Zach Gallagher to Debut vs Highlanders

All Blacks duo Aumua and Lomax return to Hurricanes match day squad

The All Blacks duo Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax return to play after both recovering from injury and are named in their first team for the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Season. Both players experience and leadership will be in valuable, as the Highlanders will want to keep their momentum going after a strong start to their campaign.

Tevita Mafileo, Hurricane #270, will join the Hurricanes 50 Club in this weekend's match, making him the 64th Hurricane to achieve the feat. Mafileo made his debut for the Hurricanes against the Stormers in Capetown, 2020.

Injury has hampered 2022 All Blacks XV rep Zach Gallagher’s move to the capital. On Friday night, he will make his debut at lock alongside Caleb Delany and will want to make a big impression.

Kids Round is the theme for Round 5 of the competition down in Dunedin. The Hurricanes (Captain America) and Highlanders (Hulk) will wear the new limited edition Marvel jersey in the match. This will be the first time we see Captain America and the Hulk go head-to-head.

Hurricanes Head Coach said “We’re looking forward to Kids Round in Dunedin. We know the Highlanders will be eager to get things back on track after their bye week and we’ve had a good week reviewing what we need to improve and what we need to bring to the table.”

“We have Asafo and Tyrel returning from injury which is timely. Tevita is set to join the 50 Club which is a huge achievement for him and Zach Gallagher comes into the team to debut. There is lots to look forward to this Friday evening and another opportunity to play a tough NZ derby.

1. Xavier Numia

2. Jacob Devery

3. Tevita Mafileo

4. Caleb Delany

5. Zach Gallagher (Debut)

6. Brad Shields (Co Captain)

7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co Captain)

8. Peter Lakai

9. Cam Roigard

10. Harry Godfrey

11. Kini Naholo

12. Peter Umaga-Jensen

13. Bailyn Sullivan

14. Ngatungane Punivai

15. Ruben Love

IMPACT

16. Asafo Aumua

17. Pouri Rakete-Stones

18. Tyrel Lomax

19. Isaia Walker-Leawere

20. Brayden Iose

21. Jordi Viljoen

22. Riley Hohepa

23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo