The Hurricanes are preparing to take on the Waratahs at Sky Stadium this Friday, 7:05PM in round four of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific competition, marking the Hurricanes 50th match played against all Australian sides in New Zealand.
The match will celebrate the next generation of fans and players during Kids Round with 1,000 free kids' tickets available *, making it easier than ever for families to attend matches during Round 4 of the 2023 season.
Head Coach Jason Holland has named his squad with few changes to the 23 that fell to the Blues in Saturday's double-header.
In the forward pack, Asafo Aumua returns to the run-on side, with last week’s captain, Dane Coles, looking to provide power from the bench. Ardie Savea returns from a one-week suspension to captain the side from number eight, linking up with flankers, Devan Flanders and Du’Plessis Kirifi.
In the backs, Kini Naholo earns a debut on the wing opposite the Hurricanes all-time leading try scorer, Julian Savea.
"Kini has got himself into good shape and is looking sharp. He’s a big threat with ball in hand, and has earned this opportunity to start,” said Holland.
Off the bench, midfielder Bailyn Sulivan makes a return from injury, with Wellington lock Dominic Bird looking to make his Hurricanes debut.
The 23 will wear Hawke’s Bay, East Coast and Poverty Bay socks on Friday as a show of support and respect for our regions’ most affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Hurricanes take on the Waratahs at 7:05PM on Friday at Sky Stadium. Tickets are available at https://hurricanes.flicket.co.nz/
The match will be aired live on Sky Sport.
* Up to 4 free kids’ tickets for every paying adult
Hurricanes to take on the Waratahs:
1 Xavier Numia
2 Asafo Aumua
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 James Blackwell
5 Isaia Walker-Leawere
6 Devan Flanders
7 Du’Plessis Kirifi
8 Ardie Savea ©
9 Cameron Roigard
10 Brett Cameron
11 Kini Naholo *
12 Jordie Barrett
13 Billy Proctor
14 Julian Savea
15 Josh Moorby
Reserves
16 Dane Coles
17 Pouri Rakete-Stones
18 Pasilio Tosi
19 Dominic Bird *
20 Braydon Iose
21 Jamie Booth
22 Aidan Morgan
23 Bailyn Sulivan
* Denotes debut
Unavailable for selection: Ruben Love, Caleb Delany, Tyler Laubscher, Reed Prinsep, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Justin Sangster, TJ Perenara, Jacob Devery.