Billy Proctor returns as Hurricanes name one debutant to take on Highlanders
The Hurricanes are preparing for their first home game of the Super Rugby Pacific competition this weekend with head coach Jason Holland naming his side to take on the Highlanders at Sky Stadium.
The front row remains the same from last weekend’s comeback victory over the Blues, with Pouri Rakete-Stones, Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax retaining their starting spots. Off the bench, they are backed by Siua Maile with an opportunity to debut, Xavier Numia and Tevita Mafileo.
“Siua has come in through the preseason and worked hard,” said Holland. He had a good battle with Jacob Devery to see who got the spot for the first few weeks on the bench behind Asafo. Jacob’s done well, but due to his concussion, Siua gets his chance”.
“He’s trained really well and we’re confident he’s going to do a good job. We look forward to him becoming a Hurricane,” said Holland.
Wellington’s Caleb Delany will make his long-awaited Hurricanes debut alongside fellow Lion, James Blackwell. Delany joined the Hurricanes as an injury replacement in 2021 before being awarded his first super rugby contract ahead of this year’s competition.
Holland said he was excited to see Delany get an opportunity.
“Caleb has come right through the Academy system with Wellington and trained with us, so the boys know him well. He’s really matured in the last little bit.”
“He’s ready to go. He’s training well, and I know he’s busting to take his opportunity, so it’s good to have this energy coming in,” said Holland.
In the back row, Du’Plessis Kirifi returns from injury to take the No 7 jersey alongside Reed Prinsep at 6 and Captain Ardie Savea at number 8. Devan Flanders and Brayden Iose provide impact off the bench.
In the halves, Ruben Love comes in to replace Jackson Garden-Bachop at 10 and Jamie Booth retains the No 9 jersey, with cover coming in the form of halfback Richard Judd.
After an electric performance last week against the Blues, Salesi Rayasi returns on the left wing, with Billy Proctor and Bailyn Sullivan combining in midfield. Peter Umaga-Jensen will be looking to add some physicality off the bench.
Rounding out the Hurricanes starting line-up, Julian Savea shifts to the right wing and Jordie Barrett retains his spot at fullback.
“It’s great to know that Jules can do both jobs for us. He can do a really good job for us in the midfield, but this week moves back to his favoured wing spot. He was instrumental in what happened in that last quarter of an hour from the win last week,” said Holland.
Last year, the Hurricanes won both their fixtures with the Highlanders, triumphing 30-19 in Dunedin and 41-22 in the capital. This Saturday’s match-up kicks off at 7:05pm NZT.
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Bailyn Sullivan, Billy Proctor, Salesi Rayasi, Ruben Love, Jamie Booth, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Reed Prinsep, Caleb Delany, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Reserves: Siua Maile, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Devan Flanders, Brayden Iose, Richard Judd, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Peter Umaga-Jensen.
– with Hurricanes Rugby
Comments on RugbyPass
$950k for a Prop that isn’t fit enough to play 10 mins of rugby? Surely there is someone better to replace Big Mike with
2 Go to commentsFour Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
16 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
2 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to comments