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Hurricanes stick with Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan combo
For just the second time this season, the Hurricanes have retained the same midfield combination for two weeks in a row, naming Peter Umaga-Jensen and Bailyn Sullivan in the No 12 and No 13 jerseys for this weekend’s clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.
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The Umaga-Jensen/Sullivan partnership is one of seven pairings the Hurricanes have employed in the centres this year but after a strong performance in Melbourne against the Reds, coach Jason Holland has stuck with the duo ahead of this weekend’s match.
In fact, there are just four changes to the run-on side following last Saturday’s victory – the equal-fewest made by Holland this year.
In the forward pack, James O’Reilly takes over from Kianu Kereru-Symes at hooker while lock Isaia Walker-Leawere drops to the bench following two strong performances after a return from injury. Sangster will take Walker-Leawere’s spot in the No 5 jersey while props Pouri Rakete-Stones and Tyrel Lomax, and second-rower James Blackwell all hold onto their spots from the victory in Melbourne.
An injury suffered by Reed Prinsep ahead of last weekend’s match saw TK Howden promoted onto the blindside flank shortly before kick-off and with Prinsep now back in New Zealand, Howden retains the no 6 jersey and will again team up with Blake Gibson and Ardie Savea.
There are two further changes in the backline with Jackson Garden-Bachop taking over starting responsibilities at first five-eighth from youngster Aidan Morgan and Salesi Rayasi getting the nod on the left wing following a minor injury to Wes Goosen.
That leaves TJ Perenara at halfback, Umga-Jensen and Sullivan in the midfield, and Julian Savea and Jordie Barrett rounding out the back three.
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In the reserves, Kereru-Symes, Xavier Numia and Mafielo will cover the front row, Walker-Leawere will back up Blackwell and Sangster, and Caleb Delany will cover the loose forwards. Jamie Booth, Morgan and Billy Proctor round out the 23.
“There’s still many more weeks to go in the competition and we have to manage guys with their minutes and keep guys fresh moving hopefully into the playoff picture,” said assistant coach Tyler Bleyendaal.
“I think settling [on a top line-up] now is not a priority for us and we just pick a combination we think is going to win the game in the weekend.
“The Brumbies look pretty well-drilled. They’ve got excellent structures in their attack and defence and they’re a big physical team. We’re going to have to be better early on in the game, I think; we’re going to have to match them physically and we’re expecting a pretty tough challenge. We know they’re a very good side and they’ve proved that already this season.”
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While the Hurricanes ultimately scored a comfortable 30-17 win over the Reds, they had to come back from 17 points down relatively early in the piece. The Brumbies, meanwhile, were in control from start to finish in their victory over the Highlanders.
Sunday’s match is due to kick off at 4pm AEST (6pm NZT).
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Julian Savea, Bailyn Sullivan, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Salesi Rayasi, Jackson Garden-Bachop, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Blake Gibson, TK Howden, Justin Sangster, James Blackwell, Tyrel Lomax, James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones. Reserves: Kianu Kereru-Symes, Xavier Numia, Tevita Mafileo, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Jamie Booth, Aidan Morgan, Billy Proctor.
Comments on RugbyPass
You doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
43 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
5 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
5 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
5 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
5 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
5 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
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