The Hurricanes have named an extended squad to head to Auckland this weekend to take on the Blues at Waitemata Rugby Club. 

Head Coach Jason Holland has named a mix of youth and experience to line up in two separate halves, with a number of players set to wear the Hurricanes jersey for the first time. 

In the first half team, Manawatū’s Leif Schwenke lines up at hooker flanked by the powerful propping combination of Pouri Rakete-Stones and Pasilio Tosi. Justin Sangster and 20-year-old Manawatū lock, Josh Taula round out the tight five. 

Heading into his second season – Te Kamaka Howden will be looking to build on a strong debut season, in combination with Du’Plessis Kirifi and Devan Flanders. 

Jamie Booth gets the first run at nine, pairing up with Aidan Morgan. Southland’s Matt Whaanga is joined by new Manawatū Turbo’s signing Kyle Brown in the midfield, with Solomone Naiduki and Julian Savea on the wings, and New Zealand U20 fullback, Harry Godfrey in the 15 jersey. 

Hurricanes Head Coach Jason Holland said he was excited for his squad to get back out on the park. 

“I’m looking forward to seeing the guys get out there and test everything we have been doing over the past few weeks.”  

“Everyone will get a run. We have 34 players who will get time, and for a few it will be their first time running out in a Hurricanes jersey.”   

On the bench – Italian International Hame Faiva and Wellington’s Josh Southall provide cove at hooker. Four props – Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Owen Franks and 19-year-old Siale Lauaki will look to add power late on. 

Locks and loosies will be covered by James Blackwell, Reed Prinsep, Brayden Iose and young guns – Peter Lakai and Sione Halalilo will look to provide an exciting spark. 

All Blacks XV half back Cam Roigard is joined by Turbo Logan Henry who deputise for Jamie Booth. Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Josh Moorby, brothers Riley and Kienan Higgins are joined by 2022 Hurricanes U20 player of the year Waqa Nalaga rounding out the backs’ reserves. 

Players will be looking to impress ahead of the season opener against the Queensland Reds in Townsville on 25 February.  

The Blues vs Hurricanes will kick-off at 2:30pm, Saturday, 11 February, at Waitemata Rugby Club. The Blues will be livestreaming the match via social media.   

Hurricanes team to play the Blues: 
1 Pouri Rakete-Stones   
2 Leif Schwenke  
3 Pasilio Tosi  
4 Justin Sangster  
5 Josh Taula  
6 TK Howden  
7 Du'Plessis Kirifi  
8 Devan Flanders  
9 Jamie Booth  
10 Aidan Morgan  
11 Solomone Naiduki 
12 Matt Whaanga  
13 Kyle Brown  
14 Julian Savea  
15 Harry Godfrey    

Replacements:   
16. Hame Faiva  
17. Josh Southall  
18. Xavier Numia  
19. Siale Lauaki  
20. Tevita Mafileo  
21. Owen Franks  
22. James Blackwell  
23. Reed Prinsep  
24. Sione Halalilo  
25. Peter Lakai  
26. Brayden Iose  
27. Cam Roigard 
28. Logan Henry 
29. Brett Cameron 
30. Riley Higgins 
31. Kienan Higgins 
32. Salesi Rayasi 
33. Waqa Nalaga 
34. Josh Moorby