Hurricanes Named for Drua Clash

After an explosive night of action at Sky Stadium on Saturday, the Hurricanes attention shifts to a trip to Suva’s HFC Bank Stadium to take on the Fijian Drua.
 
Head Coach Clark Laidlaw has named a side with several changes to the team that took on the Chiefs in round eight.
 
In the front row - Tevita Mafileo, James O’Reilly and Pasilio Tosi link up. Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia and debutant Siale Lauaki will look to add their impact from the bench.
 
Queenslander Ben Grant is another debutant, locking with Isaia Walker-Leawere. Du’Plessis Kirifi and Devan Flanders, get the nod from the first whistle alongside Captain, Brad Shields.
 
Aidan Morgan and Salesi Rayasi, who both starred against the Rebels in Palmerston North come in, with Kini Naholo shifting to the right wing and Josh Moorby to fullback.
 
Caleb Delany provides locking cover, with Richard Judd, Ruben Love and Bailyn Sullivan rounding out the backs replacements. For Sullivan, it’s a welcome return having been sidelined for the last six months following a shoulder reconstruction.

After scoring his 62nd try and going equal with Julian Savea as the all-time Super Rugby try scorer, dynamic half-back TJ Perenara will look to spark some magic off the back of a strong forward pack.  
 
Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said the team had been looking forward to this game, having hosted the Chiefs in front of a vocal home crowd.
 
“We’re looking forward to heading over to Suva and getting into our work. Last week was great for us to be able to get out in front of our home fans, and this week is an exciting challenge to head over to and take on the Drua. We know the challenge that awaits us and how strong they are at home in front of a passionate crowd.”
 
“It’s pleasing to see another couple of our squad set to make their debuts, with Ben Grant and Siale Lauaki coming into the side. Siale is a product of our Hurricanes development pathway and has a big future with our club after an outstanding U20 World Cup in 2023.”
 
The Hurricanes team to take on the Fijian Drua on Friday 19 April at 7:05pm 
1.         Tevita Mafileo
2.         James O’Reilly
3.         Pasilio Tosi
4.         Ben Grant*
5.         Isaia Walker-Leawere
6.         Brad Shields (Captain)
7.         Du’Plessis Kirifi
8.         Devan Flanders
9.         TJ Perenara
10.      Aidan Morgan
11.      Salesi Rayasi
12.      Jordie Barrett
13.      Billy Proctor
14.      Kini Naholo
15.      Josh Moorby
16.      Asafo Aumua
17.      Xavier Numia
18.      Siale Lauaki*
19.      Caleb Delany
20.      Peter Lakai
21.      Richard Judd
22.      Ruben Love
23.      Bailyn Sullivan