The Hurricanes have named their side for their 400th Super Rugby match, a Saturday afternoon block buster against the Brumbies in Canberra as part of ANZAC Round.
After last week's hard-fought win against the Fijian Drua in Suva, the Hurricanes exceeded their previous winning record, eclipsing their seven in a row in 2015, opening the season eight from eight.
Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Brett Cameron and Ruben Love return to the starting team, with Peter Umaga-Jensen making his first start of the season at centre.
Hooker Raymond Tuputupu and midfielder Riley Higgins come onto the bench, with Bailyn Sullivan rounding out the 23.
Given the heat and humidity in Suva, the team will now face a much colder prospect as they head to the nation’s capital. A challenge, which Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said they are looking forward to.
Coach Clark Laidlaw said, “I was pleased with our prep for this week, the way the players and management have been able to adapt as we prepare for a new challenge each week.”
As part of the connection between the Capital cities, the Hurricanes will lay a wreath at the New Zealand Memorial in Canberra on Friday. Something Laidlaw says was “special,” for his side to be involved in.
“It’s a real honour for us to be invited to lay a wreath there, it’s important for us to recognise and remember those lives lost and to continue the legacy of service.”
The Hurricanes will also proudly wear jerseys adorned with a poppy. The jerseys will be auctioned post-match, with proceeds being donated to the Royal New Zealand RSA.
The Hurricanes team to take on the Brumbies.
Xavier Numia
James O’Reilly
Tyrel Lomax
Caleb Delany
Isaia Walker-Leawere
Brad Shields (C)
Du’Plessis Kirifi
Brayden Iose
TJ Perenara
Brett Cameron
Salesi Rayasi
Jordie Barrett
Peter Umaga-Jensen
Kini Naholo
Ruben Love
Raymond Tuputupu
Tevita Mafileo
Pasilio Tosi
Ben Grant
Peter Lakai
Richard Judd
Riley Higgins
Bailyn Sullivan
Unavailable for selection:
Asafo Aumua, Jacob Devery, TK Howden, Cam Roigard, James Tucker