Friday 17th March,2023, SKY Stadium Wellington, NZ. 5PM.
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis KirifI, Ardie Savea (c), Cameron Roigard, Brett Cameron, Kini Naholo, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Julian Savea, Josh Moorby
RESERVES: Dane Coles, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Dominic Bird, Braydon Iose, Jamie Booth, Aidan Morgan, Bailyn Sullivan
Ardie Savea is straight back in for the Hurricanes after the captain’s suspension for his throat-slitting gesture against the Rebels.
Asafo Aumua returns to the run-on side at hooker, with last week’s captain, Dane Coles, back to the bench.
In the backs, Kini Naholo earns a debut on the wing. Midfielder Bailyn Sulivan makes a return from injury off the bench while Hawke’s Bay lock Dominic Bird is set for a Hurricanes debut.
WARATAHS (1-15): Tom Lambert, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ned Hanigan, Taleni Seu, Charlie Gamble, Michael Hooper, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, Nemani Nadolo, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen
RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Sateki Latu, Dan Botha, Lachie Swinton, Will Harris, Harrison Goddard, Tane Edmed, Mosese Tuipulotu
Darren Coleman has changed up his playmaking stocks with Ben Donaldson getting a first start of the season at No.10 and young gun Max Jorgensen getting his first start in the No.15 jersey having begun his Tahs career on the wing.
Tane Edmed goes to the bench as one of six changes to the starting XV.
Harry Johnson-Holmes has been named in the starting front row alongside Tom Lambert and Mahe Vailanu.
Both locks are missing from last week, with Hugh Sinclair ruled out for the next 4-6 weeks with a shoulder injury and Jed Holloway on leave to be with his wife and the imminent arrival of their second child.
Ned Hanigan will play his first match of the 2023 season in the second row alongside Taleni Seu who secured a valuable bonus point for the Waratahs in Melbourne with his try after the siren.
Charlie Gamble, who re-signed with the team this week, returns to the starting backrow at blindside flanker with Michael Hooper and one of the form players in the competition, Langi Gleeson.
Test hooker Dave Porecki is ruled out with an infection.
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
The Hurricanes have won their last five Super Rugby matches against the Tahs, the longest winning run by either team in their head to head history.
The Hurricanes have won 29 turnovers so far this season, the most of any team in the competition. The Tahs lead the competition in execution of gain line carries, with a competition high 63 percent success rate. The Canes lead the head-to-head 15-10.
PREDICTION, The Canes should win this one, and I would suggest by 9/10 points.
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