Hurricanes Head Coach Jason Holland has named his side for Friday’s preseason clash against the Crusaders at Levin Domain.  

Players will be looking to impress ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Queensland Reds in Townsville on 25 February. 

In the first half team, incumbent Dane Coles lines up at hooker, flanked by the powerful propping combination of Xavier Numia and Owen Franks.  

James Blackwell starts to lock, alongside Wellington teammate Dominic Bird, who makes his first run for the Hurricanes after injury hampered his 2022 Super Rugby season. 

Flankers Reed Prinsep and Du'Plessis Kirifi join Hurricanes captain, Ardie Savea, in rounding out the forward pack.  

In the backs, Jamie Booth and Aidan Morgan join forces at 9 and 10. A brand-new wing combination sees Solomone Naiduki return to the starting line-up after his first run last week, alongside Fijian-born speedster, Kini Naholo. 

In the midfield, Jordie Barrett starts at second-five, with Billy Proctor at centre, and Hamilton-born fullback Josh Moorby at number 15. 

“We’re still not 100% on who our best 23 are to play in Townsville, so there’s opportunity for the guys to put their best foot forward this weekend and nab that jersey,” said Holland.   

“There is a hell of a lot of competition here and we’re definitely open to seeing who performs. We’re keen to see how the guys go on the weekend.”   

“We’ll be pretty simple in the way we do things [this weekend]. We’re just focussing on getting our habits right and will maybe save a few more things for when we get to Townsville with the Reds.” 

The Hurricanes take on the Crusaders in their final preseason match this Friday, February 17, 5PM at Levin Domain. Tickets are $15 for adults and just $5 for kids, available from https://hurricanes.flicket.co.nz/  

Hurricanes team to play the Crusaders: 

1. Xavier Numia 

2. Dane Coles 

3. Owen Franks 

4. James Blackwell 

5. Dominic Bird 

6. Reed Prinsep 

7. Du'Plessis Kirifi 

8. Ardie Savea  

9. Jamie Booth 

10. Aidan Morgan 

11. Solomone Naiduki 

12. Jordie Barrett 

13. Billy Proctor 

14. Kini Naholo 

15. Josh Moorby 

Replacements:  

16. Asafo Aumua 

17. Hame Faiva 

18. Pouri Rakete-Stones 

19. Tevita Mafileo 

20. Pasilio Tosi 

21. Tyrel Lomax 

22. Isaia Walker-Leawere 

23. Justin Sangster 

24. Caleb Delany 

25. Peter Lakai 

26. Brayden Iose 

27. Devan Flanders 

28. TK Howden 

29. Cam Roigard 

30. Logan Henry 

31. Matt Whaanga 

32. Riley Higgins 

33. Julian Savea 

34. Salesi Rayasi 

35. Harry Godfrey