The Hurricanes are preparing for the next stop in their Australian tour, as they head to Canberra to take on the 2nd ranked Super Rugby Pacific side, the Brumbies, on Sunday.
Head Coach Jason Holland has named his run-on side with few changes to the 23 that beat the Reds on Saturday.
Hooker James O’Reilly returns from injury, moving recent debutant Kianu Kereru-Symes onto the bench to provide cover.
Bay of Plenty lock Justin Sangster returns to the starting line-up to partner James Blackwell, while last week’s starter Isaia Walker-Leawere moves to add impact off the bench.
Te Kamaka (TK) Howden steps up for an injured Reed Prinsep at blindside, with Prinsep returning to New Zealand following an injury received during warmup on Saturday.
Jackson Garden-Bachop is set to direct traffic at 10, with last week’s first five, Aidan Morgan, moving to the reserves. Salesi Rayasi replaces Wes Goosen on the left wing.
“We’re looking to Jacko to give us a lot of composure and to run the game really well early on, and Aids will be pretty dynamic coming off the bench in the backend of the game.”
Bailyn Sullivan retains the number 13 jersey after a two-try effort in the come from behind win over the Reds last weekend, he will be partnered again by second-five Peter Umaga-Jensen.
“The consistency part there is nice. Both boys played really well I thought. As I’ve said before, I'm really keen for the boys to take the opportunities when they play, and both Pete and Bailyn were pretty dynamic and tidied up some of the little parts of their game. We challenged them to do so, so they get rewarded for that,” said Holland.
The two sides last met in June 2021, in Canberra, with the Brumbies winning 12-10 in a closely fought match.
The Hurricanes take on the Brumbies this Sunday, 1 May, 4PM NZT at GIO Stadium, Canberra. The match will be televised live on Sky Sport.
Hurricanes team to take on the Brumbies:
1. Pouri Rakete-Stones
2. James O’Reilly
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. James Blackwell
5. Justin Sangster
6. Te Kamaka (TK) Howden
7. Blake Gibson
8. Ardie Savea (c)
9. TJ Perenara
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Salesi Rayasi
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Julian Savea
15. Jordie Barrett
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Kianu Kereru-Symes
17. Xavier Numia
18. Tevita Mafileo
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere
20. Caleb Delany
21. Jamie Booth
22. Aidan Morgan
23. Billy Proctor
Unavailable for selection due to injury or suspension: Asafo Aumua, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Ruben Love, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Brayden Iose, Reed Prinsep, Pepesana Patafilo.