Just one change in Hurricanes team to play Crusaders

The Hurricanes sit on the cusp of a playoff berth heading into round nine’s clash with the Crusaders in Wellington and have the luxury of consistent selection for the derby.

Just one change has been made to the matchday 23, with young hooker Raymond Tuputupu coming into a reserve role behind co-captain Asafo Aumua.

Elsewhere, head coach Clark Laidlaw has backed the same players who came up just short of a win in Auckland against the Blues in round eight.

“We were disappointed with certain aspects of our game against the Blues, but we’ve picked another consistent team because, at this point in the season, we want to give this team a real opportunity to succeed,” the coach said.

“It’s a big game at home. We know the Crusaders have been playing well. They are a team full of All Blacks and international rugby players. We’re really excited by the challenge, and we’ll need to play well to match them. Then we head to Australia for a couple weeks. So, we’re looking forward to playing at home. It’ll be an exciting evening planned for fans and we can’t wait to see the bright lights and the fireworks.”

Hurricanes team to play the Crusaders

1. Xavier Numia
2. Asafo Aumua (Co Captain)
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Caleb Delany
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Brayden Iose
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co Captain)
8. Peter Lakai
9. Cam Roigard
10. Riley Hohepa
11. Kini Naholo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen (50th Cap)
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Ngatungane Punivai
15. Ruben Love

Reserves

16. Raymond Tuputupu
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones (50th Cap)
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Will Tucker
20. Brad Shields
21. Ereatara Enari
22. Callum Harkin
23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo