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Hurricanes make key changes for Drua as new No.10 revealed
By Henry Lee
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw has made a number of changes to his matchday squad for their round three fixture against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka, after their convincing victory against Moana Pasifika last weekend.
Laidlaw has been forced to make a change in the all-important No.10 jersey, shifting impressive fullback Callum Harkin to first-five in place of Brett Cameron.
Cameron sustained a nasty knee injury in the first half against Moana Pasifika and is still awaiting results from the specialist, but Laidlaw had previously labelled it earlier this week as a “serious” injury.
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All Black halfback Cameron Roigard is promoted from the bench to the starting lineup, while Tevita Mafileo also makes his way into the front row.
Pouri Rakete-Stones also starts, but the front row is where the only forward pack changes are, as Japan international Warner Dearns looks to continue his solid form after an impressive performance in round two.
Harkin’s switch to first-five has meant hat-trick hero from last week, Josh Moorby, takes his place at fullback, with Bailyn Sullivan moving to the right wing.
Sullivan’s spot in the midfield is taken by All Blacks centre Billy Proctor, who is elevated from the bench to partner Hurricanes captain Jordie Barrett.
A number of players will get their first opportunity in Hurricanes colours off the bench for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, including Lucas Cashmore, Isaia Walker-Leawere and utility back Ngane Punivai.
Laidlaw explained that although the Fijian Drua have had a slow start to their campaign, they will be fired up to get their season back on track.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge. We know what we’re walking into with their home record, certainly in Lautoka and it being a day game,” Laidlaw said.
“That’s really sharpened our attention and preparation. We’ve been preparing throughout the pre-season for the conditions, so we’re ready to play in front of their passionate home fans.
“We also know they’ve had a slow start to the year, and they’re going to be really keen to get back on track with a home game against us, so we’re certainly under no illusions about what we’re heading into.”
HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY FIJIAN DRUA (Hurricanes caps in brackets)
- Pouri Rakete-Stones (53)
- Asafo Aumua (76 – vice-captain)
- Tevita Mafileo (58)
- Hugo Plummer (9)
- Warner Dearns (1)
- Devan Flanders (57)
- Peter Lakai (38)
- Brayden Iose (52)
- Cam Roigard (48)
- Callum Harkin (11)
- Fehi Fineanganofo (13)
- Jordie Barrett (112 – captain)
- Billy Proctor (69)
- Bailyn Sullivan (41)
- Josh Moorby (39)
Reserves
- Jacob Devery (18)
- Xavier Numia (77)
- Siale Lauaki (5)
- Isaia Walker-Leawere (79)
- Brad Shields (129)
- Ereatara Enari (13)
- Lucas Cashmore (debut)
- Ngane Punivai (15)
UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY
Caleb Delany (calf): 1 week
Du’Plessis Kirifi (calf): 1 week
Jai Tamati (ankle): 8-10 weeks
Brett Cameron (knee): TBC – awaiting specialist review
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Ruben Love (ankle): 3-5 weeks
Josh Timu (foot): 6-8 weeks
Kini Naholo (knee): 1-3 weeks
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