The Hurricanes have announced their team lineup for their highly anticipated match against the Chiefs this Saturday afternoon in Wellington, with a few changes from last week’s victorious performance against the Highlanders.
Hooker Asafo Aumua will be returning to the starting lineup, while Dane Coles, who is celebrating his 300th first-class match this weekend, is set to bring his impact off the bench.
Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax pack down alongside Aumua in the front row while in the second row James Blackwell has been paired with Dominic Bird.
Props Tevita Mafileo and Pasilio Tosi will be providing impact off the bench along with TK Howden.
Devan Flanders also returns from injury to blindside, shifting Brayden Iose to the bench.
Alongside Flanders is captain Ardie Savea at No 8 and Du’Plessis Kirifi at openside.
In form halfback Cam Roigard partners young first five Aidan Morgan in the halves while in the midfield Peter Umaga-Jensen will be making his first start of the season alongside Jordie Barrett, as Billy Proctor is unfortunately ruled out due to injury.
Julian Savea is also back in his regular starting position, marking his 148th Super Rugby appearance and sitting just two tries away from the Super Rugby try-scoring record.
Rounding out the back three is fullback Josh Moorby and in-form left winger Salesi Rayasi.
The Hurricanes are aiming for a fifth successive win this weekend, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 2020.
Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland emphasized the importance of physicality and accuracy in their approach, which will enable them to play their style of rugby to secure a win.
“The Chiefs are a quality side. They have a powerful forward pack and are complimented with some exciting backs who are scoring some great tries,” he said.
“We need to be physical and accurate in everything we do to enable us to play our style of rugby to win this weekend.”
Hurricanes named to take on the Chiefs:
1 Xavier Numia
2 Asafo Aumua
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 James Blackwell
5 Dominic Bird
6 Devan Flanders
7 Du’Plessis Kirifi
8 Ardie Savea (c)
9 Cameron Roigard
10 Aidan Morgan
11 Salesi Rayasi
12 Jordie Barrett
13 Peter Umaga-Jensen
14 Julian Savea
15 Josh Moorby
Reserves
16 Dane Coles
17 Tevita Mafileo
18 Pasilio Tosi
19 TK Howden
20 Brayden Iose
21 Peter Lakai
22 Jamie Booth
23 Harry Godfrey
Unavailable for selection: Ruben Love, Caleb Delany, Tyler Laubscher, Reed Prinsep, Justin Sangster, TJ Perenara, Devan Flanders, Brett Cameron, Daniel Sinkinson, Billy Proctor, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Bailyn Sullivan
