Hurricanes bring All Blacks into starting team for Blues double-header

Round three sees not just culture round hit Wellington but also a Super Rugby double-header as the Hurricanes Poua open their 2025 season at home against the Blues.

Both Wellington teams face the reigning champions of their respective leagues and the men have brought their All Blacks to the fore for the occasion.

Having made their international debuts in 2024, Peter Lakai and Pasilio Tosi will each make their first start of the season in New Zealand’s capital, lining up in the No. 3 and No. 8 jerseys respectively.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

26

28

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

The other headline selection is that of Kade Banks. The former Blues flyer who enjoyed a breakout NPC campaign last season with North Harbour will make his Hurricanes debut at fullback.

Hurricanes Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said “We’re excited to be back in Wellington and play our first home game at SKY Stadium for 2025. It’s Culture Round and we’ve had an enjoyable week connecting our different cultures.”

“It’s great to be able to have Kade Banks in the team this week, he’s had a really strong preseason and deserves this opportunity to debut”

“Being the 2024 champions, the Blues will be highly motivated and demand a top-quality performance from us. We certainly feel inspired to play well and meet that demand.”

Hurricanes team to play Blues

1. Xavier Numia
2. Raymond Tuputupu
3. Pasilio Tosi
4. Caleb Delany
5. Isaia Walker-Leawere
6. Brad Shields
7. Du’Plessis kirifi
8. Peter Lakai
9. Cam Roigard
10. Harry Godfrey
11. Kini Naholo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Fehi Fineanganofo
15. Kade Banks*

Reserves

16. Jacob Devery
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Tevita Mafileo
19. Hugo Plummer
20. Brayden Iose
21. Ereatara Enari
22. Riley Hohepa
23. Ngatungane Punivai

Injury status

Brett Cameron, knee, out for season
Devan Flanders, ankle, R14
Tjay Clarke, shoulder, R9
Daniel Sinkinson, hamstring, R8
Ruben Love, ankle, R7
Lucas Cashmore, knee, R7
Riley Higgins, hand, R7
Tyrel Lomax, ankle, R5
Callum Harkin, head, R4
Billy Proctor, Achilles, TBC
Asafo Aumua, calf, TBC
Zach Gallagher, Achilles, TBC