Hurricanes name team to face Chiefs in home Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final
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The Hurricanes have named their side to face the Chiefs in this weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final in Wellington.
After defeating the Blues in last week’s semi-final, the Hurricanes will host the Chiefs in front of a sold-out Hnry Stadium – with tickets exhausted within 15 minutes yesterday – in what will be the club’s first Grand Final appearance since the 2016 title win.
A settled lineup has been named for the occasion, with most of last week’s team retained in the match day squad.
Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, and Pasilio Tosi all keep their places in the front row, while Isaia Walker-Leawere is promoted to the run-on side to partner Warner Dearns at lock.
The only other change in the starting team comes at blindside flanker, where Devan Flanders returns from concussion to start in his final Hurricanes match as part of a loose forward trio that features co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi and No 8 Peter Lakai.
An unchanged backline sees Cam Roigard and Ruben Love partner in the halves, co-captain Jordie Barrett and centre Billy Proctor pair in the midfield, and wings Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby link with fullback Callum Harkin in the back three.
Jacob Devery and Brad Shields are added to a familiar reserves bench, where Siale Lauaki, Tyrel Lomax, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Jone Rova, and Kini Naholo are all retained.
"It’s a hugely exciting week and game ahead. A home final in front of a sold-out stadium, it doesn’t get much better than that,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“We’ve prepared really well at the start of the week. We've got no question about what’s coming from the Chiefs and how good they are. We know it’s going to be a tough battle, but it’s something we’re really excited about.
“It’s great news that we can welcome back Devan Flanders and pick a really settled team at this stage of the season. That’s something we’re really grateful for.
“It’s a massive weekend, we’re hugely excited and can’t wait to get into it.”
Kick-off for Saturday’s Grand Final against the Chiefs – the first Grand Final meeting between the two clubs – is scheduled for a 7:05pm kick-off, with gates open from 5pm.
Acclaimed Kiwi artist and former Australian Idol winner Stan Walker will perform at half-time, and Signature Choir will perform the New Zealand National Anthem before kick-off.
The match will be available to watch live across New Zealand on Sky Sport 1, with coverage beginning from 5:30pm.
HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY CHIEFS (Hurricanes caps in brackets)
- Xavier Numia (91)
- Asafo Aumua (89)
- Pasilio Tosi (52)
- Isaia Walker-Leawere (92)
- Warner Dearns (14)
- Devan Flanders (69)
- Du’Plessis Kirifi (105) – co-captain
- Peter Lakai (50)
- Cam Roigard (60)
- Ruben Love (54)
- Fehi Fineanganofo (25)
- Jordie Barrett (124) – co-captain
- Billy Proctor (82)
- Josh Moorby (53)
- Callum Harkin (24)
- Jacob Devery (24)
- Siale Lauaki (16)
- Tyrel Lomax (74)
- Brad Shields (142)
- Brayden Iose (66)
- Ereatara Enari (26)
- Jone Rova (15)
- Kini Naholo (38)
UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY
Caleb Delany (concussion)
Taine Roiri (ribs)
Jai Tamati (knee)
Brett Cameron (knee)
Will Cole (calf)
Riley Higgins (shoulder)
Josh Timu (foot)
Drew Wild (shoulder)
