SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC,APRIL 28th,2023 HURRICANES v ACT BRUMBIES
SKY STADIUM,WELLINGTON,NZ
Hurricanes:
Josh Moorby, Julian Savea, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Jordie Barrett, Salesi Rayasi, Aidan Morgan, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (capt), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia.
Reserves: Jacob Devery, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, Caleb Delany, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Harry Godfrey, Kini Naholo.
Former All Blacks winger Julian Savea will join an exclusive club when he takes the field in the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Brumbies on Friday night.
Savea will play his 150th game for the Hurricanes after retaining his spot on the right wing in an unchanged backline.
The 32-year-old will become just the second Hurricanes player to play a milestone 150 games, tying the club record set by injured halfback TJ Perenara.
Savea and Perenara also share another Hurricanes record, having both scored 58 Super Rugby tries – two shy of the overall record held by former Waratah Israel Folau.
Savea drew level with Perenara when he dotted down in the Hurricanes’ first match of the season, but he has not scored since.
Coming off a bye, the refreshed Hurricanes have kept changes to a minimum despite losing their last match against the table-topping Chiefs a fortnight ago.
The return of lock Isaia Walker-Leawere is the only change to the starting 15.
Brumbies:
Tom Wright, Andy Muirhead, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Corey Toole, Noah Lolesio, Nic White, Charlie Cale, Rory Scott, Rob Valetini, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Frost, Allan Alaalatoa (capt), Billy Pollard, James Slipper.
Reserves: Lachlan Lonergan, Fred Kaihea, Sefo Kautai, Darcy Swain, Luke Reimer, Ryan Lonergan, Jack Debreczeni, Ben O’Donnell.
Len Ikitau and Pete Samu miss out again but ACT Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham has named a strong side for Friday’s top-four clash against the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium in Wellington.
Billy Pollard earns his first start of the year and the hooker joins James Slipper and captain Allan Alaalatoa in the fornt row.
Nick Frost and Cadeyrn Neville renew their starting second row partnership, with Uni-Norths Owls number eight Charlie Cale joining Rob Valetini and Rory Scott in the backrow in place of Samu, who is expected to fit for next week’s trip to Melbourne.
Nic White will partner Noah Lolesio in the halves, with Tamati Tua and Ollie Sapsford combining in the centres. Ikitau is also on track to be available for the Brumbies round 11 matchup against the Rebels.
Corey Toole is fit to take his place on the left wing after missing the Brumbies bonus-point win against the Fijian Drua, with Andy Muirhead and Tom Wright rounding out the back-three.
Round eight hat-trick hero Ben O’Donnell completes the Brumbies matchday selection.
Referee. James Doleman.
PREDICTION.
A tight game here I believe with the best performing Australian side playing, currently sitting 2nd on the table, playing the Hurricanes, at home, currently sitting 4th on the table.
The weather will play a part here with beautiful Wellington expecting about 10 degrees at kick off. Mind you the Canberra side will feel at home in these conditions as well. I will pick the home side here with a margin of 5 points. Hurricanes by 5.
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