The Hurricanes have named their team for the upcoming match against the Fijian Drua in Round 11 of the DHL Super Rugby competition, taking place in Suva on Saturday.
The Drua, who are hosting a full season of home games this year, will be looking to put up a strong fight against the Hurricanes, who are coming off a win against the Brumbies last weekend.
Head Coach Jason Holland has made just four changes to the team that secured victory against the Brumbies at Sky Stadium.
In the forward pack, Justin Sangster returns from injury to start at lock alongside Isaia Walker-Leawere, who is celebrating his 50th Hurricanes match. TK Howden will provide cover off the bench.
Walker-Leawere, whose father captained Fiji at the Rugby World Cup in 2007, is relishing the opportunity to play this milestone match in front of his family and friends in Fiji.
“It’s pretty buzzy how it’s come full circle and I get to play 50 games for the Hurricanes in Fiji in front of my family, many of whom I don’t really get to see very often,” Walker-Leawere said.
In the backs, Fijian-born Kini Naholo will make a start on the wing, with Salesi Rayasi looking to provide impact off the bench. Rayasi, whose father is former Fiji international Filipe Rayasi, will be returning to Fiji for the first time since he was 10 months old.
Billy Proctor makes a welcome return following an injury, linking up with Jordie Barrett in the midfield.
The Hurricanes will be hoping to put in a solid performance against the Drua, who are having a strong debut season and will be looking to secure a win in front of their home crowd.
“This is another massive game for us. We are looking forward to playing in a brilliant and unique atmosphere.
“The Drua are playing some great rugby and scoring some great tries, so will need to be at our best to beat them,” said Holland.
With only a few rounds left in the competition, the Hurricanes will be looking to finish the season dominantly and secure a spot in the playoffs. A win against the Drua would be a crucial step towards achieving that goal. Fans of both teams can expect an exciting and competitive match on Saturday.
The Hurricanes take on the Fijian Drua at 2.05PM NZT on Saturday 6 May at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva. The match will be aired live on Sky Sport from 2PM.
Hurricanes named to take on the Fijian Drua:
1 Xavier Numia
2 Asafo Aumua
3 Tyrel Lomax
4 Justin Sangster
5 Isaia Walker-Leawere **
6 Devan Flanders
7 Du’Plessis Kirifi
8 Ardie Savea ©
9 Cameron Roigard
10 Aidan Morgan
11 Kini Naholo
12 Jordie Barrett
13 Billy Proctor
14 Julian Savea
15 Josh Moorby
Reserves:
16 Jacob Devery
17 Tevita Mafileo
18 Owen Franks
19 TK Howden
20 Brayden Iose
21 Jamie Booth
22 Harry Godfrey
23 Salesi Rayasi
**Denotes 50th Super Rugby match
Unavailable for selection: Ruben Love, Tyler Laubscher, Reed Prinsep, TJ Perenara, Brett Cameron, Daniel Sinkinson, Bailyn Sullivan, Dane Coles, James Blackwell, Caleb Delany, Dominic Bird.