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Hurricanes' injury concerns alleviated for Rebels quarter-final

TJ Perenara of the Hurricanes looks on during the round four Super Rugby Pacific match between Crusaders and Hurricanes at Apollo Projects Stadium, on March 15, 2024, in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

The injury concerns over Hurricanes stars TJ Perenara and Ruben Love have been put to rest as the Wellington club have named both players in the starting XV for their quarter-final against the Rebels.

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The pair have been named in a lethal backline which includes Salesi Rayasi on the left wing in the place of Kini Naholo. The former New Zealand sevens star has demanded the starting role through his strong recent form after starting the year on the bench.

Elsewhere, selection calls have been made to keep Devan Flanders as the starting blindside flanker, meaning Brad Shields will again make his impact on the game off the bench.

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Tyrel Lomax remains unavailable, leaving Pasilio Tosi to start alongside the powerful Xavier Numia and Asafo Aumua in the front row. Aumua showed no signs of rust upon his return from injury last week, something his head coach commended ahead of the quarter-final.

“Asafo was extremely diligent in his rehab and that allowed him to get back out on the park for 40 minutes which was pleasing for him and us,” Clark Laidlaw said.

“We’re under no illusion, the Melbourne Rebels have an exciting backline, and their x-factor is a real threat, with numerous ball carriers across the field, it’ll be an amazing match.”

Having secured the top seed in a dramatic final weekend of results, the team are ready to show out in front of their home fans.

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“The crowd was immense and has been building all season. How good is afternoon rugby – we’re keen to see a big crowd on Saturday to bring that extra energy.”

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Hurricanes team to face the Rebels

  1. Xavier Numia
  2. Asafo Aumua
  3. Pasilio Tosi

  1. Justin Sangster

  1. Isaia Walker-Leawere

  1. Devan Flanders

  1. Peter Lakai

  1. Brayden Iose

  1. TJ Perenara

  1. Brett Cameron

  1. Salesi Rayasi

  1. Jordie Barrett (C)

  1. Billy Proctor

  1. Josh Moorby

  1. Ruben Love

Reserves

  1. James O’Reilly

  1. Pouri Rakete-Stones

  1. Tevita Mafileo

  1. Brad Shields

  1. Du’Plessis Kirifi

  1. Richard Judd

  1. Bailyn Sullivan

  1. Kini Naholo

Unavailable: Cam Roigard, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Ben Grant

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N
Nickers 4 hours ago
The All Blacks strongest midfield partnership for the next World Cup is already clear

Under Schmidt Jordie was a constant attacking threat. I don’t think he has been asked to play that role over the past couple of years. He generally receives the ball while we are on the back foot and there are very few options available, and where running in particular is the worst option.

Not so much splitting the field but having lots of options and lots for the defence to think about. If the 9 can go to the 10 who is up flat, who in turn has a pod with another back in it say Jordan in the boot, and another player like Jordie/BB/Dmac out the back coming into the line with players inside and outside them (could be Jordan) it’ a very dynamic situation with 3 options, 2 of which could be kick/long pass as well as run. Having that final player out the back as a strong kicker and distributor/decision maker gives you so many opportunities. As good as Jordan is, he is not a playmaker the way those other guys are. His strength is running and timing, so when he has the ball that is the main thing the defence has to worry about, and the main way he will hurt you. Only one 10 on the field let’s the defence know the 9 only really has one option, 2 at best. Leaving players like Jordan to roam to where he thinks there is space and having two or three players that can find him, rather than him being involved in the spine makes the backline far more potent.



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