Murphy Taramai is set to become Hurricane 274, after being named on the bench for this Sunday’s 3:35pm clash against the Highlanders at Sky Stadium.

The Hurricanes are looking for their second win of Super Rugby Aotearoa, after taking down the Chiefs 25 – 18 in Hamilton last week.

Due to minor injuries, Dane Coles, Fraser Armstrong, Gareth Evans and Reed Prinsep have not been included in the squad.

It means, Ben May, Asafo Aumua and Devan Flanders have been called up to the starting XV.

There’s also been a change at first five, as Fletcher Smith rotates with Jackson Garden-Bachop and Vince Aso has made his way back into the midfield – a heavily contested position.

The Hurricanes have won the last four games at Sky Stadium against the Highlanders.

Sunday also doubles as ‘club night’, where players and fans are encouraged to wear their club jersey to the stadium – a tribute to the grassroots game.

The Hurricanes team to take on the Highlanders at Sky Stadium is:

1              Ben May             

2              Asafo Aumua    

3              Tyrel Lomax       

4              James Blackwell

5              Scott Scrafton   

6              Devan Flanders

7              Du’Plessis Kirifi 

8              Ardie Savea       

9              TJ Perenara [C]

10           Fletcher Smith  

11           Ben Lam              

12           Ngani Laumape

13           Vince Aso           

14           Kobus Van Wyk

15           Jordie Barrett    

RESERVES:                          

16.          Ricky Riccitelli    

17.          Pouri Rakete-Stones      

18.          Alex Fidow         

19.          Vaea Fifita          

20.          Murphy Taramai              

21.          Jamie Booth      

22.          Billy Proctor       

23.          Wes Goosen     

Not considered due to injury: Dane Coles (calf), Gareth Evans (ankle), Reed Prinsep (hamstring), Fraser Armstrong (knee), James Marshall (hip), Xavier Numia (knee).