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Siya Kolisi returns to lead much-changed Springbok team in Buenos Aires
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Du'Plessis Kirifi makes shock switch to midfield for Wellington
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Wellington have thrown a curveball at old foes Auckland ahead of Saturday’s NPC showdown, naming All Black Du’Plessis Kirifi at inside centre.
The 29-year-old has 129 first-class games to his name, including eight with the All Blacks, and has never started in any jersey other than the No.7.
Perhaps the most discussed All Blacks omission in 2026, Kirifi started in his familiar openside flanker role in round 1 of the new NPC season last week, with Wellington falling to Hawke’s Bay despite Kirifi’s best efforts. The Hurricanes co-captain won four turnovers and chipped in on attack with 12 carries and a try.
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Divad Palu made his debut for the province at second-five last week, and has shifted to the centre channel to accommodate Kirifi’s bold switch this time out. The move has given Sione Halalilo his chance to shine in the No.7 jersey.
The change comes after a small cohort of physically capable backline players have dipped their toes in the waters of loose forward work recently, building momentum behind the ‘hybrid’ player concept.
Leicester Fainga’anuku grabbed headlines for his impressive transition from the midfield to the openside flank for the Crusaders this year, having gained experience in the position at the back end of games for Toulon previously. Springbok André Esterhuizen has spent time in the loose trio late in games also, while Fiji’s Levani Botia has a near-even split of games in the backs and forwards throughout his 13 years of professional rugby since leaving the Sevens circuit.
Kirifi starting his career in the loose trio makes him a more unique case among the aspiring hybrid players, with Saturday’s clash at the Western Springs Bowl sure to draw plenty of attention as he looks to give All Blacks selectors a taste of his broader skillset.
Wellington team to play Auckland
- Jake Turnbull
- Penieli Poasa
- Samuela Tawake
- Caleb Delany
- Hugo Plummer
- Dominic Ropeti
- Sione Halalilo
- Matolu Petaia
- Riley Williams
- Callum Harkin
- Reo Matsushita
- Du’Plessis Kirifi
- David Palu
- Isi Saumaki
- Cam Burgess*
Reserves
16. James O’Reilly
17. Sekope Lopeti-Moli*
18. Alex Hewitt
19. Johnny Falloon
20. Murphy Taramai
21. LoganHenry
22. Piri Paraone
23. Jordan Soli*
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