Warner Dearns joins four All Blacks in Hurricanes squad for Moana clash

After missing round one of Super Rugby Pacific for 2026, the Hurricanes have named a strong squad to host Moana Pasifika on Friday night in Wellington.

Clark Laidlaw’s side were on the bye to start the 2026 season, while their opponents, Moana Pasifika, secured a memorable victory over the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.

Laidlaw has named Japanese import lock Warner Dearns in the starting lineup, who will make his Hurricanes and Super Rugby Pacific debut on Friday evening.

The Hurricanes’ bench also features two debutants, with loose forward Arese Poliko and wider training group versatile forward Matolu Petaia named on the bench for the side’s first game of the season.

All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua starts at hooker, joined by Xavier Numia and Siale Lauaki in the front row.

Laidlaw has named a powerful loose-forward trio, with All Blacks star Peter Lakai starting at openside flanker, while Devan Flanders and Braydon Iose make up the other back row positions.

29-year-old Hurricanes first five Brett Cameron gets the nod at No.10, as All Blacks utility back Ruben Love has an ankle injury that will keep him out for 4-6 weeks.

Barrett is joined by Bailyn Sullivan in the midfield, and Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, and Callum Harkin make up the starting 15 in the back three.

Laidlaw, who will begin his third full season as head coach of the Hurricanes, admits it’s good to finally be playing a game after having to miss out on week one of Super Rugby Pacific.

“It’s an exciting week to name our first team for our first home game of the year,” Laidlaw said.

“After having to sit and watch the competition last week, it’s exciting to finally get a chance play live in front of our home supporters.

“It was a huge crowd against Moana last year, so hopefully we can create that again and put in a performance that gets our fans excited and gets them coming back for the rest of the season.”

On the three debutants, Laidlaw is thrilled to see them all get their opportunity in round two.

“The debutants are all a bit different. Warner has just arrived and is an exciting addition to the squad. He’s fitted in really well and we’re excited to get him into the competition and start growing his game,” Laidlaw said in the Hurricanes release.

“Matolu’s come in from the wider training group probably earlier than he expected, but with a few niggles up front, he gets his chance.

“We’ve been really impressed by his work ethic and his physicality through the pre-season, so he gets an opportunity off the bench.

“Arese was here all of last year. He’s had to show some real patience, but I think the whole team can’t wait to watch him play.

“He’s a really good guy on and off the field, he’s had a strong two NPCs behind him with Taranaki, and we expect him to come on and make an impact.

“All three of them have had slightly different routes to get on the field, but we’re all really looking forward to watching them make their debuts.”

HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY MOANA PASIFIKA (Hurricanes caps in brackets)

1. Xavier Numia (76)
2. Asafo Aumua (75)
3. Siale Lauaki (4)
4. Hugo Plummer (8)
5. Warner Dearns (debut)
6. Devan Flanders (56)
7. Peter Lakai (37)
8. Brayden Iose (51)
9. Ereatara Enari (12)
10. Brett Cameron (24)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (12)
12. Jordie Barrett (111 – captain)
13. Bailyn Sullivan (40)
14. Josh Moorby (38)
15. Callum Harkin (10)

16. Jacob Devery
17. Pouri Rakete-Stones
18. Tevita Mafileo
19. Matolu Petaia
20. Brad Shields
21. Arese Poliko
22. Cam Roigard
23. Billy Proctor

UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY

Isaia Walker-Leawere (calf): 1 week
Caleb Delany (calf): 2 weeks
Du’Plessis Kirifi (calf): 2 weeks
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Ruben Love (ankle): 4-6 weeks
Josh Timu (foot): 7-9 weeks
Kini Naholo (knee): 2-4 weeks