SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC, ROUND 11, MAY 6th, 2023 FIJIAN DRUA V HURRICANES
HFC BANK STADIUM,SUVA,FIJI
Hurricanes lock Justin Sangster has been rushed into the starting 15 for Saturday’s clash with the Fijian Drua in Suva after shaking off a thumb injury he sustained in pre-season.
Sangster’s return is one of just three changes to the starting 15 following last week’s win over the Brumbies, and it could not have come at a better time.
With other second rowers Dom Bird (illness), James Blackwell (concussion) and Caleb Delany (concussion) ruled out, the Hurricanes have been forced to name just two specialist locks in their match-day 23.
Sangster will partner milestone man Isaia Walker-Leawere in a new-look second row with TK Howden, who is primarily a loose forward, providing cover from the bench.
Sangster was due to make his comeback via club rugby in Bay of Plenty last weekend after missing the previous nine games, but he was kept on ice after Blackwell and Delany took heavy knocks to the head early in the win over the Brumbies. The pair have been given an automatic 12-day stand down.
Walker-Leawere, the son of former Fijian international Kele Leawere, will bring up 50 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes against the Drua and he will get to celebrate the occasion in front of some of his extended family.
The other two changes have come in the back line. Centre Billy Proctor replaces Peter Umaga-Jensen after recovering from a shoulder injury and Fijian-born winger Kini Naholo swaps in for Salesi Rayasi on the left wing.
Hurricanes:
Josh Moorby, Julian Savea, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Aidan Morgan, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (capt), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Justin Sangster, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia.
Reserves. Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, TK Howden, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Harry Godfrey, Salesi Rayasi.
Fijian Drua:
Ilaisa Droasese, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Kalaveti Rovouvou, Taniela Rakuro, Teti Tela, Frank Lomani, Elia Canakaivata, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere (capt), Haereiti Hetet.
Reserves. Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Jone Koroi, Etonia Waqa, Meli Derenalagi, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Eroni Sau.
The Drua have been boosted by the return of captain Meli Derenalagi, who has missed the last three weeks with a hamstring injury.
The Olympic gold medallist will come off the bench in Suva, with hooker Tevita Ikanivere starting the match as skipper.
Referee. Jordan Way
Assistant Referees. Damon Murphy, James Palmer
PREDICTION.
The Canes will find this tough in front of a passionate crowd in Suva, but I think they will be too good for the Fijian team who make too many simple mistakes and Jordie Barrett will punish them for that. Canes by 7 points.
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