Hurricanes team to face Crusaders on Friday.
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The Hurricanes have named their side for their round 12 Super Rugby Pacific match against the Crusaders in Wellington on Friday.
Following last week’s Super Round victory over the Brumbies, four changes and a positional switch has been made to the team’s starting lineup, which features the selection of first-five Ruben Love for his 50th Hurricanes appearance.
An entirely new front row made up by props Xavier Numia and Pasilio Tosi, and hooker Asafo Aumua, joins locks Caleb Delany and Warner Dearns in the tight five.
A positional switch in the loose forwards sees Brayden Iose moved to blindside flanker and Peter Lakai named at No 8. Co-captain and last week’s Hurricanes centurion Du’Plessis Kirifi stays at openside flanker.
The backline remains unchanged, with halfback Cam Roigard and partnering Love in the halves once again.
Co-captain Jordie Barrett and centre Billy Proctor remain in the midfield, and outside backs Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, and Callum Harkin keep their places on the wings and at fullback.
In the reserves, front rowers Raymond Tuputupu, Siale Lauaki, and Tevita Mafileo, lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, and loose forwards Devan Flanders and Brad Shields join halfback Ereatara Enari and midfielder Jone Rova on the bench.
“We’re delighted to be back home after playing in Christchurch last week. It’s really nice to bring the Crusaders up here and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against last year’s champions,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“Last week was an amazing occasion, but we can’t wait to get into another Kiwi derby and play at home for our second-last round-robin home match. We’re lucky to pick a really cohesive team from the last couple of weeks. We think that gives us our best chance of success this week.”
Laidlaw also acknowledged Love as the newly-turned 25-year-old prepares to become the 69th player to reach 50 caps for the Hurricanes.
“It almost snuck up on me. He feels young to be playing 50 games, but it’s a great milestone for him as he continues to develop and mature. We’re really loving what he's doing as a No 10 this year and he’s playing really well."
Kick-off for Friday’s match at Hnry Stadium is scheduled for 7:05pm, with fans set to be treated to the second edition of SkyCity Light the Night, where fans will be treated to an extravaganza of lights, fireworks, flames, and sounds throughout the evening.
Tickets for the match are on sale here.
HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY CRUSADERS (Hurricanes caps in brackets)
- Xavier Numia (85)
- Asafo Aumua (84)
- Pasilio Tosi (46)
- Caleb Delany (47)
- Warner Dearns (9)
- Brayden Iose (60)
- Du’Plessis Kirifi (100) - co-captain
- Peter Lakai (45)
- Cam Roigard (56)
- Ruben Love (50th match)
- Fehi Fineanganofo (21)
- Jordie Barrett (120) - co-captain
- Billy Proctor (76)
- Josh Moorby (47)
- Callum Harkin (18)
- Raymond Tuputupu (19)
- Siale Lauaki (11)
- Tevita Mafileo (65)
- Isaia Walker-Leawere (85)
- Brad Shields (136)
- Devan Flanders (65)
- Ereatara Enari (20)
- Jone Rova (8)
UNAVAILABLE FOR SELECTION
Tyrel Lomax (ankle): 4 weeks
Hugo Plummer (ankle): 1 week
Taine Roiri (hamstring): 1-3 weeks
Jai Tamati (ankle): 1 week
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Riley Higgins (shoulder): TBC
Josh Timu (ankle): Week-to-week
