found some synergy in their play, their set-piece has significantly improved, and their game awareness has sharpened up.

The Melbourne side will be without their captain Michael Wells who has been magnificent in leading by example and his absence will be a significant loss during this encounter.

Wallaby scrum-half Joe Powell gets a start, and he will be looking to find a way to hold onto that starting spot with a good performance.

In a surprising move, Rebels head coach Kevin Foote dropped prop Cabous Eloff, who has been in excellent form both as a try-scorer and at scrum time.

The Blues are riding high and have played some beautiful rugby throughout the competition to date and will