A Blues Rematch in Round 8 at Eden Park

The Hurricanes and the Blues will match up again in Round 8 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday at Eden Park in a double header with Hurricanes Poua vs Blues women. The Poua will kick-off at 4:35PM followed by the men at 7:05PM.  

The Hurricanes have named a strong side for the match which is expected to be a thrilling encounter. After the loss in Round 3 game at SKY Stadium, the Hurricanes will look to get one over the Blues side and show case another performance like the great win against the Waratahs.  

The Hurricanes have named a very settled squad with just one change from the Waratahs game. Ere Enari comes onto the bench as Jordi Viljoen moves out of the 23 this week.  

The team features a number of combinations that have been very effective so far this season. The dynamic duo in midfield, Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan continue to line up together after an excellent performance last time out. In the engine room Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax start and All Black Pasilio Tosi, Jacob Devery and Pouri Rakete-Stones will look to add impact from the bench.  As expected, the loose forwards have performed all season regardless of who has donned the 6, 7, or 8 jerseys but this week Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai have the honour and will want to dominate the Blues loosies. 

The side is once again co-captained by Asafo Aumua and Hurricane #259, Du’Plessis Kirifi, who has recently had his contract extended.  

Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said, “Another consistent selection for us this week, we’re happy with how we played vs the Waratahs last Friday and we have started the week well with our preparation to head up to Auckland and face the reigning champions.” 

“The Blues are coming off their bye week and they will have plenty of energy for this Saturday. With quite a few of their guys back from injury it’ll be a good test to see how we go away from home. The competition is tight this season, so every win and every point we can get is going to go a long way to help us push towards those playoffs at the end of the season. We’re excited and looking forward to the challenge this week at Eden Park.” 

1. Xavier Numia

2. Asafo Aumua (Co Captain)

3. Tyrel Lomax

4. Caleb Delany

5. Isaia Walker-Leawere

6. Brayden Iose

7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co Captain)

8. Peter Lakai

9. Cam Roigard

10. Riley Hohepa

11. Kini Naholo

12. Peter Umaga-Jensen

13. Bailyn Sullivan

14. Ngatungane Punivai

15. Ruben Love 

IMPACT 

16. Jacob Devery

17. Pouri Rakete-Stones

18. Pasilio Tosi

19. Will Tucker

20. Brad Shields

21. Ereatara Enari

22. Callum Harkin

23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo 

UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY