Hurricanes name team for Super Round clash against Brumbies
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The Hurricanes have named their side for their round 11 Super Rugby Pacific match against the Brumbies in Christchurch on Saturday.
Following last week’s defeat to the Chiefs, a handful of changes have been made to the side, which is headlined by the selection of co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi for his 100th Super Rugby match.
Seven years on from his Hurricanes debut in 2019, Kirifi is set to become the club’s 19th centurion after being named to start at openside flanker in an Anzac Day clash that doubles as a Captain Shout Cup contest at the newly-built One NZ Stadium.
Kirifi forms part of a forward pack that includes five changes from the side that faced the Chiefs, including a brand-new front row made up by loosehead prop Siale Lauaki, hooker Raymond Tuputupu and tighthead prop Tevita Mafileo.
Caleb Delany returns to the starting lineup to partner with Warner Dearns in the second row, while Brayden Iose starts at No 8 for the first time since round six. He joins Kirifi and Devan Flanders in the loose forwards.
The backline remains unchanged, with Cam Roigard and Ruben Love retained at halfback and first-five, respectively. Co-captain Jordie Barrett and centre Billy Proctor resume their midfield partnership, and the outside backs are comprised of wings Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby, and fullback Callum Harkin.
In the reserves, Josh Gray is in line to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut.
The 27-year-old Counties Manukau wing has been promoted from the wider training group to join hooker Asafo Aumua, props Xavier Numia and Pasilio Tosi, and loose forward Peter Lakai as the new faces on the bench.
Loose forward Brad Shields, halfback Ereatara Enari, and midfielder Jone Rova keep their places on the pine.
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is excited for this weekend’s gathering of the competition in Christchurch as the Hurricanes look to defend the Captain Shout Cup.
Named in honour of Gallipoli war hero Captain Alfred Shout VC, MC, who served the New Zealand and Australian military with distinction, the trophy is contested for annually between the Hurricanes and Brumbies.
The Hurricanes are the current holders after winning the inaugural Captain Shout Cup fixture in Canberra last year and will play this year’s match in a special edition Anzac jersey to commemorate the occasion.
"It’s a hugely exciting weekend with Super Round and the brand new One NZ Stadium,” Laidlaw said.
“We can’t wait to get down there and play under the roof against a quality side in the Brumbies for the Captain Shout Cup.
“We now traditionally play them on Anzac week, and we spend each Anzac week learning about Gallipoli and the Anzacs.
“This week, we learned more about the Wellington Battalion, what their attributes were and what impact they had in that battle, which we really enjoyed.”
Laidlaw also acknowledged Kirifi’s contribution to the Hurricanes ahead of his milestone appearance and celebrated Gray’s efforts since joining the club.
Since becoming a Hurricane, Kirifi has established himself as a key leader within the playing group, being named as a co-captain of the club for the past two seasons.
During that time, the 29-year-old has gone on to play eight tests for the All Blacks and lead Wellington to two NPC titles.
"It’s a huge achievement to play 100 games for the Hurricanes,” Laidlaw said.
“We’re extremely proud of him, the way he leads and the way he plays. He’s a spiritual leader and often sets the tone on the field around the physicality and the breakdown.
“He’s really grown his game to become an all-round No 7 where he can make impact on the ball and make impact at the breakdown, but has also really improved his attacking skills and awareness around the field.
“I think that’s allowed him to lead extremely well and become one of our captains.
“It’s also an exciting opportunity for Josh, who is rewarded for the way he came in pre-season, the way he holds himself, and the way he prepares.
“A few injuries have allowed him his opportunity out of the wider training group, but he’s ready to play. If he gets on the field, we have full confidence that he’ll play well.
“With a new stadium, a trophy on the line, and Dupes’ 100th, we’ve certainly got huge motivation to play well, and we can’t wait.”
Kick-off for Saturday’s match against the Brumbies is scheduled for 5:05pm NZT.
HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY BRUMBIES
- Siale Lauaki (10)
- Raymond Tuputupu (18)
- Tevita Mafileo (64)
- Caleb Delany (46)
- Warner Dearns (8)
- Devan Flanders (64)
- Du’Plessis Kirifi (99) - co-captain
- Brayden Iose (59)
- Cam Roigard (55)
- Ruben Love (48)
- Fehi Fineanganofo (20)
- Jordie Barrett (119) - co-captain
- Billy Proctor (75)
- Josh Moorby (46)
- Callum Harkin (17)
- Asafo Aumua (83)
- Xavier Numia (84)
- Pasilio Tosi (45)
- Brad Shields (135)
- Peter Lakai (44)
- Ereatara Enari (19)
- Jone Rova (7)
- Josh Gray (debut)
UNAVAILABLE FOR SELECTION
Tyrel Lomax (ankle): 5 weeks
Isaia Walker-Leawere (concussion): 1 week
Hugo Plummer (ankle): 1-2 weeks
Taine Roiri (hamstring): 2-4 weeks
Cooper Flanders (collarbone): 1-2 weeks
Jai Tamati (ankle): 2 weeks
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Bailyn Sullivan (leg): 1-2 weeks
Josh Timu (ankle): TBC
