2024 FRIDAY, 15th MARCH. APPOLO PROJECTS STADIUM, CHRISTCHURCH
Hurricanes Enter Clash as Favourites Against Crusaders
The Crusaders might be seven-time defending Super Rugby Pacific champions but it is the Hurricanes who arrive in Christchurch as the favourites to win Friday night’s fixture at Apollo Projects Stadium.
Rare Underdog Status for Crusaders Facing Hurricanes
Not since a match in Nelson in 2015 – won by the Crusaders – have Super Rugby’s most successful side gone into a home game against the Hurricanes as underdogs.
Riley Hohepa, part of the Hurricanes wider training squad last year, has been handed a start in the No 10 jersey.
Hurricanes Approach Full Strength for Crucial Fixture
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes head to Christchurch nearly at full strength and brimming with confidence, having defeated the Western Force, Queensland Reds, and Blues in the first three rounds, marking a flawless beginning under the guidance of new coach Clark Laidlaw.
Injuries Ease for Hurricanes Ahead of Showdown
While captain Brad Shields is still another week away, their injury woes are beginning to ease. TJ Perenara and Devan Flanders marked their returns during last weekend’s impressive win against the Blues while Du’Plessis Kirifi will be welcomed back via the bench against the Crusaders.
Roigard Leads Hurricanes Backline Charge Against Crusaders
Once more, Laidlaw will rely on All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard to ignite the Hurricanes’ backline, boasting a plethora of potent attacking assets on the flanks, including the in-form wingers Kini Naholo and Josh Moorby, alongside young fullback Ruben Love.
Absences Loom for Both Teams in Friday Night Showdown
However, both teams will be without the services of Barrett on Friday night, with Hurricanes midfielder Jordie suspended and Crusaders lock Scott side-lined due to a broken finger. Also missing now is Joe Moody out with covid. Can any thing else go wrong?
Team line-Ups
Crusaders
Chay Fihaki, Sevu Reece, Levi Aumua, David Havili (capt), Macca Springer, Riley Hohepa, Willi Heinz, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Dominic Gardiner, Zach Gallagher, Quinten Strange, Fletcher Newell, George Bell, George Bower.
Reserves. Ioane Moananu, Finlay Brewis, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Mitchell Drummond, Ryan Crotty, Dallas McLeod.
Hurricanes
Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor (co-capt), Riley Higgins, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, Cam Roigard, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Tucker, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua (co-capt), Xavier Numia.
Reserves. James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Du’Plessis Kirifi, TJ Perenara, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi.
Referee. James Doleman
Assistant Referees. Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
Crusaders Face Adversity with Barrett Injury
Things have taken a turn for the worse for the Crusaders, as captain Scott Barrett has been sidelined for six weeks due to a broken finger.
Crusaders Stare at 0-4 Start Amidst Barrett’s Absence
This setback dampens their hopes for a triumphant homecoming. Now, they confront the daunting possibility of recording their first-ever 0-4 start in their illustrious history, facing the undefeated Hurricanes, who come into Friday’s match riding high after defeating the Blues last week.
Penney Turns to Hohepa to Revive Crusaders Backline
To add even more intrigue to the clash, under fire Rob Penney has turned to Riley Hohepa to try and right their struggling backline.
Hurricanes Maintain Stability in Lineup
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes enjoy the advantage of fielding a predominantly unchanged lineup, welcoming Du’Plessus Kirifi back from injury on the bench, while Devan Flanders assumes the No. 6 jersey.
Hurricanes Poised for Victory Against Shorthanded Crusaders
With the addition of the formidable wing Kini Naholo and the influential halfback Cam Roigard, who played a crucial role in the team’s victory against the Blues, anticipate the Hurricanes to inflict further damage upon the Crusaders.
PREDICTION
Unfortunately I can not see a way out for the struggling Crusaders. With injuries and a lack of confidence, plus errors on the field, and I think poor selections from the coaches, which continue again this week, my money will be on the Hurricanes.
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