Head Coach, Clark Laidlaw has named his 23 to take on the Crusaders this Friday in the DHL Super Rugby Pacific opener in Christchurch.  Brad Shields and Du’Plessis Kirifi will co-captain a side that will feature All Black Cam Roigard and the highly talented Harry Godfrey combining in the inside backs.

Laidlaw said ‘we have had a good pre-season. We have worked hard on our game and our culture, whilst also spending some quality time within our community. Friday night will be a big challenge. The Crusaders are always tough, but we are ready. We are really excited for the boys, especially our debutants’.

Up to three players could make their debut on Friday evening. Callum Harkin was not contracted at the start of the season but will don the 15 jersey against the Crusaders. Harkin had an excellent club season for OBU before performing well for Wellington in the NPC.

Sevens star Fatafehi Fineanganofo, 22, deserves his start on the wing after playing well for Bay of Plenty and more recently in the team’s final pre-season hit out against 2024 champions, the Blues, in Wainuiomata last Friday.

If Ere Enari gets on the field, he will represent his third NZ based Super Rugby club, after the Crusaders and Moana Pasifika. Enari, a Samoan International plays for Hawkes Bay domestically.

Former All Black Peter Umaga-Jensen gets the nod at second-five due to strong performances in pre-season games. Prop Xavier Numia will play his first game for the Hurricanes since his injury in the 2024 Quarter-Final at SKY Stadium while 2024 All Black Pasilio Tosi will come off the bench.

The Hurricanes Hunters will play the Crusaders Development team in the curtain raiser.