Following 15-weeks of intense competition, the Hurricanes are set to host their first home quarter-final in over five years as the Melbourne Rebels come to the capital.
After a strong performance against the Highlanders to celebrate Heritage Week, the Hurricanes shift their focus as knockout rugby comes to town, where the equation is clear.
Clark Laidlaw said, “The crowd was immense and has been building all season. How good is afternoon rugby – we're keen to see a big crowd on Saturday to bring that extra energy.”
Asafo Aumua’s return, after six weeks on the sidelines showed he hadn’t missed a beat and he was his usual destructive self, with his work on the edge setting up Salesi Rayasi to go over.
“Asafo was extremely diligent in his rehab and that allowed him to get back out on the park for 40 minutes which was pleasing for him and us.”
“We’re under no illusion, the Melbourne Rebels have an exciting backline, and their x-factor is a real threat, with numerous ball carriers across the field, it’ll be an amazing match.”
Up front, the powerful trio of Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Pasilio Tosi link up, after a strong first 40 against the Highlanders. Justin Sangster and Isaia Walker-Leawere lock down the tight five. One change in the loosies sees Peter Lakai come in on the openside with Devan Flanders and Brayden Iose.
TJ Perenara and Brett Cameron once again combine in the halves. Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor will again link up in midfield, having combined to great effect so far this season. Fresh off a hat-trick last week, Salesi Rayasi headlines an unchanged back field with Ruben Love and Josh Moorby.
Impact from the bench upfront will be in the form of James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones and Tevita Mafileo, with Brad Shields and Du’Plessis Kirifi covering the locks and loosies. Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan and Kini Naholo round out the bench.
Hurricanes team to face the Melbourne Rebels, Saturday 4:35pm. Get Tickets Here!
Xavier Numia
Asafo Aumua
Pasilio Tosi
Justin Sangster
Isaia Walker-Leawere
Devan Flanders
Peter Lakai
Brayden Iose
TJ Perenara
Brett Cameron
Salesi Rayasi
Jordie Barrett (C)
Billy Proctor
Josh Moorby
Ruben Love
James O’Reilly
Pouri Rakete-Stones
Tevita Mafileo
Brad Shields
Du’Plessis Kirifi
Richard Judd
Bailyn Sullivan
Kini Naholo
Unavailable: Cam Roigard, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Ben Grant
The Hurricanes will be hosting an Open Training for our fans to come watch and meet the team. On Thursday 6 June, 12:30pm – 1:30pm at NZCIS, Gate 2, 30 Somme Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt. Parking is available, outside the campus on Somme Road.