Clark Laidlaw opts for consistency as All Black bolter benched

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has made minimal changes to his match-day 23 for this weekend’s clash against the Crusaders in Wellington.

There are four changes, with last week’s bench front row, All Black duo Pasilio Tosi and Asafo Aumua, plus Xavier Numia, returning to the starting lineup for the round twelve matchup.

Caleb Delany and Warner Dearns continue in the second row, while the loose-forward trio has been shifted around to accommodate Brayden Iose moving to No.6, moving Peter Lakai to N0.8.

Love will make his 50th Hurricanes appearance against the Crusaders at Hnry Stadium in Wellington, after the club last week celebrated Kirifi’s 100th game for the Wellington-based franchise.

The backline from last week’s contest against the Brumbies is unchanged, days after star winger Fehi Fineanganofo scored his third hat-trick in 2026, the most ever in a Super Rugby Pacific season.

Despite enjoying the week at Super Round in Christchurch against the Brumbies, the squad are motivated for another Kiwi derby this Friday.

“We’re delighted to be back home after playing in Christchurch last week. It’s really nice to bring the Crusaders up here and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against last year’s champions,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“Last week was an amazing occasion, but we can’t wait to get into another Kiwi derby and play at home for our second-last round-robin home match. We’re lucky to pick a really cohesive team from the last couple of weeks. We think that gives us our best chance of success this week.”

“It almost snuck up on me. He feels young to be playing 50 games, but it’s a great milestone for him as he continues to develop and mature. We’re really loving what he’s doing as a No 10 this year and he’s playing really well.”

HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY CRUSADERS (Hurricanes caps in brackets)

1. Xavier Numia (85)
2. Asafo Aumua (84)
3. Pasilio Tosi (46)
4. Caleb Delany (47)
5. Warner Dearns (9)
6. Brayden Iose (60)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (100) – co-captain
8. Peter Lakai (45)
9. Cam Roigard (56)
10. Ruben Love (50th match)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (21)
12. Jordie Barrett (120) – co-captain
13. Billy Proctor (76)
14. Josh Moorby (47)
15. Callum Harkin (18)
16. Raymond Tuputupu (19)
17. Siale Lauaki (11)
18. Tevita Mafileo (65)
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere (85)
20. Brad Shields (136)
21. Devan Flanders (65)
22. Ereatara Enari (20)
23. Jone Rova (8)

UNAVAILABLE FOR SELECTION

Tyrel Lomax (ankle): 4 weeks
Hugo Plummer (ankle): 1 week
Taine Roiri (hamstring): 1-3 weeks
Jai Tamati (ankle): 1 week
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Riley Higgins (shoulder): TBC
Josh Timu (ankle): Week-to-week