SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC ROUND 12, 2023 MAY 13th HURRICANES v MOANA PASIFICA
SKY STADIUM,WELLINGTON,NZ
All Blacks stars Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett will have to sit out one of the Hurricanes’ three remaining New Zealand derbies after they were named in the team to face the winless Moana Pasifika on Saturday.
The fifth-place Hurricanes have named a strong squad for a game they cannot afford to lose as they look to break back into the top four and secure a home quarterfinal following last week’s setback against Fijian Drua.
Savea and Barrett still have a rest week to take before the end of the regular season but they have both retained their places in a team featuring five changes to the starting 15.
The most notable change sees young hooker Jacob Devery make his starting debut in the absence of injured All Blacks Dane Coles and Asafo Aumua.
Locks James Blackwell and Caleb Delany return from concussion with Blackwell named to start alongside Isaia Walker-Leawere and Delany providing cover from the bench.
There are three changes to the backline. Halfback Jamie Booth has been given his second start with Cam Roigard rested.Julian Savea will also take a breather after equalling the Super Rugby try-scoring record with a double against the Drua.
He has been replaced in the No. 14 jersey by Salesi Rayasi with Kini Naholo retaining his spot at left wing.The final change sees young playmaker Harry Godfrey make his second start at fullback.
Hurricanes
Harry Godfrey, Salesi Rayasi, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barett, Kini Naholo, Aidan Morgan, Jamie Booth, Ardie Savea (capt), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo.
RESERVES. Hame Faiva, Pouri Rateke-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Logan Henry, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Josh Moorby.
Pasifika
Team. Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Luteru Tolai, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Alex McRobbie, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tuipulotu, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu (c), Danny Toala, Tima Fainga’anuku, Tomasi Alosio,
Reserves. Joe Royal, Tau Koloamatangi, Chris Apoua, Potu Leavasa, Jonah Mau’u, Manu Paea, D’angelio Leuila, Lolagi Visinia
The home side will be determined to get their campaign back on track after suffering a shock away loss to the Drua last weekend, while Moana are still chasing and elusive victory after coming agonisingly close to achieving that feat against the Blues.
The Hurricanes will be overwhelming favourites to win this match as apart from playing on their home patch, they also cruised to an easy 59-0 victory over Moana in the corresponding match between these sides at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland in Round Five.
Referee Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees. Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
PREDICTION. The Canes will run away with this and get a bonus point as well. Canes by 21 points plus.
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