The Hurricanes have named their team to face the Chiefs for Saturday’s final pre-season match of the year in Porirua, proudly delivered by Fiso Group.
Following last week’s 44-36 win over the Blues in Auckland, a host of new faces have been brought into the starting lineup for this weekend’s fixture at Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua Park.
Included in the starting team are All Blacks pair Ruben Love and Jordie Barrett, who have been named at first-five and second-five, respectively.
They are two of 11 new players in the run-on side, with left wing Fehi Fineanganofo, centre Bailyn Sullivan, and fullback Callum Harkin all retaining their places in the starting XV, while Arese Poliko shifts from No 8 to openside flanker.
A brand-new tight five sees Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, and Siale Lauaki start in the front row, while Japan captain Warner Dearns partners Isaia Walker-Leawere in the second row.
Poliko is joined in the loose forwards by blindside flanker Devan Flanders and No 8 Brayden Iose.
In the backline, halfback Ere Enari starts alongside Love in the halves, and Fineanganofo and Harkin are accompanied by right wing Josh Moorby in the outside backs.
An extended bench features 23 players, most of whom played in last week’s victory at Sacred Heart College.
Among the new names in the reserves include All Blacks prop Pasi Tosi and young lock Zach Taulapapa.
"It’s exciting to back up from last week,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.
“We enjoyed the hit-out against the Blues. There were plenty areas of the game that we’ve been working on in pre-season that have transferred well from training into a live game.
“There are definitely some areas that we need to continue to tidy up, but as a first hit-out against the Blues, the physicality and effort and energy in the game was really encouraging.
“What we want to see this week is continued improvement. We want to play well again, particularly in Porirua. We rarely get a chance to play there, so we’re really looking forward to spending a couple of days there and playing out in the community.
“It’s a great opportunity for a whole host of boys who didn’t play last week, as well as a whole host of boys backing up, so we’ll get as many guys as possible prepared for the start of the season, and the game against the Chiefs is another opportunity for that.”
Kick-off for Friday’s match at Jerry Collins Stadium, Porirua Park is scheduled for 1pm, with doors open from 11:45am, and is proudly brought to you by Fiso Group.
Based in Wellington, Fiso Investment Group focuses on strategic investments and commercial operations across a range of industries, including health and wellness, education, hospitality, and property development.
They have worked with many companies that are well-known in the Hurricanes region, including Whitby Collegiate, Bodyhaven, Fiso Engineering and Aerospace, Pacific Health Plus, and more.
The Hurricanes are excited to have them on as our official match day sponsor of the last pre-season game before the season ahead.
Tickets for the match are on sale here.
HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY CHIEFS
1. Xavier Numia
2. Asafo Aumua
3. Siale Lauaki
4. Isaia Walker-Leawere
5. Warner Dearns
6. Devan Flanders
7. Arese Poliko
8. Brayden Iose
9. Ere Enari
10. Ruben Love
11. Fehi Fineanganofo
12. Jordie Barrett (c)
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Josh Moorby
15. Callum Harkin
Reserves: Pouri Rakete-Stones, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Hugo Plummer, Taine Roiri, Zach Taulapapa, Mosese Bason, Matolu Petaia, Jordi Viljoen, Brett Cameron, Josh Gray, Riley Higgins, Jone Rova, Josh Timu, Taniela Filimone, Raymond Tuputupu, Vernon Bason, Pasi Tosi, Cooper Flanders, Jai Tamati, Lucas Cashmore, Anaru Paenga-Morgan, Drew Wild
Unavailable Due To Injury
Tyrel Lomax (thumb): 1-2 weeks
Caleb Delany (calf): 4 weeks
Tom Allen (leg/foot): 2 weeks
Brad Shields (finger): 2 weeks
Du’Plessis Kirifi (calf): 4-5 weeks
Peter Lakai (calf): 1-2 weeks
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Kini Naholo (knee): 3-4 weeks
