Hurricanes name team for top-of-table clash against Chiefs
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The Hurricanes have named their side for their round 10 Super Rugby Pacific match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday.
Following last week’s 42-19 top-of-the-table win over the Blues, just one change has been made to the starting lineup for this week’s match at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Experienced lock Isaia Walker-Leawere comes into the run-on side, partnering Warner Dearns in the second row as part of a tight five that features front rowers Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, and Pasilio Tosi.
An unchanged loose forward trio sees Devan Flanders kept at blindside flanker, co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi retained at openside flanker, and Peter Lakai stay at No 8.
The backline also remains the same as last week, with halves partners Cam Roigard and Ruben Love named at halfback and first-five, co-captain Jordie Barrett and centre Billy Proctor selected in the midfield, and an outside back trio made up of left wing Fehi Fineanganofo, right wing Josh Moorby, and fullback Callum Harkin.
Three further changes have been made on the bench, where hooker Jacob Devery, loosehead prop Pouri Rakete-Stones, and lock Caleb Delany are the new figures in the reserves.
Tighthead prop Tevtia Mafileo, loose forwards Brad Shields and Brayden Iose, halfback Ereatara Enari, and midfielder Jone Rova all retain their places on the pine.
“It’s a hugely exciting weekend to go up to the Chiefs, who have played particularly well over the past few weeks,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“They have probably the strongest forward pack we've faced. They’re full of All Blacks, so we’re well aware of the threat they pose, but we’re confident in the way we’re playing.
“We’ve got a settled squad to build on the cohesion from last week against the Blues, but we expect the Chiefs to be highly-motivated and it should be a great game.
“Hopefully the weather plays its part, and we can get a good game of rugby, but all-in-all, we can’t wait. We’re super excited to get up there and get another opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the competition away from home.”
Kick-off for Saturday’s match is scheduled for 7:05pm.
HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY CHIEFS (Hurricanes caps in brackets)
- Xavier Numia (83)
- Asafo Aumua (82)
- Pasilio Tosi (44)
- Isaia Walker-Leawere (84)
- Warner Dearns (7)
- Devan Flanders (63)
- Du’Plessis Kirifi (98) – co-captain
- Peter Lakai (43)
- Cam Roigard (54)
- Ruben Love (47)
- Fehi Fineanganofo (19)
- Jordie Barrett (118) – co-captain
- Billy Proctor (74)
- Josh Moorby (45)
- Callum Harkin (16)
- Jacob Devery (21)
- Pouri Rakete-Stones (55)
- Tevita Mafileo (63)
- Caleb Delany (45)
- Brad Shields (134)
- Brayden Iose (58)
- Ereatara Enari (18)
- Jone Rova (6)
UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY
Tyrel Lomax (ankle): 6 weeks
Siale Lauaki (concussion): 1 week
Logan Wallace (calf): 1 week
Hugo Plumer (ankle): 2 weeks
Taine Roiri (hamstring): 3-5 weeks
Matolu Petaia (leg): 1 week
Jai Tamati (ankle): 1-3 weeks
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Josh Timu (ankle): TBC
Ngane Punivai (hamstring): 1-2 weeks
Bailyn Sullivan (leg): 3-4 weeks
Kini Naholo (foot): 1-2 weeks
