Hurricanes edge closer to full-stength squad for Reds showdown

The Super Rugby Pacific-leading Hurricanes are only getting stronger in terms of talent, with powerhouse prop Tyrel Lomax set for his first start of the year after overcoming an ankle injury.

The All Black’s return brings yet more class to an in-form Hurricanes outfit ahead of a visit from the Reds, who own the best record of any Australian team so far in the 2026 season.

There are only mild alterations to the matchday 23 beyond the front row, with Du’Plessis Kirifi coming back into the starting unit for Brayden Iose, who returns to the bench as Peter Lakai moves to No.8.

Callum Harkin’s concussion will see him sit the week out, as Josh Moorby drops to fullback and Bailyn Sullivan adopts the right wing once more.

“We can’t wait to play at home,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“It feels like a long time. We obviously had a home game up in Napier, but our first game against Moana was the last time we played in Wellington, so the men are extremely happy to be here for the week.

“We’re really looking forward to playing a top-quality side in the Reds, who have won four games on the bounce. To win in Fiji, as they did last week, and to beat the Brumbies in Canberra is no mean feat, as we know.

“They’re off to a really good start to their season, so we’re expecting our hardest game of the block. We had a tight game last year over in Brisbane, and we don’t expect it to be any different this week.

“It’s a great opportunity to play in Wellington in a Kids Go Free match, and hopefully we can get a big crowd there and really play well in an afternoon fixture, which our men really enjoy.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

38

21

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Hurricanes team to play the Reds

1. Xavier Numia (81)
2. Asafo Aumua (80)
3. Tyrel Lomax (71)
4. Caleb Delany (43)
5. Warner Dearns (5)
6. Devan Flanders (61)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (96) – co-captain
8. Peter Lakai (41)
9. Cam Roigard (52)
10. Ruben Love (45)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (17)
12. Jordie Barrett (116) – co-captain
13. Billy Proctor (72)
14. Bailyn Sullivan (45)
15. Josh Moorby (43)

Reserves

16. Vernon Bason (1)
17. Siale Lauaki (8)
18. Pasilio Tosi (42)
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere (82)
20. Brayden Iose (56)
21. Ereatara Enari (16)
22. Lucas Cashmore (2)
23. Jone Rova (4)

Injury list

Taine Roiri (hamstring): 3 weeks
Jai Tamati (ankle): 4-6 weeks
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Callum Harkin (concussion): 1 week
Ngane Punivai (hamstring): 3-4 weeks
Kini Naholo (foot): 3-4 weeks