Hurricanes receive huge All Blacks boost for Highlanders derby

Hurricanes fans rejoice; All Blacks reinforcements have arrived in the form of front rowers Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax.

Not only that, but ‘Canes fans will get their first glimpse of new second-row recruit Zach Gallagher in new colours, with the 23-year-old a highly touted prospect out of the Crusaders system.

Gallagher will start in his team debut, joining Caleb Delany in the second row. The inclusion moves Isaia Walker-Leawere to the bench, where he joins the returning All Blacks duo. Xavier Numia, Jacob Devery and Tevita Mafileo have been named to start in the front row.

Mafileo will celebrate becoming the 64th Hurricane to make 50 appearances for the club. The prop and his team will be wearing special Marvel uniforms to celebrate Kids Round; the Hurricanes have gone with Captain America as their chosen hero. The Highlanders will wear a Hulk-inspired uniform.

“We’re looking forward to Kids Round in Dunedin,” Hurricanes head coach Clarke Laidlaw said. “We know the Highlanders will be eager to get things back on track after their bye week and we’ve had a good week reviewing what we need to improve and what we need to bring to the table.

“We have Asafo and Tyrel returning from injury, which is timely. Tevita is set to join the 50 Club, which is a huge achievement for him, and Zach Gallagher comes into the team to debut. There is lots to look forward to this Friday evening and another opportunity to play a tough NZ derby.”

In the loose forwards, Du’Plessis Kirifi returns to the starting unit in his familiar No. 7 jersey, pushing Brayden Iose back to the bench as Peter Lakai returns to No. 8. Brad Shields completes the starting trio.

Cam Roigard and Harry Godfrey continue their exciting partnership in the halves, backed up by Jordi Viljoen and Riley Hohepa.

The robust midfield pairing of Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan is retained in the 12 and 13 jerseys, respectively. While outside them, Power and pace in the form of Kini Naholo and Ngatungane Punivai occupy the wings, with Ruben Love making his second start of the season at fullback. Fatafehi Fineanganofo rounds out the impact unit.

Hurricanes team to play the Highlanders

1. Xavier Numia
2. Jacob Devery
3. Tevita Mafileo
4. Caleb Delany
5. Zach Gallagher (Debut)
6. Brad Shields (Co Captain)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (Co Captain)
8. Peter Lakai
9. Cam Roigard
10. Harry Godfrey
11. Kini Naholo
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Bailyn Sullivan
14. Ngatungane Punivai
15. Ruben Love

Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere
20. Brayden Iose
21. Jordi Viljoen
22. Riley Hohepa
23. Fatafehi Fineanganofo

Injury status

Brett Cameron, knee, OFS
Devan Flanders, ankle, R14
Tjay Clarke, shoulder, R9
Daniel Sinkinson, hamstring, R8
Riley Higgins, hand, R7
Siale Lauaki, ribs, TBC
Billy Proctor, Achilles, TBC